He Is Risen!

by Dr. Al Hearne II

 

[This image, He Is Risen, was created by DALL·E.]

Matthew 28:6, "He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay."

 

This verse is among the most profound declarations in all of Scripture. Spoken by the angel to the women who came to Jesus' tomb, this divine announcement forever changed the course of human history: "He is risen." This statement is not poetic imagery or spiritual metaphor but a factual, historical statement of truth. Jesus Christ, who had been crucified, buried, and mourned, was risen from the dead, fulfilling his own prophecy.

This moment signifies the culmination of God's plan for salvation history. The sacrificial system, once required for atonement, was fulfilled in the perfect, sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death paid the penalty for sin, and His resurrection provided victory to death. Salvation is now possible only through a personal relationship with the risen Savior.

In all of ancient history, no event has been written about, examined, and discussed more than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The empty tomb remains the most significant evidence of God's power and promise. The angel's invitation to "Come, see the place where he lay" is not only an invitation to witness the truth: it is a call to believe.

 

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

Matthew 28:6 reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. Without the resurrection, Christian faith would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14), but with it, we are assured that Christ is who He claimed to be: the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

This truth demands a response. The resurrection is not merely an event to acknowledge; it is a reality to live by. Because He is risen, everything changes. Our sins can be forgiven, our guilt removed, and our eternity secured. We now live not for ourselves but for the One who died and rose again for us.

The angel's statement is also a personal invitation. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you responded to the truth of the resurrection by placing your faith in Him? Because of the resurrection, you can now have a new and eternal life.

 

Reflective Practice

1. How does the truth of Jesus' resurrection impact your daily life?
2. Have you fully embraced the reality that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ?
3. How can you live out the power of the resurrection through your words and actions?

 

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of the resurrection. Thank You that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again so that we might have eternal life. Help us to live in light of this truth, to share the hope of the resurrection with others, and to place our trust entirely in You. May our lives reflect the power and promise of the empty tomb. In Jesus' name, Amen.