One theme that is common among the early Apostles in their writings is “Remembrance.” The early Apostles were very intentional about reminding Christians in their time of the things they had learned previously, such as the concept of Salvation, walking as Children of Light, the Resurrection of the Dead, and many other biblical subjects that we see throughout the Bible. An example of this is the Apostle Peter. In his second letter to a group of Christians, he wrote:
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, THOUGH YE KNOW THEM, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
[2 Peter 1:10-15 (KJV)]
Another case of remembrance is found in Philippians 3:1, where the Apostle Paul wrote:
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write THE SAME THINGS to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.[Philippians 3:1 (KJV)]
If what he wrote in this letter had been written before, it definitely means that his intent behind writing this letter again was to remind them.
In Jude 1:5, the Apostle John also wrote:
I will therefore put you in remembrance, THOUGH YE ONCE KNEW THIS, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. [Jude 1:5 (KJV)]
You’ll notice the stress on “though ye know them” and “though ye know this.” This proves that the Apostles understood that knowledge, when emphasized has the power to keep one in contact with the realities it produces. Many times, people need to be reminded of certain truths in order to stay in tune with the fruits they produce, and one of such truth that every believer needs a reminder of is the details of the Resurrection of Christ—its purpose, its power, and its fruits.
As we celebrate Easter: the Resurrection of Christ Jesus, Christians all over the world must not lose sight of this theme that the early apostles were conscious of: remembrance. Many Christians need to be reminded of the power in the resurrection of Christ Jesus and their required response to it. It is very possible for us to get carried away with the celebrations and activities that accompany Easter, causing us to forget to immerse ourselves in the core reason for it.
This season, our meetings, gatherings, and conversations should centre around reminding ourselves of the details of the resurrection of Christ. This is not to say that the only time of the year we should reflect on the subject of resurrection is during the chosen date for Easter celebrations. No, it definitely isn’t. The aim is to emphasise the need to seize this amazing opportunity to implant and revive this truth in the hearts of Christians, as applicable. Many Christians have lost sight of the essence of salvation. Sharing the truth about Christ’s resurrection can reawaken that consciousness in their hearts, because reminders have the power to call people to right actions. And for those who are already walking in the Lord and bearing fruit, sharing this truth will serve as encouragement.
Let’s explore a few more benefits of the reminder about the resurrection of Christ.
Other Benefits of Easter Reminders
It helps Christians to stay mindful of the Purpose, Power, and Fruits of Christ’s Resurrection
In 2 Peter, the central message of Apostle Peter was one of reminder.
This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:THAT YE MAY BE MINDFUL OF THE WORDS WHICH WERE SPOKEN BEFORE by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
2 Peter 3:1-2 (KJV)
It helps believers remain within the confines of the truth and contend with it: that they are not easily swayed by false teachings or the advances of the devil.
For Apostle Jude, his goal in reminding the believers he wrote to was to ensure they would not be swayed by false doctrines. Ultimately, he wanted them to build themselves up in their most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost and keeping themselves in the love of God, while looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:20-21, KJV).
It helps believers to focus their thoughts on the truths found in the Bible, including the hope of their calling in Christ Jesus, and encourages them to take right actions.
For the Apostle Paul, his goal of remembrance to the Philippian Church was to warn them to beware of dogs. These were a group of people who were trying to deceive them and sway them away from the truth; hence, his final statement in Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV).
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV)
We cannot underestimate the power of Remembrance in the Christian fold. For the early Apostles, the art of reminding the saints of the things pertaining to their Salvation was of great importance. We must continually keep this culture in our meetings from time to time.
May we find Grace to keep ourselves walking in the Faith.
