Each year at Easter, Christians talk with great joy about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Why do we make such a big deal about these events? The primary reason is because we have a problem called sin. Even non-Christians readily admit to the infamous phrase, “nobody’s perfect,” therefore concluding exactly what the Bible says in Romans 3:23 (ESV), “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

If we have all fallen short of God’s standard, how can a holy and perfect God be in relationship with us? He cannot simply excuse our sin; to do so would be like a judge allowing a murderer to go free because the murderer apologized. Justice does not exist in either scenario. The Bible explicitly defines the penalty for sin: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 ESV)

The Biblical reality is each of us deserves death because of our sin. However, God loves us so much He sent His only Son to die in our place, to take on our sin and its penalty. Jesus, God in flesh, was betrayed, falsely arrested, slaughtered, and killed. The process was brutal and barbaric, and it was all done for you and me.

The Apostle Paul stated it this way in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin…” God’s entire wrath towards our sin was poured out upon Jesus, who willingly sacrificed His life for us. The one sinless person who has ever lived was the only sufficient sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath. The way Jesus took our punishment has been accurately described as “the beautiful exchange.”

Why would Jesus take on our sin and pay our penalty? Paul stated the reason very well in the second part of 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): “…so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus exchanged His righteousness for our sinfulness so we may stand righteous before a holy God. When God views us who believe in His son, He sees the perfection, holiness, and righteousness of Jesus. We have become the righteousness of God through Jesus.

Yet many of us miss the wonderful opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at Easter because of two problems. The first problem is a Friday problem in that we believe Jesus’ death on that Friday long ago was not necessary. We have this idea that we (and maybe all people) are intrinsically good. We spend an inordinate amount of time focused on how we are good, how we are right, and how we are beautiful. Isn’t that the vast majority of the content on social media? Because of this thinking, we routinely elevate ourselves above everything and everybody, including God Himself. Most of us would probably never verbally make this claim, but we don’t have to because our actions speak louder than our words.

The second problem is a Sunday problem. We believe Jesus’ resurrection on that Sunday long ago was not enough to overcome our sin. We become overwhelmed by our sin and allow it to define us, finding ourselves caught in a trap of self-pity, which is just as deadly as elevating ourselves above God. Jesus paid the full cost of our sin on the cross. He finished the work. He did not say “It is finished” with the idea there was more work to be done by you or me to achieve righteousness in God’s sight. Jesus’ death and resurrection are of utmost importance because sin was conquered and death was defeated. No matter what you’ve been through, and what you might be going through, God has graciously given us a way out, a way around and a way through, His name is JESUS! Choose to make a quality decision that you will invite Jesus to become your personal Lord and Savior, let Him transform, change and resurrect your life as only He can!

-Written by Thadd McElreath

Want to invite Jesus to Resurrect your life? If so, join us in this simple prayer! Dear Jesus, Happy Easter! Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I want the resurrected life that you can give me if I choose to invite you in my life to become my personal Lord and Savior. I willingly lay down any idols, false gods, wrong paths, inappropriate associations and relationships, any unhealthy addictions and lustful desires, however I cannot do this in my own strength, I will need the strength that you provide to those who surrender their lives and their way to you. I firmly decide to repent of my past waywardness and I want to follow you. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness in your name I ask and Pray – Amen!