The Passover and The Resurrection: Inspiring Our Service
The Passover and the resurrection of Jesus Christ are two of the most powerful moments in the Bible. Together, they show God’s plan to save His people—first through the story of the Exodus and then through the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. These events are connected, revealing God’s love, His deliverance, and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.
For The Salvation Army, these truths inspire everything they do. They serve communities worldwide, reflecting the kingdom of God through practical ministry and acts of love. Whether in full-time ministry or volunteer roles, men and women in The Salvation Army live out the gospel of Jesus Christ by meeting people where they are and offering hope and healing.
This blog explores the connection between Passover and Christ’s resurrection, how His sacrifice inspires The Salvation Army’s mission, and how the Evangeline Booth College prepares servant leaders for a life of ministry.
The Passover: A Story of Deliverance and God’s Faithfulness
The story of the Exodus begins with the Israelites suffering under slavery in Egypt. After hundreds of years in bondage, God sent Moses to lead His people to freedom. When the Pharaoh refused to let them go, God sent ten plagues to show His power.
The final plague—the death of the firstborn—was the turning point. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a spotless lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith ensured that the angel of death would “pass over” their homes, sparing their families and delivering them from judgment.
The meaning of Passover in the Bible is clear: God saves those who trust Him. This event became a symbol of deliverance and a promise of hope for His people. But it also pointed to something greater.
Centuries later, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. Just as the blood of the Lamb saved the Israelites, His death on the cross brought freedom from sin and eternal salvation. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 5:7:
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
The Passover reminds us that God is faithful in delivering His people. Through Christ, we are freed not from physical slavery but from the chains of sin, shame, and separation from God.
The Resurrection: A Victory That Changes Everything
While the Passover points to God’s deliverance, Christ’s resurrection shows His victory. After Jesus died on the cross, He rose again on the third day, conquering death and offering the promise of eternal life.
This moment is central to the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, there would be no hope. But because Christ lives, we have confidence in His power to save and transform our lives. As the Apostle Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures… He was buried, and He was raised on the third day.”
The resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God and that His sacrifice brings real hope. It shows us that death is not the end and sin has been defeated. Those who believe in Him will also rise from the dead and live forever in God’s presence.
For The Salvation Army, this truth is the foundation of their work. Christ’s victory over sin and death inspires their mission to bring hope to others. It is something to celebrate and a call to action—to serve, love, and care for others as Jesus did.
The Salvation Army: Serving Others Like Christ
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection call all believers to live lives of service. Jesus, the Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve, and He calls us to follow His example.
The Salvation Army takes this call seriously. Inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ, their mission is to meet the needs of individuals and communities with love, humility, and compassion. From feeding the hungry to offering shelter and support, their work reflects the heart of the kingdom of God.
This ministry isn’t just about providing physical help. It is also about sharing the hope of the resurrection—offering encouragement, prayer, and the message of forgiveness of sins to those who are hurting. The Holy Spirit guides this work, empowering brothers and sisters in The Salvation Army to serve with purpose and passion.
Like the Apostle Paul, Salvation Army officers and volunteers see their ministry as a mission to share Christ’s love with the world. Whether working in disaster relief, leading community programs, or offering spiritual care, they embody the hands and feet of Jesus.
Preparing Servant Leaders at Evangeline Booth College
For those who feel God has called them to time ministry, the Evangeline Booth College is where that calling comes to life. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this college prepares men and women for full-time ministry in The Salvation Army.
The training at Evangeline Booth College focuses on three key areas:
1. Spiritual Development
Students build a strong foundation in Scripture, worship, and prayer. They study the Word of God to grow in their faith and develop a deep understanding of their mission.
2. Practical Ministry
Cadets gain hands-on experience in serving others. They learn how to lead programs, offer pastoral care, and provide support to those in need—reflecting Christ’s love through action.
3. Leadership Training
Servant leadership is at the heart of The Salvation Army’s mission. Cadets are taught to lead with humility, wisdom, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, following Christ’s example as the ultimate servant.
Evangeline Booth College equips its graduates to step into ministry jobs and leadership roles where they can make a difference. Whether leading churches, supporting outreach efforts, or caring for struggling families, they bring hope to a world in need.
Living Christ’s Sacrifice in Daily Life
Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection are more than events to remember—they are examples to follow. Jesus gave His life to bring freedom and forgiveness of sins, and He calls us to serve others in the same way.
This means dedicating their lives to practical ministry for Salvation Army officers, cadets, and volunteers. Whether feeding a hungry family, comforting someone who has lost hope, or sharing the message of eternal life, they reflect Christ’s love in all they do.
But you don’t need to be in full-time ministry to live out Christ’s example. Each of us can serve others in small, meaningful ways. Whether helping a neighbor, supporting a friend, or sharing the hope of the gospel of Jesus, every act of kindness becomes a way to reflect God’s love.
Responding to the Call
The Passover and Christ’s resurrection remind us of God’s incredible love and the power of His deliverance. They challenge us to live with purpose and compassion, carrying the message of hope into a world that needs it.
If you feel called to serve in full-time ministry, The Salvation Army and the Evangeline Booth College offer the tools and training to help you answer that call. This is an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through practical ministry and bring light to those in darkness.
For others, Christ’s example can inspire us to serve wherever we are. By loving, helping, and sharing His message, we become part of God’s plan to bring hope and eternal life to the world.
Let Christ’s sacrifice transform your life today. Together, we can serve as He served, bringing His love, peace, and hope to those in need.