Why the Forgiven Don’t Have to Fear
By Rick Warren
“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!” 1 Peter 1:3-4 (The Message)
Fear is nothing new. It’s been with us from the very beginning!
In the Garden of Eden, Adam hid from God and said, “I was afraid.” Humans have been living in fear of God and each other ever since.
Fear is based on ignorance. That means truth is the only cure—and truth can only be found in God’s Word.
Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter gives you five truths for overcoming fear in your life. Yesterday, I shared the first two:
- You know Jesus tells you the truth.
- You know death isn’t the end.
Third, you know God loves you extravagantly. God didn’t just send you a postcard with a note saying how much he loves you. He cared enough to send the very best—himself! When Jesus was dying on the cross with his arms outstretched, he was saying: “I love you this much.”
Fear and love cannot exist in the same place. The Bible tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV). When you invite Christ into the front door of your heart, fear goes out the back door.
Fourth, you know God has a good plan for your life. When you open yourself up to God’s love, he takes care of your past, present, and future. Because of the resurrection, your sins are forgiven, you get a purpose for living, and you get a home in heaven.
The Bible describes it like this: “Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!” (1 Peter 1:3-4 The Message) You won’t get that kind of life anywhere else. You only get it through the power of Jesus’ resurrection.
Finally, you know God will take care of your needs. One of the reasons you struggle with fear is that you worry about tomorrow—and worry can’t change anything! It won’t add a single moment to your life, and it won’t solve a single problem.
But the resurrection guarantees that God will meet all of your needs—starting with your salvation—by providing you with the power of his resurrection. Paul writes, “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT).
This year, as you celebrate Easter, remind yourself that because Jesus was raised from the dead, you are no longer a prisoner to fear. That’s news so good that you will want to share it!
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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