A Blessed Resurrection Day 2025: He Is Risen!

The Shackles of Death Are Broken: He Is Risen Indeed!

Scripture: Romans 6:9

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death

hath no more dominion over him."

Introduction: HE IS RISEN Indeed!

Each year as Resurrection Sunday approaches, I find myself stirred by something deeper than mere tradition. I don’t say “Happy Easter” lightly. In fact, I often prefer to say “Happy Resurrection Day!” and greet others with the powerful words: “He is risen!”—to which I pray they respond with the joyful, time-honored reply: “He is risen indeed!”

That greeting isn’t just a formality to me—it’s a declaration of war against despair. It’s a shout of victory in a world often cloaked in defeat. In my last church, our pastor began every Resurrection Sunday service with that holy call and response, and it thundered across the sanctuary like a mighty wave of hope. Now, even behind prison walls or in the silence of my own heart, I still hear that echo. “He is risen indeed.”

And I say “Resurrection Day” because it keeps the spotlight on the miracle at the center of our faith: Jesus Christ conquered death and rose from the grave! While the word Easter is widely used, and I don’t condemn it, we must remember that it can often lose its power in a world filled with bunnies, eggs, and empty traditions. The word "Resurrection" leaves no confusion. It points directly to the risen Christ and calls every hearer to reflect on what that means for their eternity.

The sad reality is that countless people will never darken the door of a church all year long—but when Easter Sunday rolls around, something draws them in. Maybe it’s childhood memories. Maybe it’s curiosity. Maybe it's conviction. Whatever it is, they show up, and in that moment, we have a precious window of opportunity to speak eternal truths. The same is true in prison: many who have hardened hearts or have given up on hope are willing to listen on Resurrection Sunday. This is holy ground.

Whether in a pew or a prison cell, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ offers a fresh start. It’s a message the world desperately needs—and one that cannot be confined by fences, bars, or court records. So today, I welcome you with joy: Happy Resurrection Day! He is risen! He is risen indeed! Now, let us journey into the victory that verse by verse shows us how death has no more dominion—not over Christ, and not over those who belong to Him.

Theme: Christ’s resurrection not only triumphed over death but transferred that victory to us. We are no longer under the dominion of sin, death, or judgment. This is the triumphant cry for prisoners and the free alike: “He is risen!”

I. The Power of the Resurrection: “Death Hath No More Dominion”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just an event in history—it is the turning point of eternity. When Paul says in Romans 6:9 that “death hath no more dominion over him,” he is declaring that the grave has forever lost its grip on the Son of God.

Think of that: death used to reign like a cruel tyrant. In prison, many live under the shadow of death daily—whether it's the death of freedom, of relationships, of dignity, or even the threat of physical death. But Jesus didn’t just tiptoe out of the grave—He shattered its gates! He rose as the Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20), declaring that all who trust in Him will also rise.

Death is not the end for believers—it’s the beginning of unending life. For those doing time, this is a message that cannot be heard too often. Your body may be bound, but in Christ, your soul is already resurrected to new life.

II. Christ’s Victory Becomes Our Victory

Romans 6:9 is not just about Jesus’ resurrection. The surrounding verses make it clear that His resurrection becomes OUR resurrection too. Romans 6:4 says, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead... even so we also should walk in newness of life."

When a man behind bars believes in Christ, something miraculous happens. He is made new. His sins are buried. His shame is nailed to the cross. And his soul walks free, even if his body is locked down. There are prisoners freer than some CEOs in corner offices because they have been raised with Christ.

III. Unheard Truths on Resurrection Sunday: It Was a Prison Break

Here’s something not often preached on Easter: Jesus staged the greatest prison break in history.

1 Peter 3:19 speaks of Him proclaiming victory to the “spirits in prison”—a mysterious verse, but one that echoes the truth that Christ descended to the lowest depths and rose victorious. Colossians 2:15 says He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Imagine the spiritual chains snapping off, the jailers (Satan and sin) disarmed, and the doors flung wide open for those who follow Him. His resurrection was not just a personal triumph—it was a liberation movement.

Yet through the ages, the enemy has tried to distort this victory.

There are many false theories attempting to deny the Resurrection:

● The Stolen Body Theory: Some claim the disciples stole Jesus’ body. But how could a terrified, unarmed group overpower Roman guards and then preach with boldness, even unto death, for what they knew was a lie?

● The Swoon Theory: This idea suggests Jesus never actually died—He simply passed out and revived in the tomb. Yet Roman executioners were professionals. The spear in His side, the blood and water that flowed, and the sealed tomb make this theory not only improbable but absurd.

● The Hallucination Theory: Others say the disciples hallucinated the risen Christ. But over 500 people saw Him at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). Hallucinations are individual events—never experienced by large crowds in perfect agreement.

● The Wrong Tomb Theory: As if grief-stricken women, the disciples, and Roman officials all lost track of the location? No, the enemies of Christ would have produced the body instantly if they could.

IV. The Skeptics Who Believed: Evidence That Demands a Verdict

Throughout history, many brilliant minds—often atheists or skeptics—set out to disprove the resurrection. Yet, time and again, they were overwhelmed by the evidence and came to faith:

● Frank Morison, author of “Who Moved the Stone?”, intended to debunk the Resurrection but instead became a believer. His book begins with the words, “This is not the book I set out to write.”

● C.S. Lewis, former atheist and Oxford professor, wrestled with the claims of Christ and eventually bowed his knee to the risen Savior, calling himself “the most reluctant convert in all England.”

● Lee Strobel, a hardened legal journalist and atheist, launched a personal investigation into the Resurrection after his wife came to faith. The result? The Case for Christ—and a transformed life.

● Josh McDowell, author of Evidence That Demands a Verdict, was once hostile to Christianity. But after examining the facts, he declared Jesus not only lived and died—but that He rose again.

These men all came from different backgrounds, but their conclusion was the same: Jesus is alive.

V. The Resurrection: The Greatest Recorded Event in Human History

No event has had more impact on human history than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It split time in half. It transformed cowardly disciples into courageous martyrs. It shook empires and toppled false religions. There is no force in history more powerful than the reality that a dead man got up and walked—and is still alive today.

Without the Resurrection, Christianity crumbles. But with it, Christianity stands alone.

VI. The Empty Tomb Makes Christianity Unique

Every major religion points to a founder who lived, taught, and died. But only one claims—and proves—that its founder rose again.

●  Buddha died in 483 BC. His body remains in a shrine.

●  Muhammad died in 632 AD and is buried in Medina.

●  Confucius, Laozi, Zoroaster, and Guru Nanak—all gone.

All remain in the grave. All are worm-bait, turned to dust! Only Jesus Christ left behind an empty tomb. The founders of other religions offered words and rituals. Jesus offered His LIFE—and then rose again to give eternal life to all who believe. The tomb is still empty, and the throne is still occupied.

VII. Biblical Examples of Resurrection Power

●  Lazarus – John 11: Christ called him forth from the tomb not because Lazarus deserved it, but to display the power of God.

●  The Thief on the Cross – Luke 23:43: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” A condemned man was granted eternal life simply by looking to the crucified and risen Savior.

●  Paul and Silas – Acts 16: Their prison chains fell off not just because of an earthquake, but because of the Resurrection power they worshiped.

●  The Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37 – A whole valley of death raised to life by the Word of God. That’s what God does in prisons every day.

VIII. From Convicts to Conquerors: Your Sentence Is Not the End

Romans 6:9 reminds us that Jesus will never die again. That means His victory is eternal, unchanging, and OURS to claim. Prisoners often feel like life is over—but in Christ, life is just beginning. The world may define you by your past, but God defines you by Christ’s resurrection.

Every man or woman in Christ has already been declared “not guilty” in the court of Heaven. The appeal has been heard. The Judge has ruled. The blood of Christ has spoken a better word (Hebrews 12:24).

Powerful Quotes on the Resurrection

Here are some remarkable and Christ-exalting quotes from trusted voices in church history:

Martin Luther:

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” (This ties nature’s renewal to Christ’s victory, a poetic and hopeful touch.)

John Calvin:

“For as in the resurrection of Christ a new life was restored to us, so by his death we are delivered from death.” (A beautiful summary of gospel exchange—life from His life, freedom from His death.)

Charles Spurgeon:

“The resurrection is a fact better attested than any event recorded in any history, whether ancient or modern... The resurrection of our Divine Lord from the dead is the cornerstone of Christian doctrine. If it could be disproved, the whole fabric of the gospel would fall.” (Spurgeon always strikes at the heart. This quote exalts the resurrection as central and unshakable.)

Jonathan Edwards
 “Christ's resurrection is the most joyful event that ever came to pass. 'Tis the day of the gladness of Christ’s heart.”
 (Edwards gives us heaven’s joy in the resurrection—God the Son rejoicing in the victory.)

Matthew Henry

“He arose by his own power. He was put to death in the flesh, but he was quickened by the Spirit. As the resurrection of Christ was the confirmation of his doctrine, so it is the confirmation of ours.” (Henry links resurrection to the authority of truth—both His and ours.)

Athanasius (Church Father, 4th century)

"By the sacrifice of his own body, he put an end to the law which was against us and made a new beginning for us by the hope of resurrection." (Powerful ancient imagery. Christ's victory turned the terror of death into a mockery.)

Old Testament Prophecies & Pictures of the Resurrection

Including some prophetic glimpses and types of the Resurrection from the Old Testament is extremely valuable. It shows that the resurrection was not a surprise but the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan:

Psalm 16:10


“For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let Your Holy One see corruption.” – (Fulfilled in Acts 2:27-31)
Peter quotes this directly at Pentecost and says it refers to Jesus’ resurrection.

Isaiah 53:10–11

“...He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong His days... Out of the anguish of His soul He shall see and be satisfied.”
 These verses imply resurrection—after being crushed and bearing sin, He sees and is satisfied. The “prolonging of days” points to life after death.

Hosea 6:2

“After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him.”
 A resurrection hint—especially the third day theme. Jonah as a type of Christ (Jonah 1:17)
 “And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” (Matthew 12:40) Jesus confirms this as a prophecy:

Genesis 22 – Abraham and Isaac. Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac—only for God to “provide the lamb”—is echoed in the resurrection (Hebrews 11:19): “He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.”

Job 19:25

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth.”
 Even in Job’s suffering, he anticipates resurrection hope!

Personal Ramifications: – The Grave Lost Its Grip—So Don’t Let Sin Keep Its Hold.

Paul didn’t write this truth to be admired—he wrote it to call us to action. If Christ is risen and death no longer reigns, then sin no longer has any legitimate claim on our lives. We are not just called to celebrate His resurrection—we are called to live in the power of it.

Brothers and sisters, especially you reading this behind prison walls: you are not forgotten. Christ entered the deepest pit to pull you out. No matter your past, your chains, your regrets—the tomb is empty, and the throne is occupied.

I have one more question to ask you, a question that can be used in your evangelistic efforts to speak to others about the life changing message of the Gospel. Here it is.

What Will You Do With the Empty Tomb?

The shackles of death are broken—not just in theory, but in reality. Jesus Christ is alive. The stone was rolled away. The tomb is empty. But what does that mean for you?

There is a question that every man must one day answer—whether in a prison cell or in a palace, whether kneeling in humble faith or standing in defiance. It is this: “What will you do with the empty tomb?”

This is not a question of religion or tradition. It is not about denomination, background, or how good you’ve tried to be. It is about one thing: What is YOUR response to the risen Christ?

That empty tomb is God’s loudest declaration that sin, death, and the devil have been defeated. Jesus didn’t remain in the grave—He walked out in victory. And because He lives, all who believe in Him will live also (John 11:25). But this victory demands a response.

For those of you behind bars, this question becomes even more urgent—and even more liberating. You may still be serving a life sentence, but in Christ, you can have eternal life. You may be surrounded by steel and concrete, but your soul can be free forever.

So we ask you:
 Have you BOWED YOUR HEART to the One who conquered death? Have you trusted in the Risen Savior who offers you forgiveness and freedom no prison can contain?

This question—“What will YOU do with the empty tomb?”—is also one you can share with others. When you're in the yard, in the dayroom, or just talking with someone looking for hope, this can be the door that opens to the Gospel. You don’t have to be a preacher. You just need to be willing. Ask them: “What do you do with the empty tomb?”

Let it spark the conversation. Let it stir their conscience. Let it lead to the message of Jesus—His cross, His death, and most importantly, His resurrection. That’s where the power is.

As Paul said in Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

This is our message. This is our hope. And this is the greatest truth ever told: Jesus is alive— and He saves sinners.

A Moment for Reflection

Take a few quiet minutes to reflect on this message:

● Write your own answer to the question: “What have I done with the empty tomb?”

● Journal a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus, the Risen Savior.

● Memorize Romans 10:9, and ask the Lord to help you share it boldly.

● Reflect on this hymn verse from Low in the Grave He Lay:
“Death cannot keep His prey, Jesus my Savior! He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes!”

● Or sing this one from Christ the Lord Is Risen Today: “Soar we now where Christ has led,
Following our exalted Head;
Made like Him, like Him we rise,
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies!”


Closing Prayer


Heavenly Father,...We praise You for the empty tomb. We praise You that Jesus has conquered sin, crushed death, and broken the chains that once held us captive. Thank You that because He lives, we can live also—free, forgiven, and forever Yours.
Lord, I pray for each man reading this, that You would stir his heart to ask and answer the question: What will I do with the empty tomb? May none walk away from this truth unchanged. If any soul is still in darkness, call them by name, just as You called Lazarus from the grave. Let them come forth in faith.

Give courage, Lord, to every believer behind bars. May they not only cling to the hope of the resurrection but share it boldly—with their cellmates, in the yard, or wherever You open the door. Let the Gospel ring out from prison walls like a trumpet of grace. Use these men to bring others to Your light.

And when the final day comes, may we stand before You, not clothed in our righteousness, but in Christ alone—knowing the shackles of death are broken forever. In the name of the Risen King, Jesus Christ, Amen!

He is risen! He is risen indeed!


From: Fight the Good Fight of Faith / Life Journal: By Gregg Harris