R.I.S.E.

Easter is rapidly approaching. Many people think of Christmas as such, but Easter truly is the High Holy Day of Christianity. Many other religions have a leader who was born on a certain date, but we are the only ones who have a Savior who arose from the grave! In Him, we too should “R.I.S.E.”

Jesus is our Righteousness. I Corinthians 1:30 (KJV) “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. …” Man can never achieve a level of righteousness on his own that is acceptable to God. By accepting Christ as Savior, man receives the righteousness of Christ as a part of his new nature, and (in Christ) becomes acceptable.

Jesus is our Intercessor. Hebrews 7:25 (KJV) “Wherefore 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.” It is a great comfort for a Christian to know that the Lord Himself is interceding on our behalf. Jesus is our Great High Priest. He knows the trials that we endure, having lived as a man on Earth.

Jesus is our Savior. Acts 4:12 (KJV) “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Other religions have man striving for perfection, trying desperately to reach an infinite god through religious practices. Man cannot ever become “perfect enough” for and absolutely perfect God. God had to reach down to man. It was the only way that man could be in relationship with God. God created us to have a relationship with Him. That is our purpose.Through Jesus’ shed, blood, that way, to salvation was made available, but it is the only way! We must come to the Father through the Son.

Jesus is our Eternal Security. John 10:27-30 (KJV) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” Some people worry that they might inadvertently “fall from grace” and lose their salvation. Scripture is clear that once a sinner is saved, and is in the hand of God, no man can pluck them out. I cannot pluck even pluck myself out! No man … not even me … that security is priceless to this preacher!

Knowing that Jesus is your savior is the way to rise. Have you asked Him into your heart, confessed your sin to Him and trusted Him to save your soul? I hope so, but if you have questions about it, feel free to contact me at 254-3223. I’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.

Dr. Curtiss P. Davis

Pastor of First Christian Church of Sidney