The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead stands as a gateway of hope to all mankind. In him is found the bridge from death to life.
What does his resurrection; that mighty demonstration of God’s incomparably great power, mean to us today? It means that God’s power has brought to our lives a better perspective, a better attitude, and a better certainty.
A Better Perspective
The resurrection of Jesus Christ challenges us to see life through a larger frame. If death is not the end of life and there is a beyond; then surely life on earth is a preparation. The longest years on earth are but a drop in the vast ocean of timelessness that awaits man beyond life’s final curtain. So let us see life in the perspective of eternity.
A Better Attitude
The resurrection of Jesus Christ challenges us to live life on a higher plane: To have hope instead of despair; to have joy in difficult times; to be courageous even in defeat; to find acceptance in God’s love when others reject; to persevere in faith, and to step out free from fears that hold us prisoners. So let us put on this new attitude and “soar on wings like eagles!”
A Better Certainty
The resurrection of Jesus Christ challenges us not to be uncertain any more.
He came to “free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death,” by tasting death for everyone. This he did on the cross where he shed his precious blood for the sins of all.
And having tasted death, he came back to life; for it was impossible for death to hold the Author of life, Jesus Christ, the sinless One, the Son of the living God.
Yes, the resurrection of Jesus Christ has destroyed death’s dominion forever. Therefore the gateway of hope stands open. “The earth will give birth to her dead”; “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake,” and those who had put their trust in him will enter into the joy of unending life!
In conclusion, let me tell you that:
Ultimately, the resurrection of Jesus challenges us to answer the question “Where am I headed to?” Is it to heaven? Or to hell? Like a fork in the road he stands, asking you to repent and choose life. The gate is small and the road, he said, is narrow. But it leads to eternal life.
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“To this day many a man refuses Christ, not because he puzzles intellect, but because he challenges his life.”
–William Barclay John’s Gospel Commentary, Vol. 1, P 227.
God Give You the Grace to Overflow with Hope
When Death Speaks, Listen to Its Meaning!