To a Christian, the cross holds a lot of meaning. It is the central point, the big climax to which the entire Old Testament builds.

However, there is another important point that is often glossed over, its meaning and importance assumed to be appreciated. You see, what happens after the cross is just as important as the cross itself.

At the cross we know that Jesus, Who lived the perfect life we could not, died in our place. However, it isn’t until the next thing that this actually turns into victory. The cross without the resurrection is just another count in the Roman tally of people put to death by crucifixion.

The resurrection, however, tells us that God was who He claimed to be, that He holds the victory over death, and that He can extend that victory to us.

We have a living Savior. Revelation 1:18 tells us that Jesus is the Living One. He was dead, but He is now alive forever, and holds the keys to death. Jesus died for our sins, gained the victory over death by resurrecting, and now has the keys to death. For all who choose to be covered by His death, and to let Jesus conquer death for them, they will be saved.