“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:5-6)
Early on Sunday morning, some women go to Jesus’ tomb. They expect to find his dead body there, but an angel tells them that Jesus is not there, for He has risen! “God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24). Death has lost its power.
Jesus’ resurrection is of major importance. “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins… But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead… so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:17-22). Jesus’ resurrection proves that He has won the battle against sin and death. He has earned eternal life for all who believe in him. Death has no power over them anymore.
When Christians die, their soul goes to God and their body will be raised up later, when Jesus returns to create new heavens and a new earth. Christ’s resurrection is a hopeful beginning of this glorious future.
Do you look forward to its fullness?