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Written by Harold J. Sala

One of the loveliest places in Jerusalem is the Garden Tomb where almost all Christian groups meet for communion and to reflect on what the resurrection means. While this may not be the precise tomb in which the body of Jesus was placed, it is representative of a first century tomb, replete with the stone that covered the entrance.

On a certain occasion a young man travelling the world and striving to find himself and what life is about, was part of a group who heard John VanDer Hoeven, the warden of the tomb, relate the story of the death and resurrection of our Lord. The lad was spellbound, having never heard the Gospel before. Afterwards he came forward to speak with the warden. "Mister," he began, "if what you say is true, there should be singing and dancing for joy at this site every day of the year!"

Surely it was in the same spirit that Paul wrote to the Corinthians and cried, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?" Then added, "Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

At Calvary the price of redemption was paid as Christ gave His life that we might be forgiven and have eternal life. But at the tomb God brought Him forth from the grave, thereby demonstrating for all people for all times that Christ is alive! In this we rejoice. This is what the Gospel is about, and that's what Guidelines is about as well.

In Russia there is a beautiful Easter custom. The pastor greets the congregation with the words: "Christ the Lord is risen!" And they rise to their feet responding, "He is risen indeed!" This is done three times with each exchange rising in a glorious crescendo!

May your heart respond as does mine! "He is risen indeed!"