Three things the resurrection changes
For many, this Easter was like every other. The Easter Bunny left his eggs, families gathered around Sunday brunch, and many attended church, perhaps for one of the few times all year. Despite the all-too-familiar traditions, Easter is about change. Easter celebrates Jesus' resurrection from the grave, an event that changed the course of history and continues to change our lives today.
Three Things the Resurrection Changes
1. Our past
Jesus lived a perfect life, was killed on a cross, and rose from the dead (Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). His resurrection from the grave defeated sin and death. It proved death no longer has authority over Him (Romans 6:9).
All of us who have been baptized in Jesus' name were baptized into His death, and our sin has no authority over us either (Romans 6:3-7). Our sins — past, present, and future — are forgiven by Jesus’ sacrifice (Ephesians 1:7). Whatever sin we lived in before we met Jesus is paid for (Romans 5:8). You are set free from sin and able to live a new life by God's grace (Romans 6:4-7).
2. Our present
Our new lives are different from the lives we used to live and the ideas culture presses on us (Philippians 3:19-20). We do not live for the here and now, but for what is to come. We count everything as loss compared to the surpassing wealth of knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:8). He is all that matters. We do not store up our treasure on earth, which will pass away, but we store up treasure in heaven, which will last forever (Matthew 6:19-20). We give everything away, and we gain Jesus who is everything we need (Philippians 4:12-13). We believe there is a life to come and that is the key to living an abundant life now.
3. Our future
Only Jesus lived a life that was worthy of this eternal life in heaven. The crazy thing is Christians get to share in Jesus' victory and share in His inheritance (1 Corinthians 15:57 and 1 Peter 1:3-5). Those who follow Jesus will be raised from the dead, resurrected like He was (2 Corinthians 4:14). Jesus' gift to us is eternal life. Because of Him, we will live forever! (Romans 6:23)
Jesus’ resurrection has big implications for our past, present, and eternity. In a world that lives for the moment, the resurrection reminds us to live with forever in mind.