Assurances of the Resurrection

Pastor Jose V. Velasco

    Easter is one of the great celebrated days among Christians. It commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this reflection we want to consider few assurances that the resurrection promises.

   One is eternal life. We all ask with Job, “If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:14). Most people believe that when one dies he continues to live in some ways. A few do not have any specific idea of what happens after death. Others think that after death a person just dissipates to nothingness. People get their ideas about life after death from dreams, superstitions and near death experiences (NDE). Christians base their ideas mainly on the Bible. Our ultimate guarantee for eternal life is Jesus’ resurrection. Before He left His disciples He assured and promised them, “Because I live, you also will live” (Jn. 14:19). Divinely inspired Paul said, “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also” (1 Cor. 6:14). The living Lord is the guarantee of our resurrection and eternal life.

   Two is Christ’s abiding presence with us. These are Jesus’ promises to His followers: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them’ (Mt. 18:20); “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mt. 28:20); “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (Jn. 14:18). What do we expect from His abiding presence? We can trust that in our various struggles and trials in life He is there to strengthen and empower us. Paul said, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13). That does not mean that all our problems will be solved as we expect. But in our stormy lives He supplies us with guidance, patience, endurance, and hope.  He is also our protector. To encourage Paul in his ministry in Corinth the Lord spoke to him in a vision one night saying, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you . . .” (1 Cor. 18:9-10). Of course, there are times when God allows calamities,

pains, and even death to come to us. But nothing can separate us from His love. Even death will just bring us home to be with God in eternity. 

   Three is peace and joy. In two occasions Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace be with you!” (Jn. 20:19b, 26b). Peace here does not mean the absence of problems and troubles. It means an inner composure or tranquility in spite of problems and troubles. Peace comes when we have the certainty that the God who loves and cares is consistently with us. Joy is that feeling or mood of well-being and delight. It consequently accompanies peace.

   These are some of our great experiences when we have welcomed into our lives the risen and living Lord. So if you are not yet sure that Jesus Christ is in your life you may invite and welcome Him right now with this prayer:

Prayer: 

     Our Lord and Living Christ, I open my heart unto you. Forgive and cleanse me of all my sins. Thank you for all your rich promises. May these promises be real in my life. For your glory and in the Name of Christ, our Living Lord I pray. Amen.