Today is the most joyous day of the year: the day that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb, and His total victory over sin and death. Christians in every corner of the world can rejoice in the living hope that is Jesus Christ. This event redefined the relationship between God and man. Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and his resurrection are the power of the gospel message that we share today. Without the resurrection, there is no gospel message.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” We can stand firm today in the knowledge that Jesus did not stay in the grave. He rose on the third day. Our faith is not in vain. Our preaching is not in vain. Christ’s resurrection inspires us to worship him and share his gospel with others.
Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples, wrote these verses about the discovery of our Savior’s resurrection.
“Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:1-6).
These verses require no explanation. They are both simple and utterly amazing.
An essential part of our corporate worship experience is the songs that we sing together. The great hymns of faith are focused on the power of the resurrection, and how the living Savior changes our lives.
In 1933, Alfred Ackley wrote the lyrics to this inspirational hymn about the difference that a living Savior makes in our daily lives. This classic hymn reinforces our faith in Christ and the on-going work of his resurrection in our life. When we sing these words, we memorize not only the truth of the words, but the personal connection and emotions that we feel for our Savior.
He Lives
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.