Christ is Risen
A Song about Easter and the History of Missions in the World
The resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything. The event is the central message that validates His life, His identity, and our salvation. Easter is also the message that has empowered the mission of God in the world. It still does.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
Christ is Risen
Words and Music © ℗ 2011, 2023 Michael Anthony Milton
Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come again
The Spirit is moving across the world
Bringing His children in
The Kingdom came to Asia Minor
The Kingdom came to Europe too
The Kingdom came with power
A divine appointed hour
And all who saw
Were all who knew
Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come again
The Spirit is moving across the world
Bringing His children in
The Kingdom crossed the ocean
The Gospel news to bring
To the shores of North America
To the peoples of inland Africa
And now in the East
They’re beginning to sing
Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come again
The Spirit is moving across the world
Bringing His children in
Now in the East
They’re beginning to sing
Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come again
The Spirit is moving across the world
Bringing His children in.
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St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 reflects what many scholars believe to be an early Christian creed already developed by Paul’s conversion and ministry:
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me."
Clearly, the resurrection became the core message that defined faith and shaped missions. Thus, St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote extensively on the topic of the resurrection. In his letter to the Smyrnaeans, written around the turn of the 2nd century, he says:
"For I know and believe that he was in the flesh even after the resurrection; and when he came to Peter and his company, he said to them, 'Take, handle me, and see that I am not a bodiless phantom.' And immediately they touched him, and believed, being convinced both by his flesh and spirit. For this cause also they despised death, and were found its conquerors. And after his resurrection, he did eat and drink with them, as being possessed of flesh, although spiritually he was united to the Father."
The question remains, now, for you. Will you repent, believe, and confess Jesus Christ as the crucified, and resurrected Lord and Saviour of your life.
Reference
Ignatius of Antioch. "The Letter to the Smyrnaeans." In The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, edited and translated by Michael W. Holmes, 174-183. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007, 174-183.