Why Easter? Pt. 1

 

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:5-13 ESV).

 

We are about a month away from Easter Sunday which falls on April 20^th this year. As I finished the Book of Hebrews, my thoughts drifted to taking the next month and explore as much about Easter as we could. Some of the thoughts will be practical in nature, while others may seem a bit theological and academic. My desire is that each one of them bring you hope and encouragement in your journey. We live in chaotic times. It is only in Jesus and His work of grace that we may rise above chaos and experience the hope of eternal life.

 

First, in preparation for these devotionals let me give three reasons from the New Testament that the resurrection is essential to God’s purposes in creation and salvation, let me just say clearly that affirming the bodily resurrection of Jesus is essential to being a Christian. The Apostle Paul says in our reading today: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (v. 9).

 

I am well aware that Luke writes this: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). But when he said that, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved,” he did not mean, “Believe on a dead man.” When he said, “Believe in the Lord,” he meant, “He’s Lord — he’s Lord.” You can’t read Paul’s letters and think that Jesus was Lord, and now he’s in the grave. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:3, “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except in the Holy Spirit.” He is Lord. You can’t be a Christian if you only believe in a dead human being who was Lord. You can’t. He is Lord. And Jesus is Lord is the fundamental early-church confession.

So, here are three reasons why the resurrection — and, consequently, Easter — is so important.

 

First, it’s important because of the connection between Christ’s resurrection and his death. Second, it’s important because of the connection between Christ’s resurrection and our resurrection. And, third, it’s important because of the connection between Christ’s resurrection and his present and future ministry. Each of these will provide a platform for us in the coming days. Today, prepare your heart to be renewed with the resurrection of Jesus and the difference that makes in our daily life! Easter is essential for all we hope for!