In the past century, the average life expectancy in the United States has risen by more than 25 years. But despite our phenomenal medical breakthroughs, death is still our greatest enemy, the inescapable last fact of life.

But there is hope. The good news of Easter is that there is life after death! Jesus Christ overcame death nearly 2,000 years ago, as the Bible states:“Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures . . . he was buried . . . he was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

But Christ’s resurrection is more than just historical fact or theological doctrine. It is God’s personal invitation of eternal life to you and me.

On the cross of Calvary, Jesus Christ suffered and died in our place so that we would not have to face God’s judgment for our sins. And on that first Easter morning he was raised to new life—God’s seal of approval that Christ has paid for our sins in full. That enables those who believe Christ died in their place to be “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3)!

This Easter Jesus Christ offers you salvation and new life. Through faith in him you can join the countless millions who have believed his promise: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36). Have you received this good news of Easter? “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11–12). 

Admit to God that you need his forgiveness and salvation. Turn from trusting in anything else for eternal life and trust only in Christ. Today you can place your trust in the resurrected Christ and receive salvation—this is certainly good news!

You may want to express your trust in the offer of forgiveness and eternal life this way: 

Dear Jesus, I do believe you died in my place so my sins can be forgiven. I also believe that you rose again so that I can have eternal life. Thank you for loving me so much to make this possible! Amen.