As we approach Easter, many Christians around the world celebrate the most important event in their faith: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But what does this event mean for us today? How does it relate to our lives in a modern world that is often full of suffering, injustice, violence and doubt?

Some people may think that the death and resurrection of Jesus is an outdated or irrelevant story that has nothing to do with our current reality. They may see it as a myth or a legend that belongs to a different time and culture. They may wonder how a man who died 2,000 years ago can have any impact on our present and future.

But I believe that the death and resurrection of Jesus is not only a historical fact, but also a powerful and personal reality that can transform our lives and our world. Here are some reasons why I think so:

First, the death and resurrection of Jesus shows us God’s love and grace. God loved us so much that he sent his only Son to die for our sins and to rise again to give us eternal life (John 3:16). He did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all (Romans 8:32). He demonstrated his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:13–14). He made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). He reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). He lavished his grace on us in all wisdom and understanding (Ephesians 1:8).

Second, the death and resurrection of Jesus gives us hope and joy. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we have a living hope that can never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:3–4). We have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4). We have a Savior who is alive and interceding for us at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). We have a promise that he will come again to take us to be with him where he is (John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). We have a guarantee that he will wipe every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4). We have a reason to rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

Third, the death and resurrection of Jesus empowers us to live and serve. Because Jesus died and rose again, we have been crucified with him and raised with him to live a new life (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4–11). We have been set free from sin and death and made alive with Christ (Romans 8:1–2; Ephesians 2:4–5). We have been given the Holy Spirit who lives in us and guides us into all truth (John 14:16–17; John 16:13). We have been given spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ and to serve others (1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Ephesians 4:11–16; 1 Peter 4:10–11). We have been called to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). We have been commissioned to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded us (Matthew 28:18–20).

The death and resurrection of Jesus is not just a story. It is a reality that can change our lives and our world. It is relevant for every person in every time and place. It is the good news that we need to hear and share. It is the reason why we celebrate Easter.