It was true 2000 years ago and it remains true today: Christ is risen. He was risen when He met Mary at the tomb, risen when He appeared to His disciples, and risen when He walked the road to Emmaus. He was risen yesterday, He is risen today, and He will be risen tomorrow. The sun never sets on Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Still, we set aside Easter each year to remember and celebrate this one most unique day in human history, the day death was defeated and eternal life won for all who will receive it by faith. It is a day with its own imagery— white lilies and empty crosses, brass trumpets and empty tombs, and, somehow, marshmallow peeps and chocolate eggs.
Yet Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are not His only, but ours also. The apostle Paul teaches us, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”1 Did you notice the past tense? It is finished for you and for me: we have been raised already and forever. How can this be, since we still live and breathe on this earth? Again, Paul explains, “In Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”2 We are united with Him who will never die. Jesus lives in us through His Spirit; His resurrection glory is our resurrection glory.3
So enjoy the baskets of jelly beans, bunnies, peeps, and eggs; enjoy them in freedom. Far greater still, embrace and celebrate your resurrection unto eternal life, and “since . . . you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. . . . For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.4 We live in Christ who will never die, and He lives in us forever. This is our Easter inside.
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
Father, how powerful You are to conquer death. How wise You are to secure us in Christ. How amazing Your love for us. I entrust my life to Your Son, Jesus Christ, who took my sin upon Himself and in exchange gave me eternal life with Him in You. Thank you for Easter. In Christ I pray. Amen.
1 Colossians 2:12 NLT
2 Colossians 2:9-10 NLT
3 Colossians 1:27
4 Colossians 3:1-3
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Paul Nordman—Author 