Our Savior Jesus, who was dead, is alive again — forever! And so…

Nothing can continue as though Jesus is still dead; nothing can exist as though He never died and rose. The Resurrection of Jesus changes everything. Death is conquered! Satan is defeated! Sin is forgiven! Repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name is being preached to all nations (Luke 24:47). There is now no condemnation for you in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). This Good News has come to you and me, and in Holy Baptism, God has washed us into this resurrection reality.

The resurrection of Jesus moves our focus to eternal things. Col. 3:1–3 tells the church to fix our minds on the things above and not on earthly things. Our life, because we are raised with Christ, is already hidden with Christ in God. The things of eternity are now the things of our life. And what we do in this life has eternal significance.

After Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus told His apostles to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and by teaching His Word (Matt. 28:19). Still today, the church continues this mission, until our resurrected Lord’s glorious return. The proclamation of the Gospel brings forgiveness to sinners and life to the dead. The Gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection is the power of salvation for all who believe (Rom. 1:16).

The Lord’s church needs preachers to proclaim this Good News. Our Seminary was founded for this purpose. Concordia Seminary has formed preachers since our inception, and we will continue. And this work is eternal work because of Christ.

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything — for us and for all. Let that Good News ever and always be in our hearts and on our lips.

In Christ’s love,

Thomas J. Egger
President