Resurrection Day! The exciting spirit was almost palpable on Easter Sunday. The choir and orchestra teamed up to provide incredible special music, and the men’s quartet never sounded better. Visitors and church members filled the room for both services. (I wasn’t entirely sure that we would squeeze them in for the second service. It wasn’t comfotable, but we got the job done.)

In the morning I preached a simple message answering the question, “What does the Resurrection offer?” In answer to that question we discovered that the Resurrection offers (1) proof of salvation. The Resurrection validated the claims of Jesus and provided ultimate credibility to His person. Because the Resurrection offers such proof, we can believe His message; moreover, we can belong to the Master (i.e. we can take Him at His simple word and be saved!).

Not only does the Resurrection offer proof of salvation, but also it offers (2) power over sin. Paul lamented that a man, minus the power of God, has no hope of living in spiritual victory. Indeed, power over sin is assuredly an exercise in futility. But the Resurrection power of Jesus Christ–the new life He provided to believers–enables us to live in victory over the enslaving power of sinful flesh as we reckon ourselves to be alive unto God through Jesus Christ. For the believer, power over sin is a bona fide possibility that is effectual by faith.  

The Resurrection offers (3) purpose for serving. Think about it, because of our resurrection life in Christ we are connected with the Lord. By His Spirit He indwells us. We are partakers of His divine nature! In the words of Alfred Ackley, “I serve a Risen Savior. He’s in the world today. I know that He is living whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy. I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him, He’s always near!” The Resurrection means that Christ is with me and will never leave me. It means that I have a context for my life. It’s not about 50 or 60 or 70 years–it’s about eternity and living my life with that eternity in view.    

Finally, the Resurrection offers a (4) promise of security. Based upon the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, we who trust in Him will rise too! God assures us of this by His teaching on firstfruits.  The earliest ripened fruit, vegetable, or grain serves as a harbinger of the main harvest to follow. Christ arose and provided the sure hope that– in Him–we can all have confident hope of a glorified body. (Sounds good to me! My body tends to ache a bit more with every passing year!) I don’t know much about what tomorrow holds, but I am profoundly grateful–whatever speed bumps lie in the way– that the truth about my future includes a perfection in Christ forever!

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