Sunday, March 23, 2008

He Has Risen!

"And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." Luke 24:3-7

He has risen, or should we say, he arose from the dead. Jesus Christ, who the Jews rejected as their Messiah and Savior arose from the dead. Yet, many still didn't believe. When the rich man was in hell, he prayed that Abraham send Lazarus to his five brothers who were yet alive as they would believe if someone rose from the dead.

"Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Luke 16:27-31

Abraham referred to Moses and the prophets or what we know is the Old Testament for is source but today we also have the New Covenant which is Christ as he shed his blood on the cross four our sins because "without shedding of blood is no remission." Hebrews 9:22 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood:" Leviticus 17:11a, and without a perfect sacrifice there could be no permanent forgiveness. Christ was perfect and sinless, the only one born of a woman to be so. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15

Why did it have to be so? Why couldn't man find his way to God some other way? There is no way but through Christ as he said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6b The Jews were very religious, somuch so that they let the Son of God pass right under their noses and did not recognize him. Men today are also religious, either having a form of religion outside what we consider the Christian faith, or being what they consider inside the Christian church. Yet, if they are unable to humble themselves and depend on a living savior, than they are lost. Many try to live good lives and do good works. This is commendable but to no avail in eternity without Christ. If you are one of these "good people" humble yourself and bow to the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ who is able to cleanse you from all sins. You say you've never sinned? "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 These can only be blotted out by the blood of Christ applied to your heart.

You can ask him into your heart and depend upon him as Savior and Lord. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20 Ask him into your heart and let him be your best friend. But I'll tell you that he is a perfect gentleman and will not come into your life unless you ask. In closing here is the final scripture for your consideration.

""Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:5-6