The impact of the resurrection today cannot be overstated. For the past 2000 years, the resurrection of Jesus Christ has been foundational to Christianity. Jesus said that in three days, He would rebuild the temple, meaning He would rise again after death, and He did. Ever since, His resurrection has had a consequential impact on humanity, paving the way for us to be reconciled with God and gain eternal life. Even today, the resurrection profoundly affects Christians’ lives in many ways. Here are some key areas showing the impact of the resurrection today:
Transformation and Forgiveness
- New Life in Christ: As Christians, we believe that by accepting Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection and placing our trust and faith in Him, we are spiritually born again. This “new life,” empowered by the Holy Spirit, transforms believers from within and enables us to overcome sin, share the Gospel, and live a life guided by Christ’s teachings. 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
- Forgiveness and Freedom: God’s immense love for humanity is at the core of the Christian message, evident in Jesus’ sacrifice. The resurrection reinforces this love and offers the power of forgiveness. This frees believers from the burden of guilt and shame, allowing us to experience true forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God. We are called to extend this love and forgiveness to others, fostering reconciliation and building stronger churches and communities. Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Hope in Suffering and Death
- Overcoming Grief: The resurrection assures Christians that death is not the end. It’s a transformation, a passage to eternal life with our Heavenly Father. This offers comfort in times of grief and loss, allowing believers to grieve with hope, knowing God’s promise that we will be reunited with loved ones in Heaven. 1 Thessalonians 4:13: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
- Facing Challenges: The resurrection reminds us that God can bring good out of suffering. Jesus endured immense suffering on the cross for our sake, yet through His resurrection, He triumphed over evil and death. This inspires Christians to face challenges with faith and perseverance, trusting that God is in control. Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Living a Purposeful Life
- Following Christ’s Teachings: The resurrection reinforces the importance of following Jesus’ teachings of love, compassion, and service to others. Christians are motivated to live a life that reflects these values, striving to make a positive impact on the world. Matthew 22:37: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:38: “This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:39: “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
- Sharing the Gospel: The transformative power of the resurrection compels Christians to share the good news of Jesus with others. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the hope and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matthew 28:20: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Strength and Inspiration
- Facing Adversity: The resurrection is a source of strength and inspiration for believers facing difficulties. Jesus’ perseverance through suffering and ultimate victory over death offer hope and courage to overcome challenges.Hebrews 12:1: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
- Living a Moral Life: The belief in eternal life motivates Christians to live moral and meaningful lives. We strive to live according to God’s will, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences, not for our salvation, which we have already attained, but for our reward in Heaven. Romans 14:12: “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
The Far Reaching Impact of the Resurrection Today
It’s important to remember that these are just some of the ways Jesus’ resurrection affects the lives of His followers. The impact of the resurrection today, with its depth and significance, is a personal experience that continues to inspire and guide millions of believers worldwide.