The fact that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead stands for all eternity. Studies by theologians and atheists alike show that the weight of evidence proving Christ's resurrection is too great to be denied. Because Jesus rose from the dead, His death is unlike that of any other martyr. His resurrection proves the grave is not the final chapter. And accepting the resurrection power of God provides us with life that overcomes death even today.
A Forgiven Life
A Meaningful Life
A Powerful Life
A Never-Ending Life
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Jesus’ Resurrection Means Your Death Is Not Final
The Gospel of John records a curious story. After Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to His disciples and told Thomas to touch the nail holes in His hands and the spear wound in His side. Thomas did as Jesus instructed. Realizing that Jesus had, indeed, risen from the dead, Thomas gasped, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)
Christ's resurrection empowered Thomas for the rest of his life. According to church tradition, Thomas spent the rest of his life spreading the Gospel throughout India and possibly China. In the same way, recognizing and accepting the meaning of Christ's resurrection today leads us to a life full of power and purpose. Here are four ways that believing in Christ's resurrection can change your life.
1. Because of Jesus' resurrection, you can live a forgiven life.
Because Jesus went to the cross and overcame death, His forgiveness can turn your failures into acts of faith and faithfulness. You can place your trust in His death and resurrection and receive forgiveness for all your sins.
If a mistake or regret haunts you today, subject it to the blazing light of the empty tomb and live in freedom. Give every poor decision to the risen Christ. The most powerful God forgives you! Don't beat yourself up over what God has forgiven. Accept His forgiveness and move forward with your life.
2. Because Jesus has risen, you can live a meaningful life.
The apostle Paul drove this home in First Corinthians chapter 15. He said, "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). The resurrection gives meaning to your life. It's the most incredible message ever delivered in world history, and it's a truth you can bet your life on.
With boldness, you can tell others about the difference that Jesus makes. It seals your soul for eternity and gives your life purpose for today.
3. Because Jesus' resurrection displayed unimaginable power, you also can live a powerful life today.
The core message of the book of Ephesians is that the same power that brought Jesus back to life is available to you. Paul wrote, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18, NIV).
The power of the resurrection is available no matter what you're trying to overcome. If God can bring back His Son from death, He can fix whatever is messing up your life right now.
4. Because Christ has risen, you can live a never-ending life.
Jesus Himself said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25).
Jesus triumphed over death and the powers of evil. That means we have rock-solid hope for the future. As Christians, we do experience sorrow when someone dies, but we don't grieve like people who have no hope. As a pastor, I have stood beside many caskets, and I can attest to this truth. When someone passes from this life knowing the resurrected Christ, we have the assurance they have passed from death to life, just as Jesus did. We don't have to fear death and the grave. We know the story isn't over.
Jesus is the tangible proof that the worst obstacles, even death itself, can be overcome. Because He lives, we truly can face tomorrow, and we can face the day confidently.
Whatever is overwhelming you right now, place Jesus in the middle of it. He invites you to bring your burdens to Him (Matthew 11:28), and He has proven He can handle it.