It’s About BEYOND the Cross & It’s Powerful

I remember my first Easter as a Christian. Everything was new, including me. Everything was alive, including me. Everything brimmed with the message of hope, including me.

I was raised in a home where I knew about God and that Jesus went to the cross, but I didn’t really understand the purpose of the cross. The resurrection didn’t hold much significance except the fact that my mom would take me to the store to buy something new and frilly for the upcoming holiday.

You see, I knew it was a holiday, I just didn’t understand why it was a HOLY day.

But when I surrendered my life to Christ the eyes of my understanding were open and I got it… and I was AMAZED at such great love…for mea sinner like me…and for everyone else on the planet who would just bow their hearts to Christ and trust what He did on the cross to be the all-sufficient payment for their sins!

And the resurrection? Well the resurrection is proof that what Christ accomplished on the cross was accepted by the Living God to be the perfect and ultimate sacrific for the salvation of mankind.

But what if it would have all ended at the cross? Have you ever thought about where we would be if His body remained in the tomb?

Paul tells us that if in this life only we have hope we are of all men most to be pitied. In fact, look at Paul’s response to the persecution he was receiving for proclaiming the risen Christ…

“For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Cor 15:16-22

Before the empty tomb, there was a cross – A cross that was ordained before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-21) because payment must be made and sin must be attoned for – and an empty tomb to prove that all that was needed to secure our salvation was completed when Christ went to the cross, died a sinner’s death and was forsaken by the Father so you and I would never have to be.

This week we are going to reflect on the cross, the empty tomb and the power of it all. Easter is not only about a cross but it’s about beyond the cross.

As you turn the pages of your calendar to the blessing of Easter, will you take time to consider the sacrifice of Christ, the cost of the cross and the power of the resurrection? It’s life-changing, eternity-altering powerful!

I’d love for you to share at least one thing you’re thankful for because of the cross and the ultimate resurrection of Christ.

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