I have often wondered how the Cross became the symbol for Christianity rather than the empty tomb. When you think about the events that immediately followed the death of Jesus, all we see is fear, sadness, and maybe even a little remorse. These disciples had placed their hope in the One they called the Messiah. They had followed His teachings, caught His vision, and embraced His lifestyle. All their dreams were doomed. That is...until Sunday.
The Resurrection of Christ changed everything. It took a group of cowering disciples and placed them at the forefront of history. They were empowered, excited, and expectant about the days ahead. While much of their preaching would expose the reality of the Cross and what it meant for humanity, the Resurrection of Jesus was the main theme. Our message shouldn't be any different today. We give thanks for the Cross, we embrace the forgiveness that comes because of it, but the Resurrection should be the theme of our lives. Re-read Paul's words to the church of Rome: "We were buried with Christ by immersion into His death." That means that all of humanity was placed in Christ at the Cross. "In order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead...we too might walk in newness of life."
Ahh...NEWNESS. It's what so many people long for. They look for newness in their relationships, careers, recreational activities, etc. This mindset is prevalent in our society. We are always presented with new things and new thoughts. All the while what most people long for, and what almost every person dreams of, is already theirs in Christ. In the same way that we were immersed into the death of Christ, we were immersed into the resurrection of Christ. Newness of life is already ours. It's a gift from God. Jesus was the last of the old creation in Adam and became the firstborn of a new one. Just as Christ was raised to walk in newness of life, we get to enjoy the benefits of the new creation in Him.
You are a part of the new creation in Christ that is no longer bound to the fall of the first Adam. Check out these verses from Romans 5:
"...the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." [verses 15-17]
While we are a part of the new creation that is in Christ, many people are not aware of the life that is available. When we place our faith in Christ and confess Him as Lord of our lives, we begin to unwrap the wonders of this free gift. In other words, we begin to experience the incredible abundant life that we were blessed with nearly 2,000 years ago. This is why our focus needs to be the resurrection of Jesus.
Don't get me wrong. I gladly embrace the Cross as a demonstration of the love of God. I understand the meaning behind the death of Christ. His blood became the sufficient payment for the sins of all humanity. However, the Resurrection of Jesus unlocks the Kingdom of God for all of us. It's a Kingdom filled with possibilities. A Kingdom that is filled with newness. It is my prayer that the church begin to embrace life on the resurrection side of the Cross. That we would honor the sacrifice of Christ and exhibit the newness of life that is ours in Him.
As I have embraced the reality of resurrection of Christ in my life, two verses of Scripture have continually breathed life into me. In closing I will share these truths with you.
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." Romans 6:14
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