by More than two thousand years ago, a man named Jesus walked the earth. His teachings and crucifixion are well-documented, and His resurrection is the cornerstone of the Easter celebration. But this raises a profound question: Is Jesus still alive? How could someone who was publicly executed rise from the dead? History confirms the existence of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, but what does it mean to say He is alive today?
Christians across the globe worship, pray, and sing to Jesus as if He is alive. Is this faith misplaced, or is there more to life than we understand? To answer this, we must explore the concept of life itself—beyond the physical.
Life Beyond the Material World
In our material world, we often equate life with physical existence: a person is alive if their body is functioning. But life is much deeper. The spirit realm is just as real as the physical. The Bible reveals this truth: Jesus existed before creation as one with God (Philippians 2:5–11; cf. John 1:1–3). The eternal Son of God has always been alive, even during the time His body lay in the tomb.
Jesus Himself spoke of life beyond this world. In John 10:10, He declared, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” He promised eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 3:16–18) and explained that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).
The Source of Life
At creation, God breathed life into humanity: “He breathed into man’s nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). This life is unique because it comes from God, who is eternal. Unlike plants or animals, humans have a spirit designed to live forever. While our bodies may die, our spirits will endure.
When Jesus died on the cross, His body truly died, but His spirit remained alive. As He surrendered His spirit to the Father, He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). After three days, His spirit rejoined His glorified body when God raised Him from the dead (Philippians 3:21). Eyewitnesses, including over 500 people, saw Jesus alive after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6).
Jesus Is Alive Today
The New Testament bears witness to the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. Forty days after rising from the dead, Jesus ascended bodily into heaven (Acts 1:9–11). He promised to return to the Father, and He fulfilled that promise (John 14:1–2; John 20:17). Today, Jesus is alive in heaven, seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1) and “higher than all the heavens” (Ephesians 4:10). He continually intercedes for His followers (Hebrews 7:25) and assures us of His return (John 14:1–2).
The Hope of Eternal Life
Because Jesus is alive, He offers hope that death is not the end. Just as His spirit never died, neither will ours (John 11:25–26). Where we spend eternity depends on how we respond to God’s offer of salvation (John 3:16–18). Jesus reassured His followers: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).
This profound truth changes everything. Jesus’ resurrection is not just a historical event; it is a living hope. It reminds us that our lives are part of a grand eternal story. Through faith in Jesus, we too can have the assurance of life beyond the grave—a life that is abundant, everlasting, and anchored in the love of God.