He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6
He is risen. He is risen indeed!
This month we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus who has shown victory over death and the forces of evil. This is the essence of the Gospel. There are a couple different understandings of how salvation works. One of my favorite theologies of salvation is called Christ Victorious. It differs from the Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA). Both have merit and I believe both are involved in salvation.
I have always been drawn to Christ Victorious. Instead of focusing on our failures and violence, it focuses on the power and mercy of God in Jesus rising in the resurrection. In his resurrection, he shows that God is about ultimate power, life and love. It reaffirms Jesus promises of life. Jesus had to die to truly show us that death is not to be feared because Jesus has shown power over death and destruction. This has been especially important to me during times when I have felt rejected and defeated in life. I can look past the cross as a symbol of suffering but as a source of healing and power.
PSA was what I heard primarily in my childhood that focused on our sin and need for Jesus to take our punishment from God. It goes back to wiping out the corruption that came into the world by humans rebelling against God starting with the forbidden fruit in the Garden. We all rebel against God at some point that separates us from God. We think we know better than God what is good and right. We engage in behavior that is harmful to us and/or others. This rebellion is why the world is so violent. The problem I’ve always struggled with PSA is that it sounds cruel for God to need a sacrifice. As I’m aging, it is making more sense and that God shows mercy through a divine sacrifice. There are definitely times I need to be reminded of my own pride and need for God. The horrible suffering of Jesus shows what sin looks like and Jesus’ extreme love. Both theologies of salvation are about mercy, life and connection to God that had been lost.
As I’ve been looking at the anxiety of church decline in our society, I’m saddened that so many people have chosen to stay separated from God. Easter reminds me that we are connected in victory and power of a mighty God that loves us. We are joined together from a point of strength to help each other through the struggles that come along and reaching out positively to the wider community in assistance. This month will go quickly as Spring brings so much activity and new life. New life as trees bud and gardens sprout. New life as farmers tend to fields. New life as students get confirmed. New life as seniors look ahead at their next step after graduation. New life as the church pursues their search for their next pastor. Continue to pray for God to bring the right person to lead you into your new life as a congregation. Always remember he is risen. He is risen, indeed!
In Christ, Pastor Linda Molitor
