He is risen.  He is risen, indeed.  Alleluia!!!

Easter is a celebration of the Gospel, particularly in the face of the unbelief of the world.  It is our way of celebrating the truth that Paul stated, also in 1 Corinthians, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.  For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive.  But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, then comes the end, when He delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.

Nothing expresses our faith like Easter.  The death of the Son of God for us, and on our behalf, which concludes in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ending the power of death to keep anyone dead fills the believer with holy joy.  Our sins are forgiven.  God is now on our side, that is, He loves us and has our well-being and life in mind whenever He deals with us.  The resurrection of Jesus proves there is a resurrection and it is for all who believe that Jesus died for them.  Jesus has taken the Law with all of its demands out of the way and off of our shoulders, and simply poured out life everlasting upon us all.  The God-ordained organ for grasping and receiving the forgiveness and life is faith.  "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved."

Friends, we are all free in Christ, and we will live in eternity beyond sickness, sorrow, pain, and death!  This is what Easter assures us.  The reality of this good news, and of its import, is overwhelming.  Live in the knowledge that Jesus has take away your sins.  He died for that reason.  How do we know?  There is Easter!!