No Matter Our Circumstances, We Still Have Great Reason to Rejoice
Resurrection Sunday may be different this year, but no matter our current situation, it is still a time to rejoice! Even an invisible enemy such as COVID-19 cannot take away what Jesus has done for His followers. Jesus paid a debt for us that no one else could ever pay so that we could know him and be in heaven with Him for eternity. God gave the perfect sacrifice, His only Son, and if we believe in Him, then we will be forgiven and saved from our sins.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16 (KJV).
To be saved, you must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for everyone’s sins, including your own, and receive Him as your personal Savior so that one day you can be with our heavenly Father. If you believe Jesus died on the cross to save you from your sins, you also need to admit you are a sinner – as we all are. Romans 3:23 (KJV) says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
As believers, we must repent of our sins. “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 4:17, KJV). There is a reason John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the world in the same manner in Matthew 3:2 (KJV) by saying, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
I was taught if the Scripture mentions something once, we better pay attention, but if it is written more than once, we better pay careful attention.
If you have never confessed your sin and belief in Christ, take time to do it right now. Jesus is the only way to be saved from your sins and receive eternal life. The Bible says that if you are willing to confess your sins to God, then He is willing to forgive you.
Jesus’ last words before dying on the cross were “It is finished” (John 19:30). To suggest that more needs to be done to earn your way to heaven is the same as saying Jesus died for nothing. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJV).
Nails were not what held Jesus to the cross. Jesus had the power to come down from that cross, but He knew this is what had to be done for His believers to be saved. He died on the cross for you and me because of His love for us. He loved us that much!
Then on the third day, he rose from the dead. This is the good news that Christians celebrate: His resurrection! He is alive! And one day our Savior will return. He sets us free from our sins! “Jesus saith unto him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me’” (John 14:6, KJV).
If you know of someone who is not saved, please pass this on to him or her. Share the greatest gift of all with that person: a relationship with Jesus Christ and eternal life. Also, share this with your brothers and sisters in Christ so they may use this to share with others.
God commands that we share the gospel with others. We need to help one another become passionate followers of Jesus Christ. With everything that is going on around our country and in the world, I cannot think of a better time than now to share the good news with everyone!
For a powerful resource to use while witnessing and for more answers as you seek to know Him, go to http://knowhim.afr.net.
Have a meaningful Holy Week and blessed resurrection celebration!
