Good morning,
Life and death are an inevitable part of the life cycle.
Two men, Enoch and Elisha, never died, but went directly to heaven.
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5)
“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11)
These men were born naturally. Walked the earth physically. Supernaturally taken by God to heaven. They never returned to earth.
Jesus had a supernatural birth, spiritual walk on earth, and an unremarkable death. Many men died in those days by crucifixion. What set Jesus apart was who He was, why He came, what His death stood for, and the fact that He was dead, buried, in the grave, and God resurrected Him. Then God allowed Jesus to be seen by over five hundred people over a period of forty days.
The resurrection changed everything. God sent His sinless Son, the perfect flawless Lamb, to pay the sin debt of sinful, wicked, vile, men. The blood of the perfect Lamb, Jesus, was shed at Christ’s crucifixion, as the onetime payment for the sins of all mankind. He then died and was buried and placed in a borrowed tomb. But the grave could not hold Him!
The resurrection brings life. Just as Jesus rose on the third day, we who trust in Jesus, also have a new life. He reconciled us to Himself. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
Man is a sinner in need of a Savior. Only those who call upon Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, can be saved. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
There is only one way to Jesus. “Jesus saith unto to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Have you been reconciled to Jesus? Are your sins forgiven through His blood? Have you ever trusted Him to be your personal Lord and Savior? He is calling you today.
If you have questions, would like to talk, or need to know how to trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior, call me.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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