Because I live, you also will live. John 14:19b NIV
As we rejoice in the Easter story and cheer as good wins over evil, let’s not forget the personal implications of the resurrection. Jesus gained mastery over death not just for Himself, but for all of us who believe in Him!
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 NIV
Since Jesus lives, He can also give us life that never ends. We won’t, of course, remain forever on this earth in a body that wears out and breaks down, and quite honestly, who would want to? But we will have eternal life, in His presence, in a place far better than the earth we now know.
This is how John describes it:
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 ESV
Life, as we know it now, is hard. It’s full of pain and often brings us to the verge of tears. Perhaps there’s nothing more painful than the experience of losing a loved one. But the resurrection gives us hope! We do not need to mourn like those who have no hope, because death is not the end of the story, it’s just the beginning.
But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Acts 2:24 NASB
Just as it was impossible for death to hold Jesus in it’s grip, it is likewise powerless to hold you and I since we have exercised faith in Jesus! He holds the key to our future!
I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation 1:18 NIV
When He conquered death, He secured complete authority, both now and throughout all eternity! Align yourself with Him, and your future is secure!
And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. Romans 6:8 NLT