Easter week is the most special week of the year for me.
My mind repeatedly reflects on the fact that I am forgiven of my sins and that I can be in a personal relationship with the God of the universe, only because of what Jesus has done for me.
The death of Jesus on a wooden cross more than 2000 years ago – the sacrifice of his broken bones and his shed blood – was an atonement for all my sins – past, present and future.
God remembers my sins no more. And he wants me to be free from any guilt of my past sins.
Part of this Good News is that Jesus’ body was raised from his grave and he now sits in heaven with his Father and prays to Him on my behalf. He defeated death, so that I can live…. and live forever.
Furthermore, when I accepted Jesus into my heart, he sent his Spirit, the Holy Spirit, to live within me deep in my spirit. In a way that is mysterious, my mind, my soul, and my spirit mixes with the Spirit of God who lives deep inside of me. His Spirit empowers me to live my life in a way that honors God and his Son. His Spirit provides the power and the grace to cope with the stressors of my life, especially when I embrace and apply the important principles that are found in the Bible. As I am faithful in living a life of active faith in Jesus, and am obedient to the principles of the Bible, my life is full. It’s abundant.
This full life includes the fruit of the Spirit that Paul writes about in the book of Galatians.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
The really cool thing is that when this fruit is evident in my life, it creates a spiritual environment within me that favors good mental, relational, emotional and physical health.
This is all by God’s grand design! I am his masterpiece!
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
But what we should all understand is that, although we benefit immeasurably from this great design, it’s not really – not ultimately – for our benefit. It’s really about God receiving glory for why and how this all works.
“… everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:7
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
So, although I’m able to enjoy the fruit and abundant life because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the grace that God extends to me daily, God gets the ultimate glory. He wants me to praise him and to attribute my full life to himself.
And he desires that you do the same.
So, this Easter, I encourage you to reflect on what Jesus has done for you and to thank God for the ongoing grace that he extends to you.
You have been forgiven because of a very high price that Jesus paid for you.
Have a blessed Easter!
P.S. If you are not living in a relationship with Jesus and do not have the confident hope of an eternal life in heaven after you die, but you desire this, please contact me and I’ll be happy to talk about this with you.
Related Resources