After Easter, I have processed the concept of redemption and what the resurrection means to me personally. "Redemption" is defined as the action of being saved from sin, error or evil. The amazing thing about the resurrection is that its power never changes. God’s saving grace means the same thing to me as it did to the people back on that day when Christ died on the cross, and it will continue to mean the same thing for all generations to come.
Through Christ’s resurrection, death has lost its sting and we are given the promise of salvation. Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences. Before God came to the world we were full of sin. After Adam bit into the apple, human nature was in a fallen state and no earthly power could free us from the sin and oppression we were shackled to. Jesus taking his life on the cross freed us from these shackles. "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" - Isaiah 53:5. Have you ever not wanted to take accountability for a punishment you feel you didn’t deserve? Now imagine doing that for all of mankind. Jesus didn’t need to be freed from sin; he was infallible. Christ chose to die for us so that we may find life in through him.
When Jesus conquered death, light overcame darkness. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it" - Matthew 4:6. Imagine that your standing in a pitch black room and someone turns on a flashlight. Regardless the darkness of the room, the light always finds a way to penetrate the darkness. The same applies for our life. Regardless of how many times we mess up and sin, the redemption of God saves us and shines through the darkness.
So how does the resurrection apply to a college student in today’s society? Through Christ's death, we are always given second chances. Our guilt transforms into peace, our regret transforms to relief, and our despair transforms into hope. Each and every day, regardless of the mistakes you made during the weekend or throughout the week, we are given the opportunity to wipe our slate clean. This type of forgiveness is unfathomable to even try to comprehend. Now choosing to accept redemption is our part in Christ’s salvation plan. It is a gift that was freely given to humanity, however it requires our acknowledgment. By acknowledging that Christ conquered death, we are thrown into a community of believers who also accept God’s saving power. Regardless if you have been raised a Christian your entire life, or are in your 20s and are just deciding to begin your walk with Christ, it is never too late to begin your journey. God’s redemption never has an expiration date, and he is constantly inviting us to accept it. For some of you who are reading this, this may just be a good reminder after Easter that it extends beyond the Easter egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. For others, I hope this ignites a conversation or a longing to find out more about redemption.
