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This weekend Christians around the world will gather to
commemorate the death of Christ and celebrate His resurrection. The
Easter events are the most crucial teachings of Christianity because if
Jesus really did not rise from the dead – if the story of the
resurrection is just something the disciples made up to save face – then
Jesus would be either a pathetic madman or a chronic liar. In either
case, he would be a questionable fellow to follow at least.
But
if Jesus really did rise from the dead, it is the greatest event of all
times and confirms the rest of his teachings.
Many
people have a hard time accepting the resurrection of Christ because
they feel they do not have absolute proof. They say, "I cannot be a born
again Christian because I am not sure it’s true."
Perhaps the real question to ask oneself is this, "Am I sure it is NOT
true?" Very few decisions in life are based on being absolutely sure.
Business decisions, marriage, travel, even planting a garden all involve
a certain risk.
Wise
decisions are based upon weighing the probability and rewards of being
right against the consequences of a different choice or of doing
nothing.
Blaise Pascal, the famous 17th century mathematician, was
once asked why he trusted in Christ for eternal life. He replied, "Let’s
assume that I am wrong and there is no life hereafter – then I have lost
nothing. On the other hand, let’s assume I am right and there is life
hereafter, then I have gained everything."
In
other words, instead of waiting until they are 100 percent sure that
Jesus is right, people need to ask themselves, "Am I all that sure that
he was wrong?"
Jesus either rose from the dead or he did not. The Easter story of
Christ’s resurrection is either an interesting fictional account or the
greatest event ever told. Wise people weigh the likelihood of the
evidence and the consequences of their decision and then act even if
they are not 100 percent sure. To fail to act is to reject the message
completely.
The
Bible asks some intriguing questions. None is more thought provoking
than this: "How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"
(Hebrews 2:3). In other words, if we do not trust in Christ for
salvation, what or who are we trusting in?
If
you have seen the movie "The Passion of the Christ" I hope that it left
more than just a passing impression. Think about it. Jesus suffered and
died because he loves us. If he loves us that much, we can trust him. If
we trust him, we will want to get to know him.
I hope you will celebrate Easter by attending church this weekend. It
could be the start of a meaningful and happy journey of faith.
Paul Jetter, Upper Valley Community Church |
