The words “He is risen” are more than just a declaration; they are the foundation of the Christian faith. These three words carry the weight of eternity, the promise of redemption, and the hope of new life. Easter is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, an event that changed the course of history and continues to transform lives today. As we reflect on the significance of this miraculous event, let us turn to the Scriptures to understand its profound meaning and how it impacts our lives.
One of the most powerful passages that captures the essence of Easter is found in Matthew 28:5-6:
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.'”
These words, spoken by an angel at the empty tomb, are a reminder that Jesus’ resurrection was not a hidden event but a public declaration of His victory over death. The empty tomb is a testament to the truth of His words and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Easter is a celebration of this victory, a time to rejoice in the risen Savior and the life He offers to all who believe in Him.
The Resurrection: The Heart of the Gospel
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it, the gospel loses its power and meaning. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” The resurrection validates everything Jesus claimed about Himself—that He is the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world.
The resurrection is also a fulfillment of prophecy. Throughout the Old Testament, God promised a Savior who would conquer sin and death. In Psalm 16:10, David prophesied, “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, who rose from the dead on the third day, just as He had foretold.
The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is a living reality. Jesus is alive today, seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us and reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords. This truth gives us hope and assurance that we serve a living Savior who is actively involved in our lives.
The Power of the Resurrection
The resurrection is not only a demonstration of Jesus’ power over death but also a source of power for believers. In Romans 8:11, Paul writes, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, enabling us to live victorious lives.
This power transforms us from the inside out. It breaks the chains of sin, heals our brokenness, and gives us the strength to overcome every obstacle. The resurrection reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus, who conquered death, is with us, empowering us to face every challenge with faith and courage.
The Hope of the Resurrection
In a world filled with pain, suffering, and uncertainty, the resurrection offers a message of hope. It reminds us that no matter how dark the circumstances may seem, God is always at work, bringing light and life out of despair. 1 Peter 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
This hope is not just for the future but for the present. It sustains us in times of trial and gives us the courage to face each day with confidence. The resurrection assures us that our struggles are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we can have hope for tomorrow and the assurance of eternal life.
The Call to Share the Good News
The resurrection is not just a truth to be celebrated; it is a message to be shared. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and gave them a mission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). This Great Commission is our calling as believers. We are to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with others, demonstrating His love through our words and actions.
The resurrection is a message of hope for a broken world. It reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and that everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the gospel. As we share this message, we become instruments of God’s grace, bringing light to those in darkness and hope to those in despair.
Living in the Power of the Resurrection
The resurrection is not just a historical event to be remembered; it is a reality to be lived out every day. As believers, we are called to live in the power of the resurrection, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Living in the power of the resurrection means prioritizing eternal values over temporary pleasures. It means seeking God’s kingdom above all else and allowing His love to guide our decisions. It means walking in faith, knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us.
The Promise of Eternal Life
The resurrection is not just a victory over death; it is a promise of eternal life. Jesus said in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” These words are a promise to all who put their faith in Jesus. Because He rose from the dead, we too will one day be raised to eternal life.
This promise gives us hope in the face of death. It reminds us that death is not the end but the beginning of a new and glorious chapter in God’s presence. The resurrection assures us that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us and that we will spend eternity in the presence of our Savior.
Conclusion
The words “He is risen” are a declaration of victory, a message of hope, and a call to action. They remind us of the incredible love of God, who sent His Son to die for our sins and rise again so that we might have eternal life. As we celebrate Easter, let us not only reflect on the resurrection but also live out its message in our daily lives.
May the words of Matthew 28:5-6 resonate deeply within us: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” The empty tomb is a testament to the truth of Jesus’ words and the power of His resurrection. Because He is risen, we can face tomorrow with hope, confidence, and joy.
This Easter, let us celebrate the risen Savior and live in the power of His resurrection. He is alive, and because He lives, we too can experience the fullness of life that He offers. He is risen indeed!
Article by Darshan Lal / Dinesh Massey
