The resurrection of Jesus changed everything! Since the beginning of creation, death reigned. Yes, there had been a few previous resurrections, but those people only lived to die again. Everyone died! For thousands of years every human being ever born was destined to die, and stay dead.
But now, now death was defeated. Jesus rose from the dead, never to die again. Death was no longer the ultimate victor. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Death lost that battle because it had no authority to hold Jesus. Death only has authority because of sin. But Jesus was the sinless Son of God. He ‘knew no sin’. He “committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;” (1 Peter 2:22) “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.” (Acts 2:24)
Jesus resurrection proves that His sacrifice was sufficient to pay for sin for all that believe in Him.
In three weeks we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. As we approach that most significant remembrance, I hope we will take time to reflect on the victory won by our Lord Jesus. Death is no longer the ultimate victor. For those that trust in Jesus, God has promised “eternal life”.
Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24)
Pastor John
