But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6-7 NIV)
Since the beginning of creation, it was God’s will to see us live. In Genesis, we find another tree in the Garden of Eden – the tree of life (Genesis 2:9). Adam and Eve were encouraged to eat from that tree, but as the story goes, they chose the tree that eventually brought them – and us – death. In the story of Easter, we’re reminded once again of God’s original purpose – to grant us eternal life. Resurrection is a wonderful reminder of that truth. We were made to last. God made us to last even beyond death. What God makes, He perfects.
Rising with the Son 