4 Important Facts About Easter
There are many different traditions that are accepted as facts about Easter. Some are biblical, but others are not. Keep reading as Ray Marshall shares 4 important biblical facts about Easter that we can rely on.
Facts About Easter – Easter is Not About a Bunny
Easter is one of the great holidays on the annual calendar. People get together to celebrate, often having family meals together. In addition, most people love to give gifts – especially chocolate candies. Easter seems to be a time when our stores are awash with this delicious sweet treat. Often the chocolate gifts come in the shape of eggs or eggs. However, although the Easter Bunny is a popular character with many children around the world, it is not the reason we celebrate during the Holy Week. Here are four reasons we celebrate.
1. The Origin of the Word Easter
The historical events of what we now know as Easter are recorded in the four gospel accounts. The word Easter itself is not found anywhere in the Bible, and today’s commercial activities have little or nothing to do with the actual events that took place during Christ’s lifetime. Where then, does the word Easter come from? The origin of the word is not clear, although some historians believe that it may find its roots in the German word Ostern and the worship of an ancient goddess.
Likewise, bunnies and eggs, often associated with Easter, are not mentioned in the historical accounts of Jesus. Whether we refer to the holiday as Easter or Resurrection Sunday, as is becoming popular in some circles, the important thing to remember is that it is a day to celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death. Although bunnies, eggs and chocolate are fun for children and harmless in and of themselves, the real joy is found in the biblical facts about Easter.
2. Good Friday Commemorates the Death of Jesus Christ.
Although we cannot be certain that Jesus died on a Friday, there is considerable evidence to support this claim. In addition, the church has traditionally chosen to commemorate the death of Jesus on this day. This is largely because, according to the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus celebrated the Passover Seder on the evening before His crucifixion.
Christians usually see this as a sombre day – a time for reflection on the price that was paid to save us from our sins. Services held on Good Friday are often subdued with prayers, hymns and sermons focused on Christ’s sacrifice. Many include the Lord’s Supper or contain elements of the Passover
3. Easter Sunday Celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
According to the scriptures, Jesus was in the grave 3 days, fulfilling His own prophecy that this would be the case. The three days include all of the Saturday, and parts of Friday and Sunday. Although the gospel accounts provide different perspectives on what happened on Easter Sunday, they all agree that Jesus miraculously rose from the dead, and was later seen by many witnesses. The apostles and early believers had no doubt that this was the case. So vital is the doctrine of the risen Christ that Paul argued belief in the resurrection was a key requirement for salvation.
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9 NLT
4. The Easter Weekend Brings Hope to Christians
Without the first “Easter” we would have no hope of salvation or eternal life. The resurrection of Jesus is our assurance of eternal life in Him. As Paul says:
“And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.” I Corinthians 15:14 NLT
Wrapped up in this vitally important weekend then, is our hope of salvation. On those dark days when we see our Christian loved ones dying, or when we contemplate our own deaths, we can look to the resurrection of Christ and be comforted. Knowing that Jesus conquered death and rose again in a new body gives us the certain hope that we too, can experience resurrection, and live with Him for eternity.
True Facts About Easter Bring Joy
Chocolate bunnies and eggs are fun, but chocolate doesn’t last long. The joy of our salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection brings lasting joy and peace. If you like chocolate, by all means take time to enjoy this delicious treat, but don’t stop there. Examine the Bible and you will find the marvelous life changing story of God’s love for mankind. While the joy of chocolate is transitory, the joy of knowing Christ and experiencing His salvation is something that is eternal. It lasts forever!
What does Easter mean to you? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Ray Marshall
Ray Marshall was born in Scotland but emigrated to Canada in 1977 where he met his wife Kelly. In the 1990’s, Ray and Kelly served as missionaries in both Ireland and Ecuador, and after returning to Canada, they served as church planters in Belleville.
Between 2009 and 2014, Ray and Kelly spent several years teaching ESL in China. Ray currently works primarily for the Navigators of Canada as a community mentor, reaching out to international students; visiting scholars and professors; and immigrants.
He has also been providing Digital Media support for FBHInternational, and HopeStreamRadio since 2011.
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Empty Tomb – www.LumoProject.com
Bunnies and Eggs – stux
Cross – Public Domain
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