By Pastor Doug Stauffer
A Living Reality, Not Just a Historical Event
On Resurrection Day (a.k.a. Easter), we don’t just remember an event from 2,000 years ago—we celebrate a victorious Saviour with a life-changing truth that continues transforming hearts and lives today! Jesus Christ’s resurrection is the cornerstone of faith, distinguishing biblical Christianity from all others. Every religious leader who has ever lived remains in the grave, but Jesus Christ rose from the grave and lives today!
Because He lives, believers can live victoriously! The resurrection is not merely a historical fact—it is the power of God that empowers one to live triumphantly over sin, trials, and death itself. Paul declared: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
Victory Over Sin, Death and the Grave
When Jesus rose from the dead, it marked the most significant event in human history! Satan believed he had won. The Pharisees thought they had silenced the one they most feared. The Roman guards assumed their duty was fulfilled. But early that Sunday morning, the stone was rolled away, and Jesus emerged victorious! The Bible tells us: “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him” (Romans 6:9).
Death couldn’t hold Him. The grave couldn’t keep Him. Sin couldn’t defeat Him. And because He won, we win! Before the resurrection, sin carried a penalty, and that penalty was death. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).
Of course, people still die after the resurrection, but the soul’s destination is no longer a mystery. The resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantees that all who place their faith in Him will have eternal life in heaven, while those who reject Him will face an eternity without escape.
Jesus Himself declared: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).
Physical death is inevitable, but the resurrection ensures that for believers, death is not the end—it is the beginning of eternity in the presence of God. For the believer, death is merely a transition into eternal life with Christ. The resurrection proves that Jesus has conquered the grave, securing heaven for those who trust in Him.
The Resurrection Gives Us Power for Daily Victory
Some view the resurrection as a past event, with no discernible effect on their lives today. But the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in every believer! “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11).
That means we don’t have to live in defeat!
When temptation comes, we can resist it through Christ (1 Corinthians 10:13).
When we stumble, we can rise again in His grace (Proverbs 24:16).
When we feel weak, His Spirit gives us strength to overcome (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The resurrection is not just a past event, it is our present power!
The Resurrection Gives Us Hope in Troubled Times
We live in a world filled with wars, disease, financial struggles, and uncertainty. But Jesus told us: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Because of the resurrection, we have a living hope. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
No matter what happens in this world, our hope is not in politics, the economy or anything temporary. Our hope is in the risen Christ!
Conclusion: Are You Living in Resurrection Power?
Matthew 28:6 says: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Are you experiencing resurrection power?
If you are a believer, are you embracing the victory that Christ has already won for you?
If you do not know Christ, the empty tomb calls you to salvation!
Because He is risen, we can live in victory every single day. Let’s stop living as if we serve a dead Saviour and start walking in the power of the risen Lord!
He is risen! Amen!
Dr. Doug Stauffer is pastor of Faith Independent Baptist Church. He was saved July 6, 1980, in Niceville, while stationed at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base and has now been in the ministry for over 35 years.
