“The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.”
Christ the Lord is risen today, sons of men and angels say. Raise your joys and triumphs high; sing, ye heavens and Earth reply.”
By the cross we, too, are crucified with Christ; but alive in Christ. We are no more rebels, but servants; no more servants, but sons! The man with a cross no longer controls his destiny; he lost control when he picked up his cross. That cross immediately became to him an all-absorbing interest, an overwhelming interference. No matter what he may desire to do, there is but one thing he can do; that is, move on toward the place of crucifixion.
The entire universe exists to display the greatness of the glory of the grace of God. I might have said more simply that the entire universe exists to display the greatness of the glory of God. That would be true. But the Bible is more specific. The glory of God shines most brightly, most fully, most beautifully in the manifestation of the glory of his grace. Therefore, this is the ultimate aim and the final explanation of all things including suffering.
With what Christ did for us on the Cross we have been granted Access and confidence. When Jesus dies, finishing his work, the curtain of the temple is torn from top to bottom. This is the curtain that would have separated the most intimate and special place in the entire temple, the Most Holy Place. In the temple system, the High Priest was only allowed in once a year to this place, and when he did go in, he had to bring a sin offering for the guilt of the people. What Jesus accomplished on the cross, depicted vividly in the tearing of the curtain, ripped wide open the way to God, the way to experiencing the presence of the real, living God through His Son Jesus. What does that mean for us?
Because of the finished suffering of Jesus, because the curtain is now torn wide open, we can draw near to the God of the universe with confidence! Not sheepishly. Not sulking. Not unsure of his love for us. We draw near with confidence to receive grace, whenever we need it, TODAY. The curtain is still open. Are you anxious? Come close. Are you worn-out? This way. Are you grieving? Enter in. Do you need help? Head straight up to the throne, dear friend. Because of Jesus, by faith in Him, you are welcome in the palace of the high King, no longer as a stranger or an enemy, but as a son, as a daughter!
Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.