Sermon: What Jesus Accomplished

Sermon Date: 4/20/2025

Bible Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:3-9

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

What Jesus Accomplished

An Easter Sunday Message

Introduction:
Easter Sunday is the greatest day in history—the day Jesus rose from the grave! His resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the foundation of our faith, hope, and victory.

In John 19:30, before Jesus died, He declared:

"It is finished!"

What did He mean? What exactly did Jesus accomplish through His death and resurrection?

Today, we will look at four things Jesus accomplished through His victory over sin, death, and the grave.

1. Jesus Accomplished the Payment for Sin (Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

The cross was not an accident—it was God’s plan to pay for our sins.

• Isaiah 53:5 – "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

Jesus took our punishment upon Himself. The debt we owed because of sin was paid in full by His precious blood.

➡️ Application: Have you accepted the free gift of salvation?

2. Jesus Accomplished Victory Over Death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

Three days after Jesus died, He rose again—proving His power over death!

• 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 – "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"

Before Jesus, death had the final say. But because of His resurrection, death is defeated!

➡️ Application: Do you fear death, or do you have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus?

3. Jesus Accomplished Reconciliation with God (Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:13)

Because of sin, we were separated from God—but Jesus brought us back into a relationship with Him.

• Romans 5:8 – "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
• Ephesians 2:13 – "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Jesus’ death and resurrection tore down the barrier between us and God. Now, we can boldly come before Him as beloved children!

➡️ Application: Do you live as someone who has full access to God’s presence?

4. Jesus Accomplished Eternal Life for All Who Believe (John 11:25-26; Romans 6:23)

Jesus didn’t just rise for Himself—He rose so we could have eternal life too!

• John 11:25-26 – "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
• Romans 6:23 – "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Eternal life isn’t something we earn—it’s a free gift through Jesus Christ!

➡️ Application: Have you placed your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

Conclusion: What is Your Response?

Jesus accomplished everything necessary for our salvation.
✔️ He paid for our sins.
✔️ He defeated death.
✔️ He restored our relationship with God.
✔️ He gave us eternal life.

But the question is: Have you responded to what Jesus has done?

• If you have never accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, today is the day of salvation!
• If you are a believer, are you living in the victory and freedom Christ has accomplished?

Easter is not just a day—it’s a declaration of victory!
Let’s rejoice today, knowing that because Jesus lives, we live too!

Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed!