The Ex-Catholic Journal
Greetings!

Greetings in Christ on this blessed Resurrection Sunday. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!
  

It is easy to forget what we are celebrating today, with all the easter candy, bunnies, easter bonnets, etc. On Good Friday, we celebrate the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, our Passover Lamb - for the forgiveness of our sins. But today? What is so important about the resurrection?

 

Victory! Today is our celebration of Jesus' victory over death. Today is our celebration that Jesus, on this Jewish festival of First Fruits, is proof positive of our future resurrection and victory as well. He is the First Fruit, an offering that was acceptable to God the Father. We too have been accepted in Christ. The Resurrection is proof positive - Jesus was raised because of our justification! Rom. 4:25

 

Today we also celebrate the power of the Resurrection. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was declared the Son of God (Rom. 1:4). We too receive this power, the power of a new life in Christ.

 

And let us not forget that Jesus lives! He lives to make intercession for us as we struggle in our daily lives. He was raised, and is even now seated at God's right hand. He is the great mediator of our salvation, our Alpha and Omega. All praise be to Him!

 

But let us also remember those who celebrate amiss - such as Catholics who do not understand the sufficiency of Jesus' death and resurrection. Today my sister came over to visit after Easter Mass. She had in her hand bottled water - it was handed out to everyone upon entering the sanctuary. Many in the congregation consumed the water during the liturgy, or gave it to their children to drink. After the Mass, the priest advised his parishioners that this was holy water, a sacramental that is used to help them achieve their salvation. Please pray for salvation for those held in superstition and the bondage of false religion.  


In Christ,

 

Dale Rudiger
The Ex-Catholic Journal