Christ Arose!

Death is an appointment we must all meet (Hebrews 9:27). At our death, we will stand in front of the Lord's judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10) where we will be judged according to what we did in our physical bodies, both good and bad. This scene and reality is an apparently dismal to many people, but why?

• Because they have not obeyed the gospel of Christ. Paul said that Jesus will return to deal out retribution on every person who has not rendered obedience to Christ's gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). If one has never been sincerely been obedient to Christ's death, burial, and ressurection, then he is still a slave to sin and is in a broken relationship with God (cf. Romans 6:17; Isaiah 59:1-2).
• Because they are living unfaithfully. Maybe one has submitted to God in gospel obedience, but he is no longer living a life of full dedication to Him. Being a Christian is more than just, "believe, repent, confess, and be baptized." It is a full-time life commitment in service to Jesus Christ (cf. Galatians 2:20). But for those who have obeyed the truth and turned away from it, it is better if he had never obeyed (2 Peter 2:20-22).

Friends, the good news is that we do not have to live in such uncertainty and constant fear. Because of Christ's death and resurrection, we too can live beyond death (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Phi. 3:10). Because of the resurrected Savior, death is only the doorway to life to those who remain loyal and commited to Him (cf. Revelation 2:10).

The Lord Jesus Christ has tasted death as ransom for all people: Once and for all. He has conquered death and the tomb, and offers a resurrection hope to all who would respond to His call. In His resurrection:

• God's power is demonstrated - Acts 2:24
• Christ triumphs over sin - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
• Christians base their eternal hope - Romans 5:3-5

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior, vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Savior, He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
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,
Hallejuah,
Christ arose!