The Significance of the Resurrection

I conked out for a while yesterday afternoon. Now I am wide awake in the middle of the night on Easter Sunday. It is obviously quiet. Even the cat has opted not to roam about as is her usual routine. Conditions are perfect for reflection.

All goofing around about the Easter bunny aside, I have not lost the significance of the day. We Christians celebrate the resurrection every day, but it is good to recognize Easter Sunday for the holy day it is. The resurrection was the most important event in history. This is for a number of theological reasons.

First, the Resurrection proved Jesus was the Messiah:

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ [Messiah]" (Acts 2:36).

Second, the resurrection proves his sacrifice on our behalf was accepted:

"Delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification" (Romans 4:25). "And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!" (I Corinthians 15:17).

Third, the Resurrection made being born again possible:

"We have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (I Peter 1:3)

Fourth, the Resurrection brought about continued intercession:

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

Finally, the Resurrection makes our resurrection possible:

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead" (I Corinthians 15:20-21).

I spend a lot of time here recalling experiences with unsavory Christians in the past and not nearly enough exalting the good I have experienced in it. Sometimes it is hard to keep sight of one’s blessings. Easter Sunday is a time to count yours.