1 Corinthians 15: 3-4
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
When you think of Easter, what first comes to mind?
As a child, I loved Easter. I was all about dying Easter eggs, getting a new Easter dress, and searching the house over to find my Easter basket. There was nothing quite like savoring part of a mouthwatering milk-chocolate bunny on the way to church Easter morning. If I had to be honest, I would say that I focused more on eggs, new dresses, and chocolate bunnies than I did on the true meaning of Easter.
In our busy lives today, we can still fail to reflect on the greater meaning of Easter. If we are not careful, Easter can become just another day.
Although it’s fun to enjoy the traditions that accompany Easter, (I mean, who doesn’t like to eat marshmallow bunnies and enjoy the smell of a fresh lily!) this year, let’s purpose to focus on the greater truth the holiday celebrates – Christ’s death and resurrection – the forgiveness of our sins!
While there are many things I believe God would like to say to us this Easter, based on His Word, here are 3 truths I am certain He would like you to know.
1. You are loved
John 15:3 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Without question, Jesus demonstrated the greatest form of love when He died sacrificially on the cross for our sins.
Have you ever considered that Jesus didn’t have to do this? In John 10:18 we read, “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
I don’t know about you, but I find this truth overwhelming and difficult to fully process. Often I take it for granted. Jesus didn’t have to die for me. He didn’t have to die for you. However, out of His great love for us, He chose to. That my friend is how much you are loved!
2. You are forgiven
Perhaps you are someone who believes that Jesus died for your sins, but you struggle to accept that you are truly forgiven. When I was in my early twenties and made a complete mess out of my life, I fell into this category. I could not fathom that a holy God would forgive all that I had done. When I came across 1 John 1:9 it was like a lifeline to me. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Notice how it does not say if we confess certain sins, or that God will forgive only what we consider to be small sins. Rather, if we confess our sins – any sin – He will forgive us.
Think of it this way, God is all powerful, there is nothing He cannot do and no sin He cannot forgive. When we say that God cannot forgive our sin, we are trying to limit a limitless God. Don’t diminish God’s power. Confess your sins and accept His forgiveness. Jesus already paid the price on the cross. You are forgiven – just accept it.
3. You are wanted
If the ideas that you are loved and forgiven are not enough, this Easter, know that you are wanted. God, the Creator of the universe is crazy about you! He wants to know you; He wants a personal relationship with you! The Easter story tells us how Jesus not only died on the cross for our sins, but He overcame death and ascended into heaven. Christ is currently in heaven and one day He will return. He desires a personal relationship with you now – and for eternity.
1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 says, “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
If we want to have a personal relationship with God we must receive Christ and His gift of salvation. You can begin your personal relationship with God by putting your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Pray and ask Him to forgive your sins, accept His gift of salvation, surrender your life to Him and just see what amazing things God will begin to do in and through you!
This Easter, know you are loved, know you are forgiven, and know you are wanted. God of the universe sent His son to earth to die on a cross and to rise again to pay the price for your sins!
How do you need to recognize God’s love, His forgiveness, or desire for a personal relationship with you today?
Don’t let this Easter be just another day. Let this Easter be a day of celebrating the resurrection of your personal Lord and Savior!
Happy Easter!
Lynne
