EASTER

 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Our sins are forgiven

The Bible makes it clear that we have all sinned (Romans 3:23). And sin put a rift in our relationship with our Creator, separating us from His love. But because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have received forgiveness, and our relationship with God has been restored.

Death is not the end

Jesus conquered the grave and promises that we can follow in His footsteps (Philippians 3:21). Because of the resurrection of Christ, death no longer has power over us. We have gained eternal life. Paul shouts with an air of defiance, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55). Of course, there is no reply.

How we live is important

Because we know we will live forever in God's presence, our priorities and devotion are focused on Him, not on the concerns of this present world. This focus does not take us out of this world, but keeps our attention where it belongs (Colossians 3:2). In fact, living with our hearts focused on eternity enables us to be more effective in God's business — living out His truth and building His kingdom — right here and now.

The resurrection of Jesus means that ...

our sins are forgiven.

He conquered the power of death.

our lives now have an eternal perspective.