This Easter

This Easter,

Your Death, Burial, and Resurrection?

Of all the times of Christian celebrations, spring is the time of the year that is most significant and the most meaningful. The whole basis of our faith is the death, burial, and resurrection of our Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:2-7 reads: How shall we who ^(B)died to sin still live in it? ³Or do you not know that all of us who have been ^(C)baptized into ^(D)Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? ⁴Therefore we have been ^(E)buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was ^(F)raised from the dead through the ^(G)glory of the Father, so we too might walk in ^(H)newness of life. ⁵For ^(I)if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, ⁶knowing this, that our ^(J)old self was ^(K)crucified with Him, in order that our ^(L)body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; ⁷for ^(M)he who has died is freed from sin.

What is interesting, is that we all know the story of Jesus dying, being buried, and then His resurrection on the third day. What many fail to comprehend, is that God’s plan for salvation of men and women is based upon our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

First, we must die to sin. No one is perfect. God understands this when He tells us in His Word in Romans 3:23: for all ^(N)have sinned and fall short of the glory of God 1John 3:5 says: You know that He ^(O)appeared in order to ^(P)take away sins; and ^(Q)in Him there is no sin. We must die to sin, ask forgiveness and repent, if we are to identify with Christ, the One who has no sin.

Second, if we have died to sin, then we have buried the sinful nature. This burial is symbolized by the immersion in Water Baptism. Acts 2:38 says: ^(R)Repent, and each of you be ^(S)baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 says: ^(T)He saved us, ^(U)not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but ^(V)according to His mercy, by the ^(W)washing of regeneration and ^(X)renewing by the Holy Spirit. I’m sure you remember the account of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. By being baptized you are further identifying with Christ. The physical act of baptism is an outward act, indicating an inner change. It is generally regarded by most Christians that the physical act of baptism will not be the actual point of salvation, as the Scriptures tell us that we cannot be saved by works alone. Too many men try to work their way to Heaven. The gift of salvation is free. However, it must be received.

Third, when we die to sin, have buried the sinful nature, and have taken Jesus into our hearts, we are resurrected with Him. In John 3:7, Jesus says, "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' You cannot inherit the spiritual realm of Heaven until you have that spiritual resurrection of being born from above. How could one be saved and happy unless his inner nature and heart was at one with God? Ask yourself, “Is my inner nature and heart at one with God?” If there is any question in your mind, then you are challenged to make a change. A sinful nature must be transformed by death, burial, and resurrection, if we are to be at peace during this life and to spend eternity with Him.

This can all be accomplished by a simple prayer and a willingness to allow God to transform your life. Wouldn’t it be great to say during this Easter season, “I have been resurrected with Jesus?”

Please pray, "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have been separated from You. I ask forgiveness of my sins. I repent and accept this gift of repentance. I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus is my savior and died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I receive Jesus into my heart and ask Him to become the center of my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

If you have prayed this and truly mean it in your heart, please give us a call or email.

Many blessings,

Tom and Kathy

www.messiahsmessengers.org or email: tprovenz@comcast.net - phone: 239-267-8641

PS. Please join us on March 27^th at 8AM for the Bikers’ Semi-Sunrise Easter Service at Corkscrew Country Store.

Cross references (if you received this over the Internet, click on the scripture desired for full text):

A. Romans 6:2 : Luke 20:16; Rom 6:15

B. Romans 6:2 : Rom 6:11; 7:4, 6; Gal 2:19; Col 2:20; 3:3; 1 Pet 2:24

C. Romans 6:3 : Matt 28:19

D. Romans 6:3 : Acts 2:38; 8:16; 19:5; Gal 3:27

E. Romans 6:4 : Col 2:12

F. Romans 6:4 : Acts 2:24; Rom 6:9