Easter...something of most importance!

So it’s now the time leading up to Easter, this is the time where Christians are called to remember the death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and what all of that means for our lives. Doing this is something that Paul in 1 Corinthians calls “most important”. Considering 75% of Christian teaching in the New Testament comes from Paul you would think we might pay a bit of attention to him. Yet it has come to my attention that, even for me personally, I spend more time waiting for Christmas and all that comes with that season. I find this funny because as I’ve been recently looking more into the cross, death and resurrection I’ve found out that many times in the bible we’re asked to remember Christ’s death until the day he returns however not once in the bible are we asked to remember the birth of Jesus! Crazy right!

I’m not going to give you a big theology lesson on the cross and explain why it had to be that way and what it does mean to you. However if you’re interested I strongly recommend that you go to http://www.thevillagechurch.net/resources/sermons/#series-sort_the-cross and listen to Matt Chandlers series on the cross it made me view the topic in a very new and real way and made me see for the first time what Paul was talking about and it really is most important.

All I am going to say on this topic is that for a long long time I thought it was what I did that made God love me and secured my salvation and relationship with him. I ended up getting so frustrated with myself because I couldn't seem to live up to this “Christian life” that I was meant to have. I’ve been starting to realise over this past year that I don’t have to do, how can I when it’s already done! As Jesus himself said, “It is finished!” So I can be truly happy, free and joyful in the fact that my justification before God does not come from my own doing. Not in saying the right thing, doing the right thing, not in going to church, not in not swearing and not getting drunk but because of CHRIST! It is grace that sets us free and grace alone. It is a gift that is no-where near deserved but given out of the purest form of love from the author of love himself. As Matt Chandler says “It is the resurrection of Christ that justifies!” All the wrath that was meant for us was taken out on him; it’s all gone! Now all he sees when he looks at us is blameless, guilt free sons and daughters and there is nothing that can separate us from his love. (Read more about this in Romans 8! I have completely fallen in love with this chapter of the bible.) The best thing is we didn't do anything, so all the glory goes to God as it should be!

I could go on as there is sooooo much more amazing stuff that I have learned about this topic but I think even that alone is enough to make it worthy of our attention, especially at this time of year, and for it to be not just remembered but celebrated!

So, this year maybe spend time with family and friends, eat chocolate (I know I will be) but most of all do something to remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. Maybes read about it in a bible or listen to the sermons I suggested or even watch the Passion of the Christ whatever you do don’t let this time pass by like any other. We are called to remember it and it is what is most important.

Happy Easter everyone!
Helen xoxo