Gospel Hope: Devotions From Time of GraceÖrnek

The Gospel Makes Us Optimists

“Why do you look for the living among the dead,” the Easter angels inquired of some sad and fearful women who had come early to the mausoleum to embalm a corpse. “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:5,6).

Easter changes everything. It is the triumph of life over death, forgiveness over condemnation, heaven over hell, and Christ over Satan. It is unchangeable, irreversible, and forever beyond the reach of Satan to alter or sabotage. It is done! Satan is done! It is finished! Satan is finished!

That means that all things really do work together for the good of those who love God. That means that we win in the end, no matter what we have to go through now. That means all believers are essentially optimists, since the outcome of everything has already been determined to be victory.

So? “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). What a great message and great vibe to bring to the world. Every Christian congregation every week can be a place of celebration, where through faith in Christ we can join His victory lap, arms raised up high in triumph. Every Christian congregation every week can be a place of healing, where sad and hurting and beaten-down mortals can find peace and love and hope. Rejoice always, fellow optimists!