During a time when many hearts are filled with fear caused by a tiny microbe, how can I know hope reigns eternal. For as I paused to consider the true meaning of Easter, I realized there are 4 reasons that I know He is Risen. And it is because Jesus Christ rose from the dead, hope reigns eternal within my heart. Regardless of what happens today or tomorrow upon this earth or within my life, I know whom my Savior is and what is my destiny. He rose from the dead and with the same power, I will one day rise from the dead to be with Him. But it is not just a hope for one day, the truth is as Ephesians 2 proclaims, I am already seated with Him in heavenly places endowed with every spiritual blessing.
Like the old hymn Doug Oldham sang, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” I do not fear the coronavirus. No, I am not behaving foolishly or being careless. Instead I take all the precautions. However, I am not afraid; because I know if God permits this virus to attack my mortal body, He has a plan for good for me. I far more fear the microbial sins that attack my mind or heart because they keep me from resting fully in Him. Doubts, bitter thoughts, a heart that does not love or sacrifice like His. Those are the things that I would fear more. Not for fear of losing my salvation. Rather my fellowship with Him at times is in jeopardy.
Of a certainty, I know I have seen many parts of my sin nature slain over the years. But the more I know Him and His righteousness, the more acutely I know how far short I fall.
4 Reasons I know He is Risen
As I presented in detail during the previous post, I know Jesus Christ, God incarnate died on the cross in my place and He is risen. There is no other event in history more precisely detailed and attested to by secular historians of His day as well as the Bible. But I contest there are these 4 major proofs of that fact.
- Old Testament Prophecy was completely fulfilled in this one person, Jesus Christ from His birth to His ascension. Much of those proofs I presented for you in my previous post- We Worship A Risen Lord-Foretold in Scripture.
- The testimony of the Witnesses is the second proof. That I have detailed in the past in a post called, How to Defend the truth: Jesus Christ is Risen!
- The transformation of the disciples. These men went from frightened, weak followers who groveled at who would be the most important in the earthly kingdom of Christ to those willing to lay down their lives defending a gospel that no one in their time would choose were it not true. After all they did not present some hero who overthrew the Roman army. Instead they presented a humble shepherd who willingly died a shameful death on a cross that they might be saved. A sacrificial lamb who then rose victoriously from the grave to ascend into heaven awaiting the final moment when He would return to reign victoriously on earth. Meanwhile He awaits all who would come to Him in faith.
- Finally, I believe because of the transformation that I know and feel within my own heart every day that I live. I know He lives because Hope reigns eternal in my heart. There is no other explanation for the hope I feel.
Hope Reigns
How is it that hope reigns eternal within me? Or that I know an abiding steadfast joy that nothing on earth can destroy? It is because I know whom my Savior is. His Holy Spirit indwells me reminding who I truly am in Christ Jesus. He abides in me and draws me ever closer to abide in His presence. Sometimes it has been great trials, pains, sorrows, and grief that drew me closer to Him; but after all He himself was a man of great sorrows. Who for the “joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).
He loved even though I was a sinner deserving of His wrath. He pursued me into the darkest recesses I ran at times and He never gave up on me when my heart would rebel against His will. Ever faithful, He step by step has been transforming my heart. That is a miracle within itself. He has kept His promise to hold fast to me, regardless.
So like the Apostle Paul, “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). And during the years I came to write in the margins, “not even me.” For He has never left me through the years.
Concluding thought:
Those are the 4 reasons I know He is risen and hope reigns eternal. So, my question is: Do you know Him? Do you have joy, peace, and love overflowing within you? Or are you burdened by anger, sorrow, and grief? Know this: He is risen and hope reigns eternal for all who know Him as Savior and Lord! Will you come to know Him today?
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10).
He stands ready to forgive you of all your sins. And, amazingly, to clothe you in His righteousness. Therein, you might have eternal life in Him and newness of life now. A life where joy remains steadfast and hope reigns eternal. Just ask Him in today.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Previously
Books Available
If you want to know more about books I have written,then, click on this link to my Book Resources.
Another option is going to Amazon.com. Because, there you can find my books by searching for Effie Darlene Barba. Or click this link to be taken there
Furthermore, for inspirational photos or home decor click here.
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
credits:
Photo by Chris Henry on Unsplash