Anyone can die for a cause they believe in. Some causes are noble; others are far from it. Pause here to consider how you view the death of Jesus. The beatings and torture; the humiliating display on a blood-stained wooden cross; an excruciating death. He died for a greater cause – the Kingdom of God. The cross is forever the intersection between the wrath of God placed upon Jesus for the restoration of relationship between God and humanity. But the story can’t stop at the cross. It can’t simply be another cause that someone died for. Jesus can’t merely be a martyr.
He’s the Messiah.
So, what’s the difference then?
The empty tomb.
Evil thought it won. Jesus, the Son of God, was murdered. Darkness had its day. But, a horrific cross was outmatched by the unoccupied tomb! The Resurrection is the glory of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t stay dead. And neither do you.
At the moment you received Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior, you were united with Him in His death. Your old self was crucified. The life you once lived is gone. You were set free from the penalty of sin, guilt, shame and condemnation. At this same moment, you were also made alive in Christ. Yes, a glorious, heavenly resurrection to meet Jesus face-to-face is coming; for now, you can live a resurrected life, filled with His power and life.
Victory is available today.
The presence of sin can also disappear. Ever-increasingly, the things that kept you captive can breakaway. No, you won’t be perfect – but you have a perfect Savior that is fiercely committed to your transformation. You can win! His life is your life. His Spirit lives in you. Dead to sin. Alive to God. The invitation remains – pursue Him more and more.
The cross plus the empty tomb equals freedom, new life and victory. God isn’t finished with you. He hasn’t given up on you. And you shouldn’t either.
The empty tomb changes everything.