A Day of Joy

A Day of Joy

This coming Sunday we will celebrate the greatest day in human history. Easter Sunday is the day that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. This day is the pinnacle of the year for the Church. As Sunday approaches, do not let the significance of this day slip by. Instead, prepare your heart all throughout the week as we look to Easter Sunday.

We can prepare for Easter Sunday in several ways. First, we must remember why Christ came. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, came to redeem fallen mankind to Himself. All of mankind stands condemned before God. We have broken His law, transgressed His covenant, and failed our Creator in every way possible. Jesus came to redeem us from our sin by canceling the record of debt that stands against us (Col. 2:14). 

Secondly, we remember that Jesus lived and died for us. Christ lived a perfect life. He never sinned in thought, word, or deed. He is the spotless “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus in his active obedience (the things He did) was perfect upon the earth. He was perfectly holy, without perversion in any way, and pure. He loved the Lord perfectly and was obedient unto death, even death on a cross (Phil. 2:8). He died the death that we deserve. 

This is what makes Good Friday “good.” For, apart from the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, the events that happened so long ago were not good. An innocent man was arrested, falsely accused of crimes, mocked, spit upon, condemned, scourged by roman soldiers, forced to carry the very tree which He would hang upon, and finally crucified. Yet, in these seeming horrible events, Jesus was accomplishing the redemption of all that would come to Him by faith. By His death the wrath of God is satisfied and there is no condemnation. 

Lastly, we remember that Jesus Christ did not simply die. He did die upon a cross and was certainly buried, yet He did not stay in the tomb. On the third day, the Father raised Christ from the grave, showing that His sacrifice was acceptable and sufficient. Therefore, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we can stand justified before God. No longer are we rebels without a cause. Rather, we are adopted sons and daughters. This is why we celebrate Easter. So, come Sunday, to praise our Lord with a heart full of joy and gratitude because of the forgiveness that is found in Christ alone.