As we talk about the resurrection of Jesus Christ this Easter Sunday, many of us will turn our thoughts to life beyond the grave. After all, if the resurrection of Jesus Christ point to any one truth, it is that there is life beyond the grave. To put it another way, death is not the end. Now, if this is true (and it is true), then the resurrection of Jesus Christ has eternal implications for every living soul.
First, all people will be raised. Jesus Himself said, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out – those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned” (John 5:28-29). Second, all people will be judged. The Bible says, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Third, all people will be divided into one of two groups. The Bible says, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). Fourth, all people must make a decision. The Bible says, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Moreover, the Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
Our decision to follow Christ will not only decide our eternal destiny but also shape our life here on earth today. As that song goes, “Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives all fear is gone; because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.”
