• Understanding the main essence of Easter celebration
By Seyi Gesinde
Wow! Jesus rose! But what if He didn’t rise?
Imagine a world where the promise of redemption remained unfulfilled, where hope lay shattered in a tomb sealed with doubt and despair. Yet, against all odds, the empty tomb stands as a beacon of light, echoing the resounding victory over sin and death.
As we delve into the significance of Easter, we encounter not just a historical event, but a divine proclamation of love and triumph. Its significance transcends this temporal realm, as Apostle Paul profoundly reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
This verse poignantly underscores the centrality of the resurrection in the Christian faith, emphasizing its eternal impact on our lives.
Scriptural significance:
In essence, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the pinnacle of the Christian faith. As stated in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse encapsulates the essence of Easter, emphasizing God’s sacrificial love and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus.
Easter holds immense significance in Christianity as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after his crucifixion. This event symbolizes victory over sin and death, offering believers hope for redemption and eternal life.
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The biblical substance of Easter is rooted in several key passages, including:
1. Resurrection account: The resurrection of Jesus is narrated in all four Gospels: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. These passages detail the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene and other women, encounters with the risen Christ, and his subsequent appearances to his disciples.
2. Salvation through Christ: The Easter story underscores the central Christian belief in salvation through Jesus Christ. As stated in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
3. Sacrificial love: The sacrificial love of Christ is a prominent theme of Easter. Jesus willingly suffered and died on the cross for the forgiveness of humanity’s sins, exemplifying unconditional love. Romans 5:8 emphasizes this: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Call to repentance
Bring born-again is a free gift for unbelievers to benefit from the resurrection of Christ, they are encouraged to:
1. Acknowledge sin: Recognize the need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2. Believe in Christ: Accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Acts 16:31 declares, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
3. Repentance and faith: Repentance involves a genuine sorrow for one’s sins and a turning away from them. It’s a change of mind and heart that leads to a change in behaviour. So, turn away from sin and turn towards God in faith. Acts 3:19 advises, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
4. Confession: Confess your faith in Jesus Christ publicly. This can be done through prayer, verbal declaration, or publicly declaring your commitment to follow Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
5. Belief in Jesus Christ: Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose again, and trust in Him alone for salvation (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).
6. Acceptance of grace: Receive God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, understanding that it is not earned but freely given. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.
7. New life in Christ: Embrace the new life that comes with being born again. This includes living in obedience to God’s Word, growing in relationship with Him through prayer and studying the Bible, and being transformed by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Ultimately, being born again is a personal experience of encountering the love and grace of God through Jesus Christ and committing to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Easter is the redemptive power that Jesus Christ freely gave us. So, by embracing these principles and surrendering to the love and grace of Christ, unbelievers can experience the transformative power of His resurrection in their lives.
As we reflect on its significance and enjoy the Easter celebration, let’s cherish and hold fast to the enduring message of hope and renewal found in Jesus’ resurrection. Let His love guide us through life’s journey, inspiring us to live each day with faith, joy, and compassion towards others. May the blessings of Easter stay with us, enriching our lives and strengthening our hearts for a lifetime.
