Cause and Effect

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”

1 Peter 1:3

A cause-effect relationship is a relationship in which one event (the cause) makes another event happen (the effect). In studying 1 Peter we learn quickly how the cause of Christ has multiple positive effects upon our lives. First and foremost, coming to Jesus Christ and receiving Him as Savior and Lord has an immediate effect upon our lives in that when we are Born Again, we are made alive from the dead. And because of the resurrection of Jesus we have a “living hope” that does not fade away. It can’t fade away because its alive! You could stop right there and be satisfied for life but it doesn’t end there.

The cause of Christ doesn’t end with a “living hope.” Jesus resurrection effects our lives by providing for us a “present power.” God provides for you and me all the strength we need to persevere, to hang in there and not give up because we are not left powerless but powerful. Think about this today. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is also working mightily in us the apostle Paul reminds us. What could be better than a living hope and a present power you might be thinking about now?

The third effect Peter speaks of that is caused by the resurrection of Jesus to those who believe is a “rejoicing love.” The resurrection of Jesus is all the proof we need that God’s love for us never dies and that knowledge provides for us the quiet assurance and confidence we need to face the difficult days we all must face. We don’t just have to go through life, we can grow through it as everything that happens is all part of a bigger plan. Since God is love and everything He does in our lives is motivated by His love, we rest in it knowing all things work together for good to them that love God and are loved by Him.

Since death doesn’t get the final say the apostle Paul could write with full assurance of heart, “what can separate us from the love of God?” The answer is nothing because Jesus lives! You are loved with an everlasting love and the resurrection is all the proof we need. It’s why we say, “Easter Changes Everything”. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is our cause for celebration every day and not just on Easter Sunday! No matter what you face today loved one, remember that because of Jesus and your hope and faith and trust in Him you have all you need to win the day. You have a living hope, a present power and a rejoicing love all caused by the resurrection of Jesus to effect everything you think and say and do today. In Jesus name!


“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

1 Peter 2:9
 

I LOVE YOU!

Michael Osthimer

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