The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are the most debated, contested, and polarizing events in human history. It divides our calendar, volumes have been written about it, and over two billion people alive today claim it as the truth. It’s not my intent to debate the events because this writer believes the evidence clearly merits belief in them. I want to call your attention to the absolutely glorious moment that awaits every believer when the trumpet sounds and we shall meet Him in the air. Empty Tomb – Blessed Hope
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this, we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:14
I would have loved to see the look on the face of the women who went to the tomb early Sunday morning. The look of complete devastation was replaced by a nervous perplexity, then hope as the “men” in brilliant white clothes told them, “He is not here…He has Risen!”
Jesus is different in every way and His resurrection is the central point of the ages. He alone demands exclusivity. He tells us there is no other way to God (the Father) except through Him. He told His followers what would happen to Him when He went to Jerusalem. He was betrayed, mocked, beaten, crucified, buried, resurrected, and ascended into Heaven, Just as He promised. The tomb is empty and try as they may, the skeptics will never find a body, He is alive forever.
Every sect and religion in the world promises hope or bliss for the hereafter. Some view death as the next step and put faith in reincarnation, inhalation, or simply nothing. Some people choose to ignore death but the fact remains. Death is the ultimate statistic, 10 out of 10 will die.
People put their hope in falsehood, lies, and deceptive teachings. The facts speak for themselves: Buddha is dead, Mohamed is dead, Confucius is dead, Joseph Smith is dead, and each would be (christ) is dead or will die.
You can’t burn enough incense, repeat enough chants, visit enough shrines, or be good enough to earn eternal life and please God.
The sad truth is that all of the sects and religions of the world that promise eternal life and heaven without Jesus are lies. Jesus’ own words make it very clear that everyone must decide what to do with His offer of salvation. He can be rejected as a 1st-century historical figure or he can be trusted and embraced by faith as a savior. Take a look at what the Apostle Paul has to say:
Romans 10:9 because you will be saved if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved.
Because Jesus rose from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of God in heaven, we can be certain he will return for us as he promised.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Friends, if Jesus is your Lord, you have an amazing future. Because Jesus rose from the tomb and conquered death, he will do the same for us. At the trumpet sound whether alive on Earth or dead in Christ, we will meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever. No one else could promise such a thing, only Jesus could, and His invitation to follow Him is still open today. He has power over death, hell, and the grave. If you don’t know Him and haven’t trusted Him as your Savior, please call out to Him. He is able to forgive every sin and give you a clean heart. If you would like more information on what it means to follow Jesus, please email us and we will be happy to help you.
As we celebrate His Resurrection day, let us do so in complete joy and confidence because his tomb is empty!
To learn more about eternal life through Jesus click here: Are You Saved?
All for Him,
Howard
