Are You Risen From the Dead?

[PATrobas]

Reminders – Are you risen from the dead?

            What would an Easter/Resurrection Sunday message be without an emphasis on the resurrection? Jesus’ death on the cross as the Savior came at a great cost, paying for the sins of the world. But His resurrection as Lord showcased God’s great power and brings forgiveness and life to all who come to Him believing the Gospel. That salvation, or being ‘Born Again,’ (literally being ‘born from above’) ^{John 3:1-21} is also a work of God and showcases His power to do what no man can do. When asked, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said, This is the work of God; That you believe on him whom He has sent.” ^{John 6:28-29}

            There is an irreversible law of God, “…the wages of sin is death.” ^{Romans 6:23a} God is a just, as well as a loving God, and justice was served when “He made Him, [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of  God in him.” ^{2 Corinthians 5:21} When the payment for the sin and sins of the world was complete, God raised Jesus from the dead, not as a reward for living a perfect life, but so that Jesus’ righteous life could be given to all who believe the Gospel. Yes, “the wages of sin is death,” but, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” ^{Romans 6:23b} Jesus paid the wages so that we could have the gift.

Final Thoughts: The dead Lazarus came forth alive, obeying the word of the Lord. All who are saved were also once dead but are now risen alive at the obeying the Gospel. “If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.”  ^{Colossians 3:1-4} Because He lives, we live also. ^{2 Timothy 2:11}        _ph