THE BIBLE...

Death and Resurrection: His and Yours

Home News Tribune, April 7, 2009

Who among us hasn't experienced the trauma associated with the death of a loved one? Death means separation, loss and grief. There is simply nothing good about it.

And yet to some, death, though painful, can be far less agonizing. In fact, the apostle Paul writes that for him, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

But how can there be gain in dying? Doesn't death seem fundamentally wrong in every way? When faced with death, don't our most basic instincts – fight or flee – take over? Which of us isn't determined to fight death to the bitter end?

And yet death lies at the very heart of the Christian faith – in more ways than one!

Human beings, by nature, are born in sin. We do that which we ought not to do, and fail to do that which we ought to do. Deep down, we all know it. The consequence of that sin is death in its most unpleasant, painful and final form – death that amounts to eternal separation from God.

As the Easter season commemorates, Jesus died on the cross to save us from that sin, and to remove from us its sting, which is eternal death (1 Corinthians 15:56). Now believers in the Lord Jesus need not fear physical death. They, like the apostle Paul, may find gain in death because they have an abiding hope of eternal life.

But overcoming death and sin is not just some far off, future hope. Jesus' death made it possible for us to live lives TODAY that are no longer bound by sin, selfishness or the fear of death. For those who have settled the issue of eternal death, life needn't be directed by our sinful natures.

In a myriad of ways, nearly every world religion tries to grapple with this issue. How can believers overcome sinful tendencies and garner eternal life? These belief systems offer rules and regulations intended to limit our self-directed impulses and promote generosity toward others.

Sadly, without exception, such prescriptions fail. While they offer well-intended attempts to curtail sinful behavior, they do nothing to actually effect necessary change in our natures.

Christianity is different – very different. Having accepted Jesus' death as necessary payment for our sins, God now calls us to identify with Christ by taking up our crosses and following Him. In essence, we are called to lead lives that are crucified to sin and self! The apostle Paul said it best: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which 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).

But let's get practical for a moment. How can Christians possibly live such crucified lives? If rules and regulations don't work, and if willpower, self-denial, and a host of good intentions aren't enough, how can we overcome human depravity? To do that, we need power.

Remember, Easter celebrates both Jesus' death AND His resurrection. Jesus not only died but also OVERCAME the grave. His resurrection promises that sin and death have no hold over those who believe in Him and are filled with the Holy Spirit!

The Holy Spirit – God's very Self – lives within each person who accepts the death of Jesus as penalty for his or her sins. When we embrace the crucifixion, we gain the power of the resurrection – power to die to self, overcome sin, and live Christ-centered, others-focused lives.

Practically speaking, when we're tempted to lash out in anger, the Spirit teaches us to hold our tongues. When we want to rationalize cutting corners on our tax returns to save a buck, the Holy Spirit empowers us to trust God and be honest. In every area of weakness, the Holy Spirit helps the believer live a crucified and resurrected life.

So this Good Friday and Easter Sunday, let's not forget that the Lord's crucifixion and resurrection are NOT merely historical events. They pave the way for ongoing transformation and empowerment in lives of those who believe.

To once again quote the unforgettable words of the apostle Paul: "...just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life... For he who has died has been freed from sin. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:4-11).