He Is Alive!
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
He is dead. As the sun set that bloody Friday in Jerusalem, the news is breaking: He is dead. As the murderous mob began to disperse, with unsettling satisfaction they together declare: He is dead. As a grieving mother, family, and friends, follow the slain body to the tomb, the closing of the tomb seals the news: He is dead.
As the sun dawns on Saturday and Sabbath rituals commence across the city, a new norm sets in: He is dead. As the disciples cloister for Sabbath rest, bewildered by that last week and fearful about the coming week, they grapple with the news: He is dead. As the Pharisees and Sadducees smugly gather together relieved, they reassure one another of the news: He is dead.
As the sun dawns on Sunday, marking a new day and week, the women proceed towards the tomb with embalming spices that testify to the news: He is dead. But as they draw near, they suddenly hear a discordant note pierce this symphony of death: He is alive. From angelic lips and an empty tomb, the news is certain: He is alive.
He is alive. The greatest news the world has ever heard. Is it good news for you? Is this news of amazing grace a sweet sound for you? 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 reminds us that the gospel was, is, and will always be good news for you.
The Gospel Was Good News for You
In 1 Corinthians 15:1, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the gospel “which you received.” This is past tense – reminding us that this news was once unbelievably good news to us. Do you remember the day when at last you saw Christ for who He was? Do you remember the joy of forgiveness? Do you remember the weight of grace in your life? Today spend some time reflecting on and thanking God for saving you.
The Gospel Is Good News for You
But the gospel was not just good news in the past. The Apostle Paul continues explaining the gospel as not just good news we received in the past, but as good news “in which we stand.” That is, you need the gospel today. You need a daily reminder that you stand justified before a holy God thanks to Jesus not yourself. You need a reminder that you cannot earn you way to heaven. In days of uncertainty and seasons of suffering, you need the hope that only the gospel can bring: Jesus saves, Jesus saves, Jesus saves.
The Gospel Will Always Be Good News for You
Take hope, the gospel will never wear off. It will always be good news for you. Indeed, on the final day, when we stand in judgment before our Maker, our only hope will be the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will not be able to commend to God anything we have done in our lives. Our hand will be empty. Our sole hope will that Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves. In short, we’ll plead the gospel that day. What mercy! Take heart, brother and sister: He is alive. Therefore, we, who were one dead in our sins, are now alive in Him.
