Beyond the Cross: The Power of Easter and the Death of Jesus
By Justin Pratt, Clear Springs Baptist Church Senior Pastor
It’s Easter—one of the most wonderful times of the year! Easter is often seen as a celebration of resurrection, but the significance of the resurrection goes far beyond the grave. Jesus’s death was a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, and Easter invites us to reflect on the transformative impact of what a resurrected and living Jesus means.
Jesus’ resurrection was not only a victory over death but also a powerful reminder of hope, renewal and the promise of eternal life. This historical event reshapes our understanding of suffering, grace and redemption, offering a message of triumph that transcends time and circumstance. In this way, Easter is not just a historical event; it is a living testament to the power of God’s love and the victory of life over death.
We often overlook the connection between the Easter narrative and the book of Revelation. However, there is one powerful verse in the first chapter that John writes while on the Isle of Patmos, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Revelation 1:18 states, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” This statement carries immense significance. The fact that Jesus holds the keys to hell and death indicates His supreme authority. It underscores His victory over death and the grave.
On that first Easter morning, when Jesus took control of these keys, He triumphed not only over sin and its consequences but also secured eternal life for all who believe in Him. A living Savior means the chains of hell have been broken, and redemption and hope are available to all of humanity. Death is no longer a force that enslaves; it is now subject to the authority of Christ, who has the power to release anyone who is bound by death.
It’s important to remember that we are a death-sentenced generation living in a dying world. The Bible clearly states that “it is appointed unto all men once to die,” as “the wages of sin is death.” We cannot ignore the fact that none of us will be here forever. Each of us will walk through the valley of the shadow of death sooner or later. I know this may not be an uplifting thought, but have you considered what makes this hard truth more bearable? Only a living Christ!
When the earth shook and the stone that sealed His borrowed tomb was rolled away, Jesus emerged from the grave with the ring that held the keys of death, hell, and the grave. This one glorious truth gives us transformative hope in the face of this harsh reality.
Is there an answer to the curse of death that has haunted every person since Adam? Do we have any hope beyond the grave? Yes! His name is Jesus Christ. On the very first Easter morning, He emerged victorious from the tomb, defeating the devil and his demons in the process. This is our assurance and our hope. Death cannot prevail because our Redeemer is alive.
I hope you are reminded this Easter of the power of what happened beyond the cross. I would like to conclude with the words of Robert Lowry, which many have sung since 1874:
Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior.
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord.
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes.
He arose a victor from the dark domain
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose, He arose, Hallelujah, Christ Arose.
