Lent - Part 5

Lent is a season based on a religious custom that is often observed by practitioners of the Catholic Church. Its intention is for practitioners to draw closer to God, primarily through fasting and abstinence of red meat. Ironically, many of them choose to focus on the sacrifice that Jesus made with His body and life unto death by crucifixion. Instead, they should focus on life which was exhibited by Jesus on the Day of Resurrection. In this part, we will discuss the resurrection of Jesus and the role of the believer unto salvation.

The Scriptures
As it is written in the scriptures, Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:33-34; John 19:17-18), and then died (Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 19:30). He was later buried in a tomb (Matthew 27:59-60; Mark 15:45-46; Luke 23:52-53; John 19:38-42). However, the beauty of the matter is that Jesus did not remain in a tomb, He rose from the dead with life (Matthew 28:6-7; Mark 16:6-7; Luke 24:5-7; John 20:14-17). Furthermore, Jesus was seen by the apostles for forty days and spoke with them with regards to the "kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3)!
 
In summary, Jesus died after being crucified. Through His crucifixion, Jesus became "the Lamb of God" (John 1:29) by bearing upon Himself the sins of humankind, but also dying in their place; once and for all (1 John 2:2). Yet because He was innocent and without sin (Hebrews 4:14-15), Jesus conquered death (Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 1:18) and now lives eternally (Romans 6:23).

Jesus is Salvation
As in the days of Jesus, sinners still have the opportunity to accept the gift of eternal life. All that God the Father requests from a person is their admittance of sin within their heart and that they confess it (1 John1:9). However, such a confession must be made with a belief (Romans 10:9-10) unto His son, Jesus, as both their Savior and Lord in order to receive forgiveness. Although these few and simple steps are not always easy to do, the Holy Spirit plays a role in helping a person fulfill this requirement to become whole in Jesus (John 14:15-17; 16:8).

Existing believers who abide in Jesus are not immune from sin; it will find a way to get into their hearts through the flesh (Romans 7:15). However, in order to go back into wholeness within Jesus, a person has to call out to the Holy Spirit and receive his help in identifying, confessing and repenting of sin. It is with the help of the Holy Spirit that a believer can continue to maintain a healthy relationship with Jesus and God the Father (Romans 8:1).

In closing, although Easter Sunday was originally set by the Catholic Church as the closure of Lent season, it is more appropriate to call this day Resurrection Day.  It is truly a day of commemorating the power of Jesus to conquer death and its bondage of sin. Furthermore, Jesus also gives humankind the opportunity to receive the gift of eternal life through Him. Amen.