From empty tomb to new life: Rev Ogunjobi urges faith, renewal at Easter

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Christian’s have been charged to make a clear commitment to God and live in the power of the resurrection.

The Rev’d Samuel Ogunjobi, gave the charge while giving his Easter Sunday message at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Ikotun of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West.

Rev’d Ogunjobi

Ogunjobi in a stirring Easter sermon centred on victory, faith, and spiritual renewal called on fateful to move beyond passive belief to active service and intercession.

Rev Ogunjobi who is the vicar of the church while preaching on the theme, “The Resurrection: Victory for Those on the Lord’s Side,” however anchored his message on key scriptural texts including Isaiah 25:6–8, 1 Corinthians 15:12–20, and John 20:1–18, declaring that the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains the ultimate proof that God’s purpose cannot be thwarted by human limitations.

He said, “Throughout history, men have tried to limit or resist the will of God, but Scripture shows that human effort without God is weak and ultimately futile.”

Power of the Resurrection

Rev. Ogunjobi emphasised that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ represent victory over sin and death, noting that no earthly authority could stop God’s divine plan.

Referencing the sealing of Jesus’ tomb by Roman authorities (Matthew 27:62–66), he explained that even the strongest human attempts to prevent the resurrection only ended up confirming God’s power.

“They sealed the tomb and set guards, thinking the story had ended. But what they sealed became the ground of God’s greatest miracle. No human power can stop what God has ordained,” he declared.

Drawing from Job 14:1, the Vicar reminded the congregation of the frailty of human life:

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.”

Some of the faithful during prayer session on Easter Sunday

He noted that while human strength is limited by time, sin, and mortality, God’s purpose remains eternal and unshakable.

“No matter how life unfolds, the purpose of God for your life will stand,” Ogunjobi assured.

Sacrifice, Salvation and Final Redemption

The vicar stressed that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was final and sufficient for the redemption of mankind, correcting the misconception that further sacrifices are needed for salvation.

He buttressed his position by emphasizing the book of 1 Corinthians 5:7, he said:

“Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. His death and resurrection settled the debt of sin once and for all.”

He added that believers no longer need to seek alternative sacrifices, as salvation has been fully accomplished through Christ.

A Call to Decision: Whose Side Are You On?

In a climactic moment, the cleric challenged worshippers to make a definitive choice of allegiance, drawing from Exodus 32:26:

“Moses asked, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side?’ Easter asks us the same question. Neutrality is not an option—you are either in Christ or outside Him.”

He explained that the resurrection demands a personal response, urging believers to live intentionally for God.

Living the Resurrection Life

Outlining practical steps, Rev. Ogunjobi encouraged Christians to:

Embrace their new identity in Christ, as forgiven and justified believers
Live boldly without fear of death, since Christ has conquered it (Romans 6:9)
Share their faith, noting that testimony can lead others to salvation
Purge sin and bitterness, referencing 1 Corinthians 5:8 on sincerity and truth
Publicly stand for God, living lives that reflect unwavering faith

“Let your life declare that you are on the Lord’s side—without compromise,” he urged.

Hope Beyond the Grave

The sermon concluded with a message of hope, as the Vicar reminded the congregation that the resurrection of Christ guarantees victory for believers.

Quoting 1 Corinthians 15:20, he affirmed:
“Christ is risen from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

An elder of the church Chief Joseph Oladipo while speaking with our reporter expressed that just as Christ rose, believers are assured of new life, both spiritually and eternally.

Chief Oladipo

Chief Ladipo who is also a Bible study teacher reiterated that just as history was changed by the resurrection, as well eternity is decided by believers response to it.

According to him, the message that ought to linger in the minds of Christians at Easter is that beyond the celebration lies a deeper call to faith, transformation, and unwavering trust in God.

The Bible study teacher declared, “What God has ordained, no man can stop. The resurrection is our victory and that victory belongs to those who stand on the Lord’s side.”