Every Good Friday and Easter we think deeply about Jesus dying in our place for our sins and rising again.

But now that Easter is past, what life-changing lessons can we continue to embrace? Here’s 10 items to prayerfully ponder:

1. Jesus took upon Himself everything we deserved to give us everything we need.

2. He unjustly died a cruel death, yet asked God to forgive us while it was happening.

3. Even while dying, He was still an evangelist, leading a common criminal to heaven.

4. He not only forgave our sins and pardoned us, but removed our sin from heaven’s records.

5. He did all this while we were still sinners, and without us begging Him for mercy.

6. His sacrifice for us was not a one-time get-out-of-jail-free card; but has no expiration date.

7. Easter was God’s only option, because God’s heartbeat is pure love.

8. Every other religion tries to earn their way into heaven, but all with no certainty.

9. Jesus said “it is finished” and offered total forgiveness as a gift, unable to be earned by us.

10. Only Christianity offers a personal and loving relationship with its God and Savior!

“When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.” Isaiah 53:11 NLT

When Jesus rose again, the temple curtain was torn, signifying we can now boldly come into the presence of God. (Hebrews 4:16) So let’s continue to celebrate Easter all the year!