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First Thoughts

Celebrating Your Resurrection This Easter

Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 

Celebrating Easter

Every year at Easter, Christians celebrate the historical, literal, physical, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was really dead, and he really came back to life. He is alive now and reigning in heaven, and we are awaiting his historical, literal, physical, and bodily return to earth to reclaim his bride.

The Bible teaches that when Jesus returns, every person who has believed in him will be transformed and will receive a glorious and perfect resurrection body (1 Corinthians 15:35-49). There is another resurrection that Christians experience, however. It is the resurrection the Apostle Paul talks about in Romans 6:4. This resurrection is one every Christian knows right now at this very moment.

Our Resurrection

Jesus’ resurrection at Easter produces a real and tangible benefit for Christians in their lives. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ frees Christians from the power of sin. Being freed from the power of sin does not mean that Christians are freed from the total presence of sin. A world without any sin describes our existence in the next life, not this one. In this life, however, Jesus has made it possible for his people to live in meaningful victory over sin. Sin is not our master any longer; Jesus is. This means that Christians are no longer trapped in a life of sin but are empowered by Jesus to live lives of increasing holiness.

You Can Change

The physical resurrection in Jesus’ life leads to a spiritual resurrection in your life. This Easter, you are not trapped by sin’s requirement to yell at your spouse, nurse the grudge with your coworker, continue that sinful relationship, share the latest gossipy detail, despair over finances, manipulate your girlfriend, or cultivate bitterness. Jesus has set you free from sin’s requirement. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead unleashes power in your life to be gentle, gracious, pure, loving, trusting, honest, and kind.

This Easter, you really can be a different, better, more holy person. You just cannot do it in your strength. The resurrected Christ whose life we celebrate at this time of the year changes everything about you. He sets you free from sin.

This Easter, be sure to remember and celebrate not just the resurrection of Jesus but the resurrection that Jesus accomplishes in your life.


Dr. Heath Lambert is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. He is the author of several books, including The Great Love of God: Encountering God’s Heart for a Hostile World. 

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