Easter is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! It is traditionally a time of hope and new beginnings.
There are a number of Scriptures which point to the hope of the resurrection that are helpful when life is wearing you down, you face despair or debilitating circumstances seem to loom over your life. If you find yourself in this position, look to the hope found in Christ!
Some of the greatest Scripture that speak of the resurrection of Jesus Christ are found in the gospel accounts. When the women and disciples went to the tomb and found it was empty. At first some were afraid, it took a while for the reality that Jesus had risen from the dead to take hold.
An angel met Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the tomb and announced the words that still echo throughout the ages…
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.”
The great truth that we take away from this verse is that Christ is not dead. He defeated death and the grave. He came out victorious on the other side of the grade and because of that victory we can place our hope in Him.
Because of his resurrection power we can have hope that Christ has the power to intervene in our everyday lives.
The resurrection is also a centerpiece of hope for the gospel. As Paul said in I Corinthians 15:14…
“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching in vain, and your faith is also in vain.”
Were it not for the resurrection, the gospel message would be without power. Because the resurrection demonstrated God’s great power we can know that his power is real and available for believers.
Because of the resurrection, I have an eternal hope. When I die, or loved ones pass away, I don’t have to live in futility because of the resurrection of Christ. Scripture assures me that those who have believed on Christ as the son of God will experience a resurrection just as Christ arose from the grave.
First we are assured in Acts 2:31 that regarding Christ…
“That his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”
Because Christ did not stay in hell we have hope for the afterlife that it will be spent with God through Christ Jesus. We know that …
“There shall be a resurrection of the dead…” (Acts 24:15)
In which believers will be united with the Godhead and beloved believers who have passed on before.
The resurrection, therefore, gives me reason to hope. Hope for power to make it through today, and hope for a power that will be witnessed by all upon the resurrection of the dead.
Jesus himself said, in John 14:19,
“because I live, ye shall live also.”
That’s good news.
Source: All references KJV Holy Bible
