To make a difference, something must have meaning. To make a difference something must matter. In the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ that we celebrate at Easter, we find both.

We serve a Risen Savior. As a living, risen Savior, Jesus has overcome both death and hell. Overcoming death and hell, Jesus offers the free gift of eternal salvation from our sin. In offering salvation to us, Jesus pursues a personal, love relationship with us.

The resurrection of Jesus makes an eternal, abundant difference in our lives. Let’s consider three things the resurrection means and three reasons the resurrection matters.

The resurrection means Jesus is who he claimed to be. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life,” (John 11:25). Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except through me,” (John 14:6). Jesus proved he is who he said by what he did. We establish a relationship with God through Jesus.

The resurrection means Jesus has the power he claims to have. Jesus said, “All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me,” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus said of his life, “I have the authority to lay it down…” (John 10:18). Jesus laid down his life to pay the price for our sins and rose victorious three days later.

The resurrection means Jesus does what he promises to do. It was said of Jesus, “On the third day he will rise again,” (Luke 18:33). It was true of Jesus, as the angel at the empty tomb said, “He is risen. Just as he said,” (Matthew 28:6). Jesus did what he said in his own death; he will certainly do what he says in our lives.

The resurrection matters because my past can be forgiven. The Bible says Jesus, “died for us while we were still sinners,” (Romans 5:8). The Bible says of our sins, “…there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1). No matter what we have done, God will forgive us through Jesus.

The resurrection matters because my present problems can be handled. The Bible says of Jesus, “his incomparably great power” is at work in us (Ephesians 1:19). The Bible says of Christ followers, “I can do all things through” Jesus (Philippians 4:13). Christ followers have supernatural power available to them to handle every situation we might face.

The resurrection matters because my future can be secure. The Bible says, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know” Jesus (John 17:3). The Bible says, "In his great mercy," God has given us, "new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3). Jesus changes the eternity of those who trust him for salvation.

If you have never committed your life to Jesus as your personal Savior, then you can do that right now. Your past will be forgiven. Your present problems will be handled. Your future will be secure. It’s your decision. Don’t delay.

To learn more about a personal, love relationship with Jesus as your Savior, talk to a Christ follower you know or contact me directly .

Photo credit: Becky Jansen, This Day of Resurrection 2015, Southview Baptist Church, Lincoln, Nebraska. Outline adaptation: Rick Warren, with permission.