When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Corinthians 15:54

Easter is the linchpin of the New Testament. Christmas without Easter would be just another sentimental story. Good Friday without Easter would be nothing more than a tragic miscarriage of justice. Pentecost without Easter would just be a bizarre event starting off another dubious religion. But Easter gives Christmas, Good Friday, and Pentecost a whole new meaning. It was no ordinary baby who was born to Mary, but rather God in human flesh who came to rescue us from the curse of sin by taking it on Himself. It was no mere political activist whose blood was shed on the cross, but rather the holy and righteous Son of God who shed His innocent blood in place of our guilty blood. His rising from the dead means that no power in heaven or on earth can successfully oppose Him. His church will flourish - is flourishing - in the power of the Spirit, and the gates of hell cannot withstand it. It will endure forever.

Easter is likewise the linchpin of the story of your life. The God who died for you did not stay dead. He rose from the dead in glory, and no power can successfully oppose Him. When the called and ordained servant of Christ says your sins are forgiven, they really are, because Christ is risen from the dead. When you pray for the Spirit's help in temptation, you receive it, because Christ is risen from the dead. And when your last hour comes and death has done its worst, you will nevertheless live forever, because Christ is risen from the dead.
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