Because He Lives
Text: Revelation 1:4-18 (KJV) 4John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. 9I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. In addition, he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Revelation 1:4-18 (AMP) 4John to the seven assemblies (churches) that are in Asia: May grace (God’s unmerited favor) be granted to you and spiritual peace (the peace of Christ’s kingdom) from Him Who is and Who was and Who is to come, and from the seven Spirits [the sevenfold Holy Spirit] before His throne, 5And from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead [first to be brought back to life] and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood, 6And formed us into a kingdom (a royal race), priests to His God and Father--to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it). 7Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth shall gaze upon Him and beat their breasts and mourn and lament over Him. Even so [must it be]. Amen (so be it). 8I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord God, He Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty (the Ruler of all). 9I, John, your brother and companion (sharer and participator) with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patient endurance [which are] in Jesus Christ, was on the isle called Patmos, [banished] on account of [my witnessing to] the Word of God and the testimony (the proof, the evidence) for Jesus Christ. 10I was in the Spirit [rapt in His power] on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a great voice like the calling of a war trumpet, 11Saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. Write promptly what you see (your vision) in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia--to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea. 12Then I turned to see [whose was] the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lamp stands, 13And in the midst of the lamp stands [One] like a Son of Man, clothed with a robe which reached to His feet and with a girdle of gold about His breast. 14His head and His hair were white like white wool, [as white] as snow, and His eyes [flashed] like a flame of fire. 15His feet glowed like burnished (bright) bronze as it is refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 16In His right hand He held seven stars, and from His mouth there came forth a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full power at midday. 17When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if dead. But He laid His right hand on me and said, Do not be afraid! I am the First and the Last, 18And the Ever-living One [I am living in the eternity of the eternities]. I died, but see, I am alive forevermore; and I possess the keys of death and Hades (the realm of the dead).
Revelation 1:4-18 (NASB) 4John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood-- 6and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father--to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. 8"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." 9I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11saying, "Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea." 12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lamp stands; 13and in the middle of the lamp stands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. 14His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 16In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. 17When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.
Introduction: Today is Easter. Easter is the day God’s people set aside to celebrate the resurrection of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. Someone has said, “Christmas is the Promise, and Easter is the Proof.” Many today have no idea at all what they are celebrating. For many it will never cross their minds to consider the great sacrifice the LORD paid that we all might be saved. They never consider the fact He died for our sins and was resurrected, giving us proof that He was who He had claimed He was-God’s Son. For many today, this is just a day set aside on their calendars, to live their selfish lives camping, picnicking, hunting Easter eggs, etc.
Nevertheless, Easter is a day that is set aside so the whole world can stop and realize what Christ has done. Nowhere in Scripture are we told to set aside a day to commemorate this special day. However, Christians throughout the centuries have set aside this special day because of what it means to us. The word EASTER is found only once in our Bibles. In Acts 12:4, we read, (KJV) “4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” (AMP) “4And when he had seized [Peter], he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of soldiers of four each to guard him, purposing after the Passover to bring him forth to the people.” (NASB) “4When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people.”
The word EASTER actually comes from “Eastre,” an Anglo-Saxon name of a Teutonic goddess of spring fertility. Since Easter is a celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection, you would think there would not be room for paganism. However, Easter is one of the holidays most intertwined with pagan symbolism and ritual. Many of the customs that have been embraced in connection of Easter, even among Christians, came from pagan traditions.
Many of the customs today that accompany Easter have come from pagan societies. Often the Church has been influenced by the lost world. It is a great tragedy that the lost world has not been more influenced by the Church.
Easter Bunny
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Easter? As Christians, the first image that comes to our minds might be the cross or the empty tomb. For the general public, a blitz of media images and merchandise on store shelves makes it more likely that the Easter Bunny comes to mind. So how did a rabbit distributing eggs become a part of Easter?
There are several reasons for the rabbit, or hare, to be associated with Easter, all of which come through pagan celebrations or beliefs. The most obvious is the hare’s fertility. Easter comes during spring and celebrates new life. The Christian meaning of new life through Christ and a general emphasis on new life are different, but the two gradually merged. Any animals – like the hare – that produced many offspring were easy to include.
The hare is also an ancient symbol for the moon. The date of Easter depends on the moon. This may have helped the hare to be absorbed into Easter celebrations.
The hare or rabbit’s burrow helped the animal’s adoption as part of Easter celebrations. Believers saw the rabbit coming out of its underground home as a symbol for Jesus coming out of the tomb. Perhaps this was another case of taking a pre-existing symbol and giving it Christian meaning.
The Easter hare came to America with German immigrants, and the hare’s role passed to the common American rabbit. Originally, children made nests for the rabbit in hats, bonnets, or fancy paper boxes, rather than the baskets of today. Once the children finished their nests, they put them in a secluded spot to keep from frightening the shy rabbit. The appealing nests full of colored eggs probably helped the customs to spread.
Back in Southern Germany, the first pastry and candy Easter bunnies became popular at the beginning of the nineteenth century. This custom also crossed the Atlantic, and children still eat candy rabbits – particularly chocolate ones – at Easter.
Easter Eggs
Next to the Easter bunny, the most familiar symbol is the Easter egg. Like others, the egg has a long pre-Christian history. Again, there is no certainty as to why it became associated with Easter.
Many Ancient cultures viewed eggs as a symbol of life. Hindus, Egyptians, Persians, and Phoenicians believed the world begun with an enormous egg. The Persians, Greeks, and Chinese gave gifts of eggs during spring festivals in celebration of new life all around them. Other sources say people ate dyed eggs at spring festivals in Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome. In ancient Druid lore, the eggs of serpents were sacred and stood for life.
Early Christians looked at the connection eggs had to life and decided eggs could be a part of their celebration of Christ’s resurrection. In addition, in some areas, eggs were forbidden during Lent; therefore, they were a delicacy at Easter. Since many of the earlier customs were Eastern in origin, some speculate that early missionaries or knights of the Crusade may have been responsible for bringing the tradition to the West.
In the fourth century, people presented eggs in church to be blessed and sprinkled with holy water. By the twelfth century, the Benedictio Ovorum had been introduced authorizing the special use of eggs on the holy days of Easter. The timing of this blessing would uphold the idea that Crusaders may have brought the tradition back. Even though eggs had been used previously, the Crusaders may have made the custom more popular and widespread.
In 1290, Edward I of England recorded a purchase of 450 eggs to be colored or covered with gold leaf. He then gave the eggs to members of the royal household.
Once the custom became accepted, new traditions began to grow up around it. Eggs were dyed red for joy, and in memory of Christ’s blood. Egg rolling contests came to America from England, possibly as a reminder of the stone being rolled away.
What about the familiar Easter egg hunt? One source suggested that it grew out of the tradition of German children searching for hidden pretzels during the Easter season. Since children were hiding nests for the Easter Bunny to fill with eggs at the same time they were hunting pretzels, it was only a small leap to begin hiding eggs instead.
However, let us today, Easter, remember what this day is all about. It is not about eggs, bunnies, chicks, but Easter is about the RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST! That is what we ought to get excited about! Revelation 1:18 says, (KJV) “18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
I want us to think on this subject, “Because He Lives!” Today, being Easter, let us see four blessings we enjoy “Because He Lives!”
I. We have a know so salvation.
A. 2nd Timothy 1:12 declares, (KJV) “12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (AMP) “12And this is why I am suffering as I do. Still I am not ashamed, for I know (perceive, have knowledge of, and am acquainted with) Him Whom I have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on), and I am [positively] persuaded that He is able to guard and keep that which has been entrusted to me and which I have committed [to Him] until that day.” (NASB) “12For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”
B. Sins burdens are lifted by our faith in Jesus Christ.
1. Matthew 11:28-30 reads, (KJV) “28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (AMP) “28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] 29Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
30For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” (NASB) “28"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."” (NLT) “28Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."”
a. All ye that labor and are heavy laden— There can be no doubt, however, that he meant here chiefly to address the poor, lost, ruined sinner: the man “burdened” with a consciousness of his transgressions, trembling at his danger, and seeking deliverance. For such there is relief. Christ tells them to come to him, to believe in him, and to trust him, and him only, for salvation. Doing this, he will give them rest—rest from their sins, from the alarms of conscience, from the terrors of the law, and from the fears of eternal death .
b. My yoke is easy —That is, the services that I shall require are easily rendered. They are not burdensome, like all other systems of religion. Therefore, the Christian always finds them. In coming to him there is “a peace which passeth all understanding;” in believing in him, “joy”; in following him “through evil and good report,” a comfort “which the world giveth not”; in bearing trials and in persecution, “the hope of glory;” and in keeping his commandments, great reward .
C. Sins pollution is removed.
1. 1st John 1:9 says, (KJV) “9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (AMP) “9If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (NASB) “9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
a. If we confess our sins—Pardon in the Scriptures, always supposes that there is confession, and there is no promise that it will be imparted unless a full acknowledgment has been made .
b. He is faithful—to his promises. He will do what he has assured us he will do in remitting them .
c. And just to forgive us our sins—the word “just” here cannot be used in a strict and proper sense, since the forgiveness of sins is never an act of justice, but is an act of mercy. If it were an act of justice it could be demanded or enforced, and that is the same as to say that it is not forgiveness, for in that case there could have been no sin to be pardoned. However, the word “just” is often used in a larger sense, as denoting upright, equitable, acting properly in the circumstances of the case, etc. Here the word may be used in one of the following senses: .
1. Either as referring to his general excellence of character, or his disposition to do what is proper; that is, he is one who will act in every way as becomes God; or ,
2. That he will be just in the sense that he will be true to his promises; or that, since he has promised to pardon sinners, he will be found faithfully to adhere to those engagements; or perhaps ,
3. That he will be just to his Son in the covenant of redemption, since, now that an atonement has been made by him, and a way has been opened through his sufferings by which God can consistently pardon, and with a view and an understanding that he might and would pardon, it would be an act of injustice to him if he did not pardon those who believe on him .
4. Viewed in either aspect, we may have the fullest assurance that God is ready to pardon us if we exercise true repentance and faith. No one can come to God without finding him ready to do all that is appropriate for a God to do in pardoning transgressors; no one who will not, in fact, receive forgiveness if he repents, and believes, and makes confession; no one who will not find that God is just to his Son in the covenant of redemption, in pardoning and saving all who put their trust in the merits of his sacrifice .
d. And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness—by forgiving all that is past, treating us as if we were righteous, and ultimately by removing all the stains of guilt from the soul .
C. Sin’s conqueror is enthroned in our hearts and lives.
1. 1st John 5:9-11 reads, (KJV) “9If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (AMP) “9If we accept [as we do] the testimony of men [if we are willing to take human authority], the testimony of God is greater (of stronger authority), for this is the testimony of God, even the witness which He has borne regarding His Son. 10He who believes in the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] has the testimony [possesses this divine attestation] within himself. He who does not believe God [in this way] has made Him out to be and represented Him as a liar, because he has not believed (put his faith in, adhered to, and relied on) the evidence (the testimony) that God has borne regarding His Son. 11And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (NASB) “9If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (NLT) “9Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. 10All who believe in the Son of God know that this is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son. 11And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
a. Who could have imagined that God’s plan, God’s desire, was to have his Son, Jesus Christ, live in the hearts of all who believe in HIM. Christ is all we need! We are made full in HIM, and that is all that is needed!
b. Galatians 2:20 declares, (KJV) “20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (AMP) “20I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (NASB) “20"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
2. Christ lives in me-this is my reason for my living and my hope for the future.
II. We have daily intercession.
A. Hebrews 7:22-28 says, (KJV) “22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” (AMP) “22In keeping with [the oath’s greater strength and force], Jesus has become the Guarantee of a better (stronger) agreement [a more excellent and more advantageous covenant]. 23[Again, the former successive line of priests] was made up of many, because they were each prevented by death from continuing [perpetually in office]; 24But He holds His priesthood unchangeably, because He lives on forever. 25Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. 26[Here is] the High Priest [perfectly adapted] to our needs, as was fitting--holy, blameless, unstained by sin, separated from sinners, and exalted higher than the heavens. 27He has no day by day necessity, as [do each of these other] high priests, to offer sacrifice first of all for his own [personal] sins and then for those of the people, because He [met all the requirements] once for all when He brought Himself [as a sacrifice] which He offered up. 28For the Law sets up men in their weakness [frail, sinful, dying human beings] as high priests, but the word of [God’s] oath, which [was spoken later] after the institution of the Law, [chooses and appoints as priest One Whose appointment is complete and permanent], a Son Who has been made perfect forever.” (NASB) “22so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.” (NLT) “22Because of God’s oath, it is Jesus who guarantees the effectiveness of this better covenant. 23Another difference is that there were many priests under the old system. When one priest died, another had to take his place. 24But Jesus remains a priest forever; his priesthood will never end. 25Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf. 26He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has now been set apart from sinners, and he has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. 27He does not need to offer sacrifices every day like the other high priests. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he sacrificed himself on the cross. 28Those who were high priests under the Law of Moses were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made perfect forever.”
1. V25 says, “….seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” As our High Priest, Christ is our advocate, the mediator between God and us.
2. The Old Testament High Priest went before God once a year to plead for the forgiveness of the nation’s sins; Christ makes perpetual intercession before God for us.
3. The priesthood was as good as the man, and the man did not last forever.
4. But Christ lives to die no more! He has an unchanging priesthood because He lives by the power of an endless life. He “continues forever” to make intercession for God’s people and thus is able to save them “to the uttermost”
B. We have experienced intercession.
1. Hebrews 4:15 reads, (KJV) “15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (AMP) “15For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.” (NASB) “15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” (NLT) “15This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.”
a. Jesus is like us because He has experienced every kind of temptation we experience today. Nevertheless, He is different because, although He was tempted, He never sinned. Jesus is the only human being who has ever lived without committing sin. Now in heaven, He completely understands our weaknesses and temptations and offers forgiveness.
C. We have effective intercession.
1. Hebrews 4:16 declares, (KJV) “16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (AMP) “16Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” (NASB) “16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (NLT) “16So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.”
a. When times of testing, trial, or tribulation come; we need to turn to the throne of Grace for the help that Jesus Christ alone can give.
b. Many times, we become discouraged and say, “It is impossible for us to go on! We simply don’t have what it takes!”
c. Of course, we do not! No believer has strength enough to cross the Jordan and conquer the enemy alone!
d. But, we have a great High Priest who has mercy and “grace to help in the nick of time!” (That is the literal meaning of v16).
e. When we come to Him, we come to a throne of Grace, not a throne of judgment; and He meets us, talks to us, and strengthens us.
D. We have enduring intercession.
1. Hebrews 7:25 reads, (KJV) “25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (AMP) “25Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.” (NASB) “25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (NLT) “25Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf.”
2. Psalm 65:2 says, (KJV) “2O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.”
a. This world prays to gods who cannot hear, but we pray to a God who hears and answers prayer!
III. We have daily companionship.
A. Hebrews 13:5 says, (KJV) “5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (AMP) “5Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (NASB) “5Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"” (NLT) “5Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you."”
B. We have encouraging companionship.
1. Deuteronomy 31:6 reads, (KJV) “6Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (AMP) “6Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” (NASB) “6"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."” (NLT) “6Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you."”
a. As Moses spoke these words of encouragement to the Israelites and Joshua, he reminded them that the same God who had led them out of Egypt and in the wilderness would also lead them to the Promised Land.
b. What an encouragement it is for us to know that we are serving a Living LORD who is always there to encourage us along life’s way!
C. We have endearing companionship.
1. 2nd Peter 3:18 says, (KJV) “18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” (AMP) “18But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)!” (NASB) “18but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (NLT) “18But grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be all glory and honor, both now and forevermore. Amen.”
2. 1st John 4:19 says, (KJV) “19We love him, because he first loved us.”
3. The scriptures admonish us to grow in grace and in knowledge. This knowledge is not merely that of the Bible, it is knowledge of Christ through the Bible. We must come to know Him better.
a. It is possible, unfortunately, to grow in knowledge (have Bible truth in our heads) and never grow in grace (show Bible truth in our lives).
b. We should learn and live the Word.
c. How do we grow in grace and in knowledge? By daily walking with the LORD.
D. We have exalting companionship.
1. 1st Peter 5:6 reads, (KJV) “6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (AMP) “6Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.” (NASB) “6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” (NLT) “6So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you.”
2. The more we humble ourselves to His LORDSHIP in our lives the more He exalts us.
a. We often worry about our position and status, hoping we will get proper recognition for what we do.
b. But, Peter advises us to remember that God’s recognition counts more than human praise.
c. God is able and willing to bless us according to His own timing.
d. Obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in His good time-either in this life or in the next-he will lift you up.
IV. We have no fear of tomorrow.
A. Proverbs 27:1 reads, (KJV) “1Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (AMP) “1DO NOT boast of [yourself and] tomorrow, for you know not what a day may bring forth.”
1. God has not promised any of us tomorrow.
2. Although, we do not know about tomorrow, when we know Him who holds tomorrow we can face it without fear!
B. We have no fear of tomorrow’s experiences.
1. Romans 8:28 tells us, (KJV) “28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (AMP) “28We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.”
2. God works out all things-not just isolated incidents-for our good.
a. This does not mean all that happens to us is good.
b. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn it around for our long-range good.
3. Note that God is not working to make us happy, but to fulfill His purpose.
a. It can only be claimed by those who love God and are fitting into God’s plans.
b. Such people have a new perspective, a new mindset on life.
c. They trust in God, not in life’s treasures; they look to their security in heaven, not on earth; they learn to accept pain and persecution on earth, not resent it, because it brings them closer to God.
C. We have no fear of tomorrow’s enemies.
1. 1st John 4:4 states, (KJV) “4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (AMP) “4Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.”
2. Satan is going to throw as many temptations, as many trials, and as many troubles at us as he can.
3. But we must not fear “because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” My God is greater than anything is! All I must do is trust in HIM!
D. We have no fear of tomorrow’s ending.
1. Philippians 1:21 reads, (KJV) “21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (AMP) “21For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity].”
2. Revelation 1:18 says, (KJV) “18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
3. John 11:25 says, (KJV) “25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (AMP) “25Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live.”
4. If you are born again by the Grace of Almighty God, you have nothing to fear when it comes to the end of life’s way.
5. As Paul wrote those words in Philippians 1:21, He realized that life meant developing eternal values and telling others about Christ, who alone can help us see life from an eternal perspective.
6. Paul could confidently say that dying would be even better than living, because in death he would be spared from the troubles of the world and see Christ face to face.
7. If you are not ready to die, then you are not ready to live.
8. Once you know your eternal purpose, then you are free to serve devoting your life to what really counts without fear of dying.
Conclusion: BECAUSE HE LIVES: 1) We have a Know-So Salvation, 2) We have daily intercession, 3) We have daily companionship, and 4) We have no fear of tomorrow.
If I were to ask you to describe Easter without using any words, you could only use punctuation marks, which punctuation mark would you choose to describe this Easter for yourself. Maybe this Easter is a comma for you. It makes you stop, pause, think, and listen, but that is about it. Perhaps today is a downer-a big bold period. You thought you would feel excited, but instead it seems to be more like empty ritual. You feel like you are not on the inside, but on the outside…an onlooker.
It was a day when life felt like a period for Jesus’ disciples. He was dead. He was buried, an end to expectations. However, wait-news of an empty tomb...the period is no longer a period, it is a question mark. That is worse than a period. Now they are beginning to doubt, where is He? They are perplexed. The guards are gone and the stone is rolled away. He is not here. Moreover, if not there, where?
An angel speaks, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was in Galilee, saying, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and how He must be crucified, and the third day He must rise again.” Of course, they remembered! The periods are gone. The question marks are removed. There is one massive exclamation point! That is what Easter is all about…an exclamation of gratitude and of praise for the resurrection of Jesus Christ and for the Salvation His victory over death brought to us.
The Resurrection is God’s Amen to Christ’s statement “It is finished.”
