Growing up in a small town in Mexico, it seemed like everyone knew about all the news of the town. Festivities play a big roll in our community. The Day of the Dead, Mexican Independence Day on September 15, wedding parties, Quiencenéras, and many other festivities occurred throughout the year.

The one I remember the most is Easter and I can remember every detail like it happened yesterday. Each year a play was performed. A person would play the role of Jesus. The role of the Apostles were also acted out. They would take each step Jesus took throughout the week leading up to Friday when Jesus would hang on a tall tree, die, and be resurrected on Saturday.

I remember how sad the story was especially on the day that Jesus died and was resurrected. I thought we would never hear from Him again. My heart went out to Him and I thought He just went to Heaven and there was nothing more to the story. I thought that every person just went to Heaven and God would decide what to do with us once we get there.

But when I experienced Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I realized there was so much more to the story. The events of Easter week became a true relationship between myself and Jesus. I’m so glad that I realized the full scope of what Jesus did for me during that time and that I didn’t wait until I got to Heaven to figure it all out. It would have been too late for me and it will be too late for you also.

There is no talking your way into Heaven. There is only one decision that has to be made. It is a heart decision that must be made right now today. You must make a decision to accept Jesus as Lord of your life and confess that He died on the cross and was resurrected three days later. He did all of this just so you could be made right with God.

The sacrifice Jesus made for us gave us a new standing in life. Scripture tells us that:

• We are free from sin. 1 Corinthians 1:30
• We have been adopted into the family of God. Romans 8:23
• We have been forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
• We are sons and daughters of God. 2 Corinthians 6:18
• Our redemption is secured. Hebrews 9:12

Our relationship with Jesus means so much more than a few events acted out in a play or written in scripture. Our entire future and lives depend on the very actions of Jesus. He found us worthy of being saved and worthy to die for.

As we partake in God’s word, we will be filled as Jesus said in Matthew 5:6: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. The righteousness of Jesus is what gives us access to God’s Kingdom now. Trust in the righteousness of Jesus.