1 Corinthians 15:19-22
If our hope in Christ applies only to this life, we are the most pitiful people of all. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came by a man, the resurrection of the dead also is going to come by a man. For as in Adam they all die, so also in Christ they all will be made alive.
Dear Heavenly Father,
The world loves to attack us for believing in and holding on to our Savior by faith. Your words, written through the Apostle Paul, capture the importance of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter; our hope is in Jesus. Had he not been raised from the dead, there would be no purpose for our faith or the rest of the Bible. As Paul wrote, we would be the most pitiful of all people who believe and hold on to a would-be lie. But Jesus has risen from the dead. Moreover, because Jesus rose from the dead, we are confident in our salvation and our body’s future resurrection when He comes again.
Every person falls into the temptation of sin as Adam was tempted and sinned. Likewise, as he died, we, too, will also suffer a temporal death—the ending of this life and separation of our soul from our body. However, because Jesus died for our sins, we never have to fear a permanent death, being separated from You forever; our faith trusts in our Savior. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, our bodies will rise again and be reunited with our souls, but our bodies will be raised perfect, imperishable, and immortal.
Our hope is not in this life but in our eternal life with You in heaven. As we trust and believe in Jesus and His redeeming work on the cross, we are restored to You; salvation is a gift from You. Please make us all alive by faith in Christ, and let us share Christ’s resurrection with those who do not know you so that they, too, will share in salvation and eternal life. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Christ died, and Christ has risen! Your sins are paid in full, and faith in Jesus and the forgiveness he won delivers God’s salvational gift to you.