The death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. That life can arise miraculously from darkness and death, brings us great hope. As Spring and “new life” emerge, God’s promise of resurrection can be seen everywhere. This hope that Christians share is something far greater than the changing of seasons.
The Resurrection is the central event that distinguishes Christianity from all other faiths. Only God Himself, through His sacrifice on the cross, could redeem man from sin, fulfilling the requirements of the Law.
Only God Himself could defeat death and deliver to those who put their trust and faith in Him eternal life. He paid the price for us so that we would be free from the penalty of sin: death. (Romans 6:23; John 3:16-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
Christianity is the only religion that can boast of a vacated grave. Buddha, Mohammed, Joseph Smith and Charles Russell still remain in theirs. And one day, as will all of mankind, they will bow to Jesus and confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:9-11)
Bottom line: “Only God!” Outside of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is no other hope for mankind! (1 John 5:13-14; 1 Peter 1:3-6; Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; John 4:13-14)
That is exactly what German Chancellor Conrad Adeneur once said to Billy Graham,
“Mr. Graham, outside of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I know of no other hope for mankind.”
Not all Americans share this passion. Our values are under vicious assault, often under the guise of compassion or “fairness.” The relentless attacks on the sanctity of human life is one such example. Genesis 1:26-27 tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of Almighty God (Imago Dei) and have infinite dignity and value. Abortion and assisted suicide are direct affronts to God’s design and His perfect will for us.
The fall of Adam and Eve left this world a harsh place and gave birth to this world’s moral corruption. The suffering caused by disasters such as the earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, and man-made disasters like the mass shooting at Florida State University or the street violence in cities like Chicago, reminds us that brokenness is everywhere! Indeed, Christ didn’t die on the cross for a world that didn’t need Him. He died for one that did and still does need Him more than ever. Not just humanity, but I too, as an individual, need Him!
That’s where the Resurrection of Christ brings the greatest hope! Our ultimate hope is not in public policy or in political leaders, though we must always strive to elect godly statesmen who don’t seek self-gain and pray for their time in office. Our hope is not in political solutions, though we must always advocate for the right principles. Our hope is in the renewal that one day “the government will be upon His shoulders,” as promised in Isaiah 9:6-7.
Our hope does not depend upon elections, because one day, this world will be renewed and restored under a perfect ruler – the King of kings.
Our ultimate hope is in Him, and for that we are truly thankful. And In Hope, we look forward to the day when all things are made new.
“… 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…”
~Matthew 28~
