“But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.“
Romans 8:10-11
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When I was a kid, Christmas was my favorite holiday. Who doesn’t enjoy pretty decorations, festive music, good food, and getting a bunch of presents? Easter seemed less flashy. Maybe because my upbringing was heavily influenced by my family’s Latin American culture, Easter was free from many of the American cultural trappings. There was no Easter bunny, no eggs to decorate or search for. It was a much simpler celebration.
But as I grew older, my perspective shifted. While I still cherish Christmas, Easter has taken on a special significance. If at one point in my life I thought it a bit lackluster compared to Christmas festivities, I have come to realize that it is the most exciting holiday of all. On Easter, we celebrate Christ’s death and miraculous resurrection on our behalf. We rejoice in the eternal life we have in Him.
In Romans 8:10-11, we see what Christ’s resurrection means for us as believers. The very same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is now alive in us! Even though our bodies are still affected by sin and will decay and one day die, when we turn to Jesus as Savior, His Spirit comes to dwell in us and makes us new on the inside. While we were once dead in our sins, we are now made alive in Christ; one day even our very bodies will be transformed. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we will live with Him forever!
That is definitely worth celebrating.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- What does Christ’s resurrection mean for us as believers?
- What does it mean to be made alive in Christ?
- How does Romans 8:10-11 give you hope?
Church Reading Plan: Proverbs 28; 2 Thessalonians 2