In just a few weeks we will be celebrating the great Christian event of Easter when our Lord, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. As you read this editorial think of what your expectations are for observing this great occasion. For, it is the most remarkable episode in the history of this world. That a man who had been put to a cruel death by crucifixion became once again a living presence on this earth! Surely, this is a good reason to remember the events of that time and to celebrate.

And what was the reason for God, our Father to plan for this event? The Scriptures tell us it was firstly, because of His love for humankind and secondly, to give we sinful people the opportunity to return to His presence. This concept is also described as God’s grace – the free and unmerited favour of God shown towards man. And the secret of God’s grace can be summed up in ten words taken from Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Let’s look at the four words in this verse that deserve our attention. If we read these words slowly, we can gain the impact they can have on us, “God is for us.” If we read the phrase four times, this time emphasizing each word, then the impact of the message is even deeper.

God is for us.

God is for us.

God is for us.

God is for us.

God is for you. Knowing that, who is against you? Can death harm you now, because of the Resurrection? Can disease rob your life? Can your purpose be taken or does your value diminish? No! No one can defeat you. You are protected. Because of Jesus rising from the dead, God is for you!

There are many recorded evidences of Jesus’ resurrection, but John Stott the Christian writer, suggests in his book Basic Christianity: “Perhaps the transformation of the disciples of Jesus is the greatest evidence of all for the resurrection. It was the resurrection that transformed Peter’s fear into courage and James’ doubt into faith. It was the resurrection that changed the Sabbath into Sunday and the Jewish remnant into the Christian Church. It was the resurrection that changed Saul the Pharisee into Paul the apostle and turned his persecuting into preaching.”

As we think of the impact the resurrection had on these disciples, the obvious question is, “What influence has the resurrection of Jesus had on my life?” Has it deepened my faith in my God and his eternal plan for humankind? Has it clarified my belief in the love God has for His creation and particularly me, as an individual? There may be other reasons you can think of for this godly sacrificial love displayed in the life of Jesus.

Phillips Brooks has written, “The great Easter truth is not that we are to live newly after death – that is not the great thing – but rather we are to be new here and now by the power of the Resurrection; not so much that we are to live forever, as that we are to, and may, live nobly now because we are to live forever.”

As you celebrate the Easter experience this year, may you encounter the presence of the Good Spirit and be blessed by its transforming power that comes from your belief in the miracle of the Resurrection.

Bill Gillard