A New Way of Living

Last Sunday in churches around the world Christians united their voices in singing, “Christ the Lord is risen today!” The resurrection of Jesus Christ is certainly an event worthy of celebration. It assures those who put their trust in Jesus that death is not the end—there is life beyond this present reality. The hope of resurrection comforts those who have lost loved ones with the promise that they will be reunited some day.

Fully devoted followers of Christ recognize that this extraordinary, unique and unparalleled event offers much more than just the promise of life after death. It opens the possibility to a completely new way of life here and now. That is what John tries to make plain to the community of believers when he writes his first letter to the church.

John wants those who have put their trust in Christ to know that through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God has opened the possibility of a transformed relationship with God and with one another. They no longer need to live in fear that God is going to punish them for the things they have done wrong. God wants them to experience the joy of authentic fellowship.

John also recognizes how tenuous this fellowship can seem in the midst of the struggles, trials and temptations of life day by day. He reminds them that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is offered to them as they seek to live lives that reflect the character of their savior. Indeed, it is the love of God—fully expressed in the sacrifice of Christ—that makes it possible for them to live a holy life.

For John this is more than an intellectual argument or a philosophical proposition. It is a message rooted in his direct experience with Jesus—the same Jesus he heard teach with authority; he saw heal the sick, the blind and the lame; he embraced with his own arms and touched with his hands. While the truth he shares concerns eternity, he wants those entrusted to his care to know that this truth has profound implications for their current situation.

This is such an important idea that we are going to take the next few weeks—this whole period between Easter and Pentecost—to consider this message John delivers to the church. As we begin let me invite you to read the whole letter (it’s only five short chapters) as if it were addressed personally to you. I pray that we may all discover a deeper confidence that will enable us to live more boldly for our risen Lord!