The Difference Easter Makes

What difference does Easter make? Only all the difference in the world.

Without the resurrection of Jesus, the so-called Christian faith would be the greatest sham in history. If Jesus were not alive and well today, Christians would be the sorriest bunch of people this world has ever seen. We would be losing-est, most delusional, deceived and duped group of religionists to have walked upon this planet.

But the truth tells a different story. The truth is that Jesus did, in fact, rise from the grave on the third day. Death could not keep Him bound. He rose from the dead – from a violent and horrific death on a cross – and now lives still, no longer to die again. This makes all the difference in the world.

The Christian faith is the greatest truth in history. Jesus is alive and well, and Christians are the most blessed bunch of people this world has ever seen. We are the victorious ones, the most satisfied and joyful and confident community to have walked upon this planet, and who will one day walk upon the streets of gold in heaven.

The truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then, makes those who reject Him the foolish and ignorant ones. Here’s the deal: We’re all sinners and deserve to die and go to hell. And there’s not a thing (or a million things) we can do to earn or buy a ticket to heaven. Let’s face it – if heaven’s a perfect and pure place, then we don’t belong because we’re imperfect and impure.

But because of God’s incomparable love for mankind, He has made it possible that we don’t have to face the penalty for our sins. Instead, He gives us the perfection and purity of Jesus. He dealt with our sins when He sent His Son, Jesus, to take our punishment on the cross, and makes us righteous through Him. The Bible says that “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). The One who lived the perfect and pure life that we never could offered Himself as the only acceptable sacrifice to God for sins, and through faith we are saved on His ticket.

And though Jesus was crucified at the hands of godless men, neither the Roman rulers nor Jewish religious authorities nor even death had the final say. God raised Him up on the third day in a glorious display of His power and in a triumphant confirmation of His purposes to eternally save those whom come to Him through Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus makes all the difference in the world!

Romans 6:23 makes this clear: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Friend, you can’t ignore the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. You can either embrace it or reject it. You can either live your life by faith in Jesus in view of heaven, or you can live life on your own terms in view of death and hell. There is no middle ground. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is no other way!

And the apostle Peter in Acts 4:12 spells out God’s gracious offer of life in Christ in no uncertain terms: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Let me say it again: There is no other way!

Will you turn from your sins today, receiving complete forgiveness of all your sins through the blood of Jesus Christ? Will you gladly give your heart and life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Almighty God lovingly waits with arms wide open to pour out His mercy and grace upon you, but you must come through His Son. Come to Him now and be saved from death to eternal life! Only a fool would reject such an offer!

Then let me invite you to come and be a part of God’s family at Ridgway First Baptist Church this Sunday. We’ll be welcoming special musical guests “Sons of the Father” during our 10:40 morning worship service this week (May 1). We’d love to see you there as we worship together! Jesus’ resurrection makes all the difference in the world!