People often divide themselves into camps over religion, sometimes creating a chasm that isolates them in their beliefs.
Instead of seeking discernment and patience, we are often quick to criticize, becoming defensive and reactionary. It takes intentionality, humility, and courage to reflect on and give space to the significance of this time of year.
Followers of Christ pay close attention to this season of reflection and its eternal significance.
The significance of this time of year extends beyond religious squabble, including the debate of the specific day of the week Jesus was crucified. Everyone can find something to disagree with; wouldn’t it be a better use of our free will to lean into the message of hope and love that was nailed to the cross for all to see?
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection bear witness to God’s love for us all.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16.
While we have each been given the free will to deepen the chasm, let us challenge ourselves to consider a more unifying perspective in our relationship with Christ.
Jesus sacrificed himself as the Lamb of God to take the punishment for the sins of the world, as mentioned in John 1:29 and Romans 5:8.
The crucifixion didn’t happen to Jesus without his permission: Christ willingly died for you, for me… for us all.
Jesus’ crucifixion occurred with a complete understanding of both the cost and the gain (Acts 2:23). The cost was Jesus’ life, offered as a pure sacrifice for all sinners—everyone—so that we may be reconciled to God, held by grace rather than being captive to sin.
Our sins put Jesus on the cross, but it was His love for us that held Him there.
No nail, cruelty, or hateful action could remove Jesus from the cross until God’s plan to bring us back into relationship with Him was fulfilled. Yes, it was love, grace, and mercy that truly kept Jesus on the cross.
Love, grace and mercy for you and me.
Jesus paid IN FULL — a one-time sacrifice for all sin, past, present, and future — to release us from the death sentence of sin, freeing us to live with hope and purpose, even while circumstances in this world do their best to rob us of joy and peace.
Jesus brings peace to a world in pieces (Philippians 4:7, Ephesians 3:19). He hems us with a love that transcends time, is greater than public opinion, and is stronger than any bond. And this love is ours to receive for eternity.
The greatest love story ever told is the exchange of Christ’s purity for our plight. Easter’s significance remains relevant today, reminding us that we can rise with Christ to embrace new life starting today.
Embracing faith in Christ Jesus offers us the promise of eternal life, expressed in John 3:16 and 36. Eternity is not just a future promise; it is a transformation that starts in the present as we become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Regardless of our past, of people’s opinions or putdowns, or even our own insecurities, because Jesus lived, died, and rose from the grave, we too are renewed in life, with eternity beginning through Salvation in Christ. What a celebration of grace… unearned yet freely given by God.
Easter is truly a celebration of miraculous hope; a reminder of the profound impact of Jesus’ sacrifice and the new life that springs forth through Him.
Through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, we have the daily opportunity to be in relationship God. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
This Easter, take a moment to pause; to look internally and outward.
May we never forget that Christ is within and around us today and always. Our life and living are significant, and choosing to accept the invitation of Christ’s love gives us much more than we could ever give in return: eternity bought by the shedding of Christ’s blood upon the cross and the shedding of His grave clothes in the tomb.
As spring gives us the example of letting go, acceptance, and new growth, may we open ourselves with grace and gratitude to live into our eternity today by being an example of Christ’s love to others.