Two Words That Change Everything | Greg Laurie
In every Christian’s journey, certain truths rise above the rest—shaping how we overcome hardships, cope with loss, embrace joy, and yearn for hope. Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of the Gospel—unpacking the incredible impact of Jesus’ resurrection and what it truly means for us right now, day by day, challenge by challenge. Whether you’re feeling discouraged, searching for answers, or simply want to be reminded of God’s power, these timeless promises can transform your faith and life.
The Unexpected Turns of Life—and the God Who Intervenes
Every one of us has faced days where nothing seems to go according to plan. Maybe it’s a series of frustrating mishaps, or perhaps you’re navigating the heartache of losing someone you love, a broken relationship, or the shock of unexpected news. Those moments can leave us feeling defeated, out of options, or even hopeless. But what if these very moments are opportunities for God to do something extraordinary?
Throughout the Bible, God has a way of showing up in the darkest, most hopeless circumstances—flipping the script and revealing a new beginning. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest example of this, taking what seemed like a tragic end and transforming it into the ultimate new beginning for humanity. Even when it looked like all hope was lost, God was working an incredible plan.
“But God”—Two Words That Change Everything
There are certain phrases in Scripture that can make all the difference, and one of the most powerful is “but God.” Again and again, we read stories where adversity threatens to win—yet God intervenes. Remember Joseph in the book of Genesis? Betrayed, enslaved, falsely accused—yet Joseph later declares to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)
The Apostle Paul echoes this in Ephesians: we were dead in our sins, “but God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.” These moments remind us that God can take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for our eternal good. It’s not optimism—it’s faith rooted in the greatest evidence of God’s ability to bring life from death: the resurrection of Jesus.
The Resurrection—The Ultimate “But God” Moment
Let’s return to that world-changing morning. The disciples were devastated. Jesus, their hope and teacher, was dead—and with Him, it seemed, all their hopes had been buried in a tomb. Yet in Luke 24, we read, “But very early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb…” Two simple words—“but God”—marked a new chapter. God was about to fulfill every promise ever made about the Messiah.
The Astonishing Events at the Empty Tomb
As the women approached Jesus’ tomb, they found the stone rolled away and the body gone. Angelic messengers greeted them with the question that rings through history: “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here—He is risen from the dead!” (Luke 24:5-6).
At first, the disciples couldn’t process what had happened. The news sounded like nonsense! Yet everything Jesus had prophesied, every word He’d uttered about suffering and victory, was coming true. It was a turning point, not just for them, but for every believer in every generation.
What the Resurrection Means for Us Today
But what does this miraculous event mean for you and me, here and now? Jesus’ resurrection isn’t just an ancient event to be celebrated on Easter; it’s the foundation for our everyday lives. Let’s explore four life-changing truths flowing from the empty tomb:
1. We Are Fully Accepted By God—No Strings Attached
It’s easy to slip into the mindset that a relationship with God is earned by being “good enough.” Many sincere people believe that only by piling up good deeds, participating in religious rituals, or avoiding certain sins can we hope to be accepted by God. But the resurrection proves otherwise. Scripture says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:25)
Justification means that God considers you righteous—not because of your performance, but because of Christ’s finished work. On the cross, God treated Jesus as if He lived your life, so He could treat you as if you lived His. That’s grace in action! This assurance gives us peace on our best days and our worst, because acceptance is anchored in the spotless record of Christ—not our own efforts.
2. We Have the Power to Live Victoriously
Do you ever feel powerless against bad habits, addictions, or recurring sin? The resurrection is God’s guarantee that the very power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in every believer. The apostle Paul wrote, “The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you… He will give life to your mortal bodies.” (Romans 8:11)
This isn’t about mustering up self-control or relying on willpower alone. When you trust Christ, you have access to supernatural strength. No addiction, old wound, or sinful tendency is greater than the power of God at work within you. Yes, you might fail and fall—but you don’t have to stay there. Through Christ, you can experience real freedom and victory. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
3. We Have Assurance of Eternal Life
Death is unavoidable, and for many, it’s a source of fear. But at the empty tomb, Jesus conquered death itself, breaking its ultimate hold on us. Because He lives, we have absolute hope of heaven. The Bible declares, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)</
