I watched the film, “The Passion of the Christ”,
I have researched the historical life of Jesus Christ and arrive at these conclusions.
America’s enemies, wherever they are, hate the United States because of the Christian cross and all it means. If there was no preaching in our land on the reason for the cross and what it accomplished, much of the world would only nod in our direction and pass us by.
The cross has become an offense to the sinful and ungodly living of our world. It stands as a sharp rebuke to all the adultery, lying, abortion, drunkenness, gambling, drugs, debauchery and murdering of our day. The cross clearly teaches that we cannot disobey the Ten Commandments, plus the ones given by Jesus, and totally disregard his classic sermon on the mountain which we call “The Beatitudes” and not pay an everlasting penalty for our sin.
No human being is capable of any payment that will make up for all the disobedience he has committed. Sin has placed its ugly hand upon the heart and life of every human who has ever lived. Had it not been for the power of the cross and Christ’s resurrection, we would all live and die in our sins without any hope of forgiveness and eternal life.
Do not fear that someone will find a tomb somewhere with the bones of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, in it. Neither He nor His bones are in any tomb. He came out of the grave and 40 days later ascended into heaven and took all of His bones with him.
Hundreds of witnesses saw him after his death and resurrection. It is the supreme fact of history that will stand the most grueling test in any courtroom. Those who wrote about his life and return to heaven did so within 60 years or less of his death. They wrote eyewitness accounts. Their message was not one of hearsay or seesay. They heard and saw for themselves and then wrote about it. This was no guesswork. They wrote from what they had experienced.
Scientists and theologians testify to the authenticity of all that Jesus did and said. He did everything He promised He would do. Everything about Him was real and right. I met the man, General Charles “Chuck” Yeager, from neighboring Lincoln County, who first flew faster than the speed of sound. Jesus flew faster and higher on his return flight to his eternal home.
The English scholar, John Stott, states: “The good news is that Christ is now risen. Hallelujah!” Commenting on Acts 1:9, “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight” (NIV), Stott adds: “Five times in this very brief account, Luke stressed that the ascension took place, visibly and was verified by eye-witnesses” (Through The Bible Through the Year, Baker Books). A tremendous book for learning minds.
The Bible also has these words: “He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19, NKJV). It is that simple. He went up to heaven just like He promised.
That is why Christians the world over celebrate Easter as the most wonderful day of the entire year. To that we can only say one word that is spoken the same way in every language of the world to help describe it. That word is HALLELUJAH! He is risen indeed! HALLELUJAH!
The crucifixion before Easter and the hallelujah after Easter.
Publisher's Note: Bill Ellis
Award Winning Syndicated Columnist
P. O. Box 345
Scott Depot, WV 25560
304-757-6089
