Living in the Garden of Grace: Roll Back the Stone

Inspired by insights from Living in the Garden of Grace

"And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it."
— Matthew 28:2

The stone wasn’t rolled away so Jesus could leave the tomb. The risen Christ had already overcome death and the grave. The stone was rolled back so the world could witness that the crucified Savior was alive.

In the same way, our lives are meant to reveal this resurrection power. God has already raised us to new life in Christ. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:5-6 that we have been made alive with Christ, raised up, and seated with Him in the heavenly realms. This isn’t a future hope—it’s our present reality.

But how often do we live as though the stone still covers the entrance of the tomb? How often do we hide behind fear, complacency, or old patterns, as if Jesus hasn't already secured victory?

Imagine a lighthouse built on a rocky shore. Its beacon is designed to pierce through the darkness, guiding ships to safety. Yet if its light remains dim or hidden, the lighthouse fails its purpose. We, too, are like that lighthouse. Our new life in Christ is meant to shine, casting light on the truth that Jesus is alive.

We “roll back the stone” in our own lives by walking in the newness of life that Christ secured for us. This isn’t about striving but about recognizing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now operates within us. Romans 6:4 declares that just as Christ was raised from the dead, so we also walk in newness of life.

Our deep fellowship with other believers, our love for those far from God, and our daily living rooted in Christ all reveal the reality of His resurrection. When we embrace who we are in Him, we become living evidence that Jesus has conquered death.

Prayer of Confidence in Christ’s Resurrection Life

Father,
Thank You for the victory that has already been won in Christ. You have raised us with Him and seated us in the heavenly places. Today, I trust in the new life You have given me and walk confidently in it. May my life reveal the power of Jesus’ resurrection to those around me. Let every step I take be evidence that the stone has been rolled away and that Christ is alive in me. I rejoice in this truth and rest in Your perfect work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thought

The stone has been rolled away—not just from Jesus’ tomb, but from our lives as well. We are no longer in darkness. Let your life reflect the radiant light of His resurrection, boldly proclaiming that Jesus lives.