April 14, It's still Easter!
THREE WAYS EASTER IMPACTS OUR LIVES TODAY
Theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg writes, “The evidence for Jesus' resurrection is so strong that nobody would question it except for two things: first, it is a very unusual event; and second, if you believe it happened, you would have to change the way you live.” The resurrection did indeed change everything. But, the tendency to move past the calendric recognition of Easter too quickly can result in the resurrection being treated only as a sacred observation instead of a lifechanging impact experienced every single day of our lives. How can one remain in the realty of the resurrection? How can the daily practice of our Christian faith remain influenced by the empty tomb? Referencing the familiar resurrection passage of the Pauline epistles, I Corinthians 15, consider three ways that Easter should impact our daily walk of faith.
First, the resurrection should influence how you approach God’s Word. “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and so is your faith” (I Corinthians 15:14). The emphasis of preaching used in tandem with a reference to faith reflects the impact of the Gospel proclamation, and the teachings that lead to our Christian growth and discipleship. So, because Christ has been raised, the truths of the Christian faith are not in vain, and always bring about a supernatural impact. Time in God’s Word is never in vain. The Scriptures are true and validated by the resurrection. Jesus is “the Word,” the complete fulfillment of God (John 1:1-14). He is the living Word. Therefore, as you open God’s Word realize that because of the resurrection you can experience the truth of God’s Word as indeed alive and active for the purpose of your spiritual growth. Hebrews 4:12 proclaims, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Allow the resurrection to influence your approach to God’s Word.
Second, the resurrection should influence how you see yourself as a witness of Jesus Christ. “Moreover (if Christ has not been raised), we are found to be false witnesses” (I Corinthians 15:15). But Christ has been raised, and Paul made the indelible point that because of the resurrection, the testimonies of the apostles are forever validated as true. And, so is your personal testimony of faith. You no longer need to feel timid nor intimidated over the fact that your life is a living witness of Jesus Christ. Because of the resurrection, your witness is validated as true. Live out and speak out your Christian faith with confidence. Paul also wrote, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless” (I Corinthians 15:17). But Christ Jesus has been raised, and the Christian faith is 100% reliable and true. Your faith in Christ does not simply represent one of the faith systems of the world. Faith in Christ represents the only way to the Father. So, live boldly as a witness of Jesus Christ. Live and speak as a witness. This is who you are.
Third, the resurrection should influence how your view the power of Christ’s salvation over sin and your status as redeemed. Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians, “if Christ has not been raised, you are still in your sin.” But Christ has indeed been raised, and sin is completely defeated, offering forgiveness and cleansing.
The Gospel announces that God has made away for sin to be defeated and for our lives to be made brand new. Paul summarized the personal impact of this Gospel in this way: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). When we placed our faith in Jesus, believing He died for our sins and rose from the grave, the Holy Spirit united us with Jesus. We are united with Him in His resurrection and we have been raised with Him (Colossians 3:1). We have been declared a new creation. This is the change Christ Jesus has brought to those who trust in Him. And, the resurrection proves this reality.
So today, although the calendar demonstrates that Easter has passed, the resurrection should continue to influence your daily walk of faith at this very moment. Be encouraged. Allow the resurrection of our Lord to impact your approach to God’s Word, your identity as a witness for Christ, and as one who has truly been redeemed. Oh, if it were not for the resurrection! Take courage today, and daily live out the truth of your faith in Jesus Christ, and may your life demonstrate the opening line of that beloved hymn of A. H. Ackley, “I serve a risen Savior.”
Blessings.
READ
Read I Corinthians 15:1-58 and allow the truth of the resurrection to encourage you to be immovable, steadfast, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.