“The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.” Luke 24:46-47 (NIV)
Repentance. If Jesus is alive, then repentance (real change from the inside) is possible. Jesus showed this by changing a twisted tax collector into a generous giver. If Jesus were still dead, that would not be possible, but if He is alive, then inner change is possible for you. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17).
Forgiveness. There is no greater expression of love than a readiness to forgive. God offers to wipe the slate clean of every sin you have ever committed. If Jesus were still dead, this would not be possible. But if He is alive, then God’s forgiveness is available to you.
Through Jesus Christ. God’s forgiveness flows to us because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Forgiveness is not God saying, “Let’s just forget about your sins.” If they don’t really matter, then there was nothing to forgive. The forgiveness of our sins involves healing real wounds and removing real alienation and guilt. All of this flows from the wounds of Jesus.
For all nations. The poor think Jesus is for the suburbs, and the middle classes feel that He is most needed in the city. Those who are young think Jesus is for older people, and those who are older think Jesus is good for our youth. When life is a mess you think Jesus is for those who have it all together, and when life is going well you think Jesus is for those who are a mess.
One of Satan’s greatest deceptions is to say: “This is not for you.” Take this in—Jesus can change you. God sent His Son into the world for you. Jesus died to bring you to God. He wants to fill you with His Spirit and lead you in the power of His risen life.
