Easter - The Celebration of Eternity

Jesus promised us eternity when He said “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life.” (John 5:24)

Easter is the highest and holiest day of the year because it is the day when Jesus fulfilled His prophecy and promise that He would overcome death for Himself and for all believers. It was the day that humanity was given absolute assurance that we would spend eternity with Him. This promise was not given only to people who could fulfill every letter of scripture, nor was it given to those who were the elites of mankind. The eternal promise was given to those who merely heard and believed His gospel Word and who believed that Jesus was truly the Son of God our Father in heaven. His victory over our sin and death is an occasion that is overwhelmingly worthy of spectacular celebration, and not just once a year, but every single second of ever day! So, rejoice that your name is written in the Book of Life! I say again, REJOICE!

Easter is so much more than just an empty tomb, as amazing as that is. Easter is the first day of eternity for we who have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as full and final payment for our own massive sin debt. Easter means that even though we’re evil, filthy wretches who constantly sin spectacularly – Jesus’ own holiness covers-over our sins and buys us a permanent place at His Father’s eternal table. Our communion liturgy reminds of this truth over and over again…

Whoever eats this Bread and drinks this Cup, firmly believing the Words of Christ, lives In Christ and Christ in them, and has eternal life. We should also do this in remembrance of Him, showing His death that He was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification.

Dear saints, we rightly and joyously celebrate Christ’s empty tomb on Easter morning, because He is Risen. Let’s also remember to constantly celebrate our own eventually empty tombs (that will be only “slightly used” when viewed eternally), because since we can say “He is Risen Indeed!” we can also say with matching excitement “We too are Risen Indeed!”

Happy Easter,

Pastor John