Because He lives, we can face tomorrow

Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead, and that fact stands for all eternity. Studies by theologians and atheists alike show that the weight of evidence proving Christ’s resurrection is too great to be denied. Because Jesus rose from the dead, his death is unlike any other martyr. His resurrection serves as undeniable proof that the grave is not the final chapter. And accepting the resurrection power of God provides us with life that overcomes death even today.

The Gospel of John records a curious story. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples and told Thomas to touch the nail holes in His hands and the spear wound in His side. Thomas did as Jesus instructed. Realizing that Jesus truly had risen from the dead, he gasped, “My Lord and my God!”

Christ’s resurrection empowered Thomas for the rest of his life. In the same way, recognizing and accepting the meaning of Christ’s resurrection today leads us to a life full of power and meaning. Here are four ways that Christ’s resurrection will change your life.

1)  Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we can live a forgiven life.

Because Jesus went to the cross and overcame death, His forgiveness can turn our failures into acts of faith and faithfulness. We can put our trust in His death and resurrection and receive forgiveness from all our sin.

If a mistake or regret haunts you today, subject it to the blazing light of the empty tomb and live in freedom. Give every poor decision to the risen Christ. You're forgiven by the most powerful God; so don’t beat yourself up over what God has forgiven! Accept his forgiveness and get on with your life.

2)  Because Jesus has risen, we can live a meaningful life.

The apostle Paul drove this home in First Corinthians chapter 15. He said, “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain.” The resurrection gives meaning to our lives. It’s the greatest message ever delivered in world history, and it’s a truth you can bet your life on.

With boldness, we can tell others the difference that Jesus makes. It seals our soul for eternity, but also gives us purpose for living - today.

3)  Because Jesus’ resurrection displayed unimaginable power, we also can live powerful lives today.

The core message of the Book of Ephesians is that the very power that brought Jesus back to life is available to us. Paul wrote, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you the riches of His glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe that power.”

The power of the resurrection is available no matter what you're trying to overcome. If God can bring back His Son from death, He can fix whatever is messing up your life right now.

4)  Because Christ has risen, you can live a never-ending life.

Jesus Himself said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, yet shall he live.”

Jesus triumphed over death and he triumphed over evil. That means, we have rock-solid hope for the future. As Christians, we do have sorrow when there is death, but we don’t sorrow like people who have no hope. As a pastor, I have stood beside many caskets and I can attest to this truth. When someone passes from this life knowing the resurrected Christ, we have assurance they have passed from death to life, just as Jesus did. We don’t have to fear death and the grave. We know the story isn’t over.

Jesus is the tangible proof that the worst obstacles, even death itself, can be overcome. Because He lives, we truly can face tomorrow, and we can face it with confidence.

So whatever is overwhelming you right now, put Jesus in the middle of it. He has proven he can handle it.