"He has risen." You hear the good news and it stirs you to your core. The story of a man who died and rose again, has never quite hit like this. Sure you’ve heard of Jesus but this time , something is different. You want to respond. You want to do something. But what? What could possibly be done now that your eyes are opened and the words of Jesus are resting on your heart. How do you respond?

On this Easter Monday, if you find yourself in this space I want you to know that you’re not alone. During this time of introspection and revival, a story so profound cannot help but invoke a response! It can leave one feeling like “now what??” In fact in Acts after Jews had heard and internalized that Jesus was the truth “they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ”Brothers, what shall we do?” (Act 2:37) And the answer was simple:

“Peter replied, ’Repent and be baptized, everyone one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the for the forgiveness of your sins.’”

Both repentance and baptism harmonize beautifully with the Easter season. To repent is to turn away, to change your mind from rebellion to relationship with God. And baptism is defined as an “outward expression of an inward change....” and it was given as a direct order to the disciples when Jesus revealed himself after his resurrection:

“...Therefore go and 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matt 28: 9-20

Could it be that Easter is calling you to take on the greatest story ever told as your own? Let’s explore how Easter sets up a sacred response.

Death and Resurrection:

Both Easter and baptism revolve around the theme of death and resurrection. Easter commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection, conquering death and emerging victorious. Similarly, baptism symbolizes a spiritual death to sin and a rebirth in Christ. Just as Jesus rose from the tomb, baptism signifies believers rising from the waters, symbolizing their participation in Christ's death and resurrection. The acceptance of “death” of the flesh- the old you, with Christ is the faith that enables you be born again.

“He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” - 1 Peter 1:3

Cleansing and Forgiveness:

The Easter season underscores the profound cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins, purifies and washes away every mistake. Baptism mirrors this cleansing of the soul. The baptismal waters represent the removal of sin and initiation into a life of repentance and forgiveness. Immersed in the waters, believers experience God's transformative grace, offering a clean slate and a fresh beginning.

“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4

One Body In Death and In Life:

Both Easter and baptism foster a sense of community and communion among believers. Easter unites the body of Christ to remember the core event of our faith – the resurrection. Just as our communal sins are gathered on one Man, we are now gathered together in His resurrection! His new body is now ours! We are one in Christ. The baptism of the holy spirit on all believers binds us together through the holy spirit.

“For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed—united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].” 1 Cor 12:13 AMP

Here at Redeemed Society, we strongly believe in the power of the personal narrative. The stories we tell about our lives are really just a collection of responses. However, if you choose to respond like the believers in Acts, your story is no longer your own. Our baptism into the renewed body of Christ signifies and proclaims the beginning of THE timeless story to the world! As we look back on Jesus Christ's resurrection, let us embrace the gift of baptism. How blessed are we, that the death that was deservedly ours is replaced by new life! May our response this season reflect lives as people of resurrection, filled with hope, joy, and the assurance of life eternal.

I pray His sacrifice is the beginning of your story.

Be filled with Christs love,

Nureya Monroe

Founder