On Easter morning, Christians
all over the world greet one another by saying, “He
is Risen.” The response: “He
is Risen, Indeed!” These words are a joyful
affirmation of the basic message of Christianity: God
wins! Death has been conquered, sin has been forgiven,
the reconciliation of a broken humanity with a holy God
has been accomplished, darkness has been overcome by light,
and fear is replaced by hope. All these phrases add up
to one word, so often misunderstood: Grace.
Almost everyone has heard the
song, “Amazing Grace,” and most people know
some of the words. The song was written by John Newton,
sea captain and slave trader. He wrote it after an experience
he had while at sea. The ship was being tossed by a terrible
storm and he thought all was lost. He cried out, “Lord,
have mercy upon us.” Now, it must be known that
John was not a religious man. Like many, he had some church
instruction as a young child, but had long since left
it behind. This prayer came from the long-buried memories
of his Christian education, and it was a prayer of desperation.
What is so “amazing” about this grace is that
God, long neglected in the life of Newton, answered it.
Newton himself recognized this day as a day of conversion—a
day of returning to God. His life did not change overnight,
but over a number of years he moved deeper into the transformation
of a grace-infused life. Those who have been touched by
grace are given the great privilege of touching others
in the same way.
Grace: it is the offer of forgiveness,
reconciliation, peace, wholeness, life. It’s a miracle
word and can pave the way for a miracle world: a world
where hope and goodness really do triumph over despair
and hate. Easter is the day set aside to especially remember
that victory. On Easter, we sing with all enthusiasm:
Up
from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
