Over 500 eye witness accounts, an unbelievable taking of the Roman empire by storm and two centuries of changed lives bear witness to the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. But what good does that do you? Christ may have conquered death, but will you?

We live in a death denying culture, desperately trying to live as if death will never come. "Don't talk about it. Pretend that things will always be this way." "Look forward to the fun things you want to do." "Don't be morbid. "But one day cancer will knock at your door or Alzheimer's or an accident or a heart attack and this life will be over. Will you be ready to face death?

The Bible says, "man is destined to die once, and after that, to face the judgment." It also says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That means each of us are in a precarious situation. Sinning means that we have broken God's laws, that we haven't lived up to His standards. If you've ever told a lie, you've sinned. If you ever wanted something that was someone else's, you've sinned. If you've ever gone to bed with some one who you weren't married to, you've sinned. If you've ever said "God damn it" or "Jesus Christ" in a moment of anger, you've sinned. If you've ever cursed your parents or dishonored them, you've sinned. The Bible says, "the wages of sin is death." The fact that all people die is a clear indication of God's deep displeasure towards sin. How will you escape the judgement of God?

The Good News is that God has provided a way of escape. The Bible says "God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." What this means is that God has sent His own Son as a substitute to take the punishment for the sin of others. All those who put their trust in Christ will experience forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live even though he dies." How do you put your faith in Christ?

Eternal life and forgiveness is a gift. It cannot be bought by faithfully going to church or giving money to good causes or by trying to be a good person or punishing yourself for past sins. True faith is not saying some magical words but it is a deep heartfelt dependence on Jesus Christ, surrendering your will to His and believing that He alone can save you. You can never win God's love or escape His judgment by your own efforts. It is Christ and His work alone that make eternal life possible. If you long for forgiveness and eternal life, you must turn from your sins and throw yourself on Christ's mercy, knowing that because He is both God and man, He is the perfect savior. He promises to save all those who call out to Him. "For My Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." Jesus Christ conquered death and so can you!