Easter Sunday - He is not here

Mathew 28:6 - He is not here, He has risen.

What a glorious announcement. The hope of Christianity,  in fact the hope of the world, hinges on those words proclaimed by the angel. The tomb is empty. Jesus is risen. The reason why Christianity is still alive , even today. If the resurrection did not take place, our faith is in vain."If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14). Our salvation depends not just on Jesus’ death, but also his resurrection (1 Peter 3:21).

 Those words echo four fundamental exclusive truths that are still relevant today in a pluralistic world.
First it is a living Faith.   He is risen. Every one born in this world lived and died. Death is 100%. Even those who were raised from the dead, like Lazarus,  died again. Jesus is the only person who spoke of His death and foretold of His resurrection. The empty tome is proof that He is a live forevermore. Mary saw Him at the tomb. He was seen by the disciples. Later by more than 500. He lives...this fact is an exclusive claim of Christianity. 

Second, its an eternal life giving Faith.   John 14:9 - "Because I live, ye shall live also."   The death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, past, present and the future. The ransom was paid in full. You and I don't have to do anything any more to earn our salvation. Jesus paid it all. His resurrection now gives us the assurance that we will live with Him forever more. John 3:16  - ...shall not perish but have eternal life. The resurrection also means life for us. As Paul says, we will "be saved through his life" (Romans 5:10). If you "believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). 

Third, its an enabling faith.   Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Jesus through the Holy Spirit, gives us the power and grace to live a victorious, overcoming life. 2 Tim 1:7 - "One of love, power and sound mind" . Hebrews 4:14-16 -  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Fourth, its a proclaiming Faith.   Because He is risen, "Go quickly and tell".... Its called the Great Commission. Its the obligation on every one who believes in the resurrection. Because Jesus himself said in John 14:6- “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This is an exclusive claim. The world needs to know, Acts 4:12 - "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." 

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Robert Lowry (1874)

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