About the author: Mark Schuler recently joined BCC as a staff counselor. Previously, Mark served as football coach, lead pastor and Pastor of Biblical Counseling in Peoria. He works with Families, Marriages and Men through online video sessions. You can schedule counseling with him here.
Easter is not just a date on the calendar. It is the declaration that everything has changed. Because Jesus walked out of that tomb, shame does not get the last word. Sin does not get the last word. Suffering does not get the last word. Death does not get the last word. Jesus does. And that changes everything.
Over the years, I have sat with many people who quietly carry one heavy question: “Is real change possible for me?”
They may not phrase it that way. Sometimes, it sounds like this: “I’ve tried before.” “I keep falling into the same patterns.” “This is just who I am.” “I don’t think I can be different.” But Easter answers that question with a resounding yes. Because He lives, change is not only possible — it is promised.
“But You Are…”
The apostle Peter writes to believers who were misunderstood, pressured, and struggling. And instead of starting with what they should do, Peter begins with who they now are: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession…” (1 Peter 2:9).
Notice the certainty. Not “You might be.” Not “You will be if you perform well.” Not “If you feel like it today.” “But you are.”
This is resurrection identity. Because Jesus died and rose again, something decisive has happened for everyone who trusts Him. Your truest identity is no longer rooted in your past, your performance, or your pain. It is rooted in Christ. And in counseling, that is where real hope begins.
Because He Lives, You Are Chosen
Before you knew your need, before your heart ever ached, before you questioned if change was possible, God’s love had already marked you as His very own.
Peter calls believers a chosen people. Not chosen because they were impressive. Not chosen because they had it all together. Chosen because of God’s mercy in Christ. The empty tomb means this: you are not an accident. You are not overlooked. You are not barely tolerated. You are chosen in love.
So when someone says, “I feel unwanted,” Easter gently replies, “Look again. The cross and the empty tomb say otherwise.” That truth steadies the heart.
Because He Lives, You Have Access
Peter reminds us that we are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). In the Old Testament, priests had the privilege of approaching God on behalf of the people. But because Jesus rose, that privilege is now yours, every believer can come boldly into God’s presence, at any time, in any circumstance.
Right now. In your anxiety. In your grief. In your battle against temptation. In your slow, steady growth. You are never alone.
The risen Christ is not distant from your struggle. He is present in it. He is right there with you. As you face trials, confusions, and disappointments, Christ walks with you every step of the journey. The living Savior is near. The One who conquered death now dwells with His people.
You have access and friendship with God. Not just on Easter Sunday. Every day.
Because He Lives, You Belong
Peter calls us “a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). You belong to God. You are not simply tolerated or noticed — you are treasured by Him, brought out of darkness and into His light, cherished for eternity, and fully His own. There is something deeply stabilizing about truly belonging.
I once read about historic sports items sold at auction. Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series jersey sold for $24.1 million, Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey for $10.1 million. The fabric itself is ordinary. What makes it priceless is who it belonged to. Something ordinary becomes extraordinary when it belongs to someone great.
You belong to the risen King. That is why you have value. Not because of your résumé. Not because of your reputation. Not because of your perfection. Because you are His. And nothing, not failure, not suffering, not even death can separate you from that love.
Because He Lives, Your Life Has Purpose
Peter reminds us that our new life in Christ is about joining in God’s ongoing work in the world. He says we are called “to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). This is both a statement of identity and a calling: because we have been rescued by the risen Savior, we now live to display His glory. Easter is not only about what we are saved from; it is also about what we are saved for.
You have purpose! No matter your season of life, no matter your stage of growth, no matter how quiet your platform seems. Your faithfulness matters. Your kindness reflects Him. Your growth displays Him. Even your healing journey can become a testimony of His grace.
As Warren Wiersbe once said, “Yesterday God helped me; today He will do the same. How long will it last? Forever! Praise His Name.”
Because Jesus lives, your life tells a resurrection story
- Without the resurrection, identity is fragile.
- With the resurrection, identity is secure.
- Without the resurrection, change is uncertain.
- With the resurrection, transformation is promised.
- Without the resurrection, life can feel empty.
- With the resurrection, every moment has purpose.
Dear friend, this Easter, lift your eyes. The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive.
And because He lives:
You are chosen. You have access. You belong. You have purpose.
It’s all because of Jesus. And that is more than enough hope for whatever you are facing today.
