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Reflections on Easter

Reflections on Easter

Most of Christian history has observed the anniversary of the resurrection of Jesus with joy and celebration. However, it can be beneficial to consider specific elements associated with this event.

Sin debt. The sins of all people through all time was paid for by Jesus (1 Jn 2:2). Movies like “The Passion of Christ” attempt to show the suffering of Jesus, but ultimately fall short because there is no way to show what having all sin placed on him was like (2 Cor 5:21).

Buying back the earth. One might think of Satan as having obtained some degree of rule over the earth when he got Adam and Eve to sin (Eph 2:2). However, by making payment for the sins of everyone, Jesus was able to “buy” back (or redeem) this authority (Col 2:14-15, Heb 2:14).

Obtaining the right to judge. By making payment for all sin, Jesus obtained the legal right to exact punishment or extend forgiveness (Ro 12:19, Rev 5:9).

Becoming the source of eternal life. By extending the forgiveness of sins to all who trust in him, Jesus is able to give us new and eternal life (Ro 6:23, Col 3:4)

Illustrating our future state. We can get a glimpse of what our resurrected condition will be like from reading about Jesus after his resurrection (1Jn 3:2, 1Co 15:54).

Providing us with the Holy Spirit. One of the things Jesus did after his resurrection was send his Spirit to those who believe both as proof of our salvation and as the means by which we ourselves can have victory over sin (Jn 16:7, Eph 1:13-14, Gal 5:16).

Offer of the Kingdom. The birth of Jesus brought the promised Messiah to the nation of Israel. At the last supper Jesus used a cup of wine to illustrate that he was fulfilling the promise of Jeremiah (Jer 31:31) for a new covenant with Israel. His disciples saw after the resurrection that this kingdom could come (Acts 1:6). However, the failure of the nation to receive her King meant a postponement of the kingdom until a remnant of Israel is willing (Matt 24:27).

The offer of salvation to gentiles. It had been intended that the nation of Israel would be used by God to bring the knowledge of him to the whole world. This was to be accomplished after the resurrection (Jn 12:23-24). As gentiles began to get saved, one result that was hoped for was that the nation of Israel would be nudged from complacency (Ro 11:11).

It is natural in affluent and prosperous times that we struggle to give our Lord the worship and attention that he is due. However, we can take advantage of the occasion that we set aside for this remembrance to give thought to some of what he did for us and use that to draw forth gratitude and thanksgiving in our hearts. Like the resolution some make with a new year to lose weight, we might also take advantage of this remembrance to resolve to spend more time in prayer and bible reading so that we can draw closer to him who loves us, died for us, forgave our sins, and keeps us in his care to bring us to eternal life.

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