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On Easter Sunday, we were discussing the results of the resurrection. We all are well aware of the importance of the cross and Christ’s payment for our sin as the perfect sacrifice.
THE BENEFITS OF THE RESURRECTION
When the topic gets to the resurrection, the room gets quieter when we try to put into words what the benefits of the resurrection are. Yes, Jesus, the man who had just died a cruel death a few days before is now alive! If you were a family member or close friend, that was exciting news…no question!
But there are some really great outcomes from the Resurrection that you probably don’t stop to think about in your everyday life. This is not an exhaustive list, but I think you’ll find it to be very encouraging.
JESUS’ SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS WAS ACCEPTED!
The first result of the resurrection: the sacrifice Jesus made has been accepted by a holy God (cf. Hebrews 10:11-18). The full and complete payment for sin–yours and mine–was made on the cross. There is nothing more that needs to be added to it. The payment Christ made for sin on the cross for all His people of all time was complete and total.
THIS RESURRECTION POWER IS AVAILABLE TO FIGHT EVERYDAY SIN
Another result of the resurrection: We have this resurrection power available to us to live the Christian life! (cf. Ephesians 1:16-23) Actually, I love the description offered in verse 18–“the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.”
Of course, it’s great when we can remind ourselves of this. Often, however, we need the help of a spouse or another brother or sister in the Body of Christ to remind us of the hope of this message.
How many times have you been disheartened by a frequent failure in your life? Despite the truth that Christ won the victory over sin on the cross and the empty tomb proved that this sacrifice was effective…you feel that sin is so much more powerful!
Change, especially in relation to sin and it’s bondage in your life, will never happen. This is when you either need to hear someone in your life tell you, “No, that is a lie from the Pit because of the Resurrection!” or you need to give this message to someone you love.
I CAN ENCOURAGE CHRISTIANS IN THE BODY TO LIVE OUT THE GLORIOUS RICHES OF THEIR INHERITANCE! (THEY DON’T HAVE TO BE TRAPPED IN SINFUL HABITS.)
These are the times when our Christian spouse, or friend, our Christian brothers or sisters in the Body of Christ can come alongside us to offer the encouragement of the The Word to our hearts. It may be a simple reminder: “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” This is a common saying but the truth of it is in our heads. Do we have the (good) baggage that goes with that phrase? Then it is a helpful reminder.
Sometimes we may need a longer conversation or the simple reminder: remember the “riches of your glorious inheritance”. No, it isn’t a cute, catchy phrase, but it is a true encouragement. We can have victory over sin. In fact, the victory was won at the cross and evidenced by the resurrection. Reminding each other of this rather than talking and living as if sinning is inevitable, is the way growth takes place.
Are you willing to accept this kind of encouragement? Are you willing to give this kind of encouragement? If we share it as fellow sinners in need of grace rather than people who know-it-all, it is surprising how God will use it to encourage them…and us!
