Why Christian Believers Celebrate Easter
Let’s address a question that arises often among those outside the Christian faith: Why do Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, given that it is not explicitly commanded?
The Spiritual Significance of Easter
For Christians, Easter is not merely a day of celebration but a profound reminder of the profound spiritual truth that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. This is a time when believers reflect on the love of God, the power of His grace, and the hope of eternal life. However, it is also important to clarify the historical and religious context of this celebration.
The Historical Context
The occasion of Easter is rooted in the Gospels, which record the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified on what we now call Good Friday and rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. This event is believed to be the climax of salvation history, marking the moment when humanity was reconciled with God.
Why Christians Celebrate the Resurrection
While God does not explicitly command us to celebrate the birth or resurrection, He does command us to remember His crucifixion and resurrection. This is evident in various passages of the Bible.
Hebrews 9:27 – And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
Romans 3:10 – As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.
Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:8 – But God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16-18 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 3:19 – Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Romans 5:12-15 – Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For the gift is not as that which is condemned: but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Romans 3:25 – Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Romans 10:9-10 – That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Revelation 21:8 – But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
A Simple Prayer
Those seeking salvation can turn to these words of prayer, shared below:
Simple Prayer:
God, I come before you today as a sinner and I admit that I am on my way to Hell. I am sorry for my sins and I desire to turn from them and to ask for Your mercy on my soul to save me from my sin for I believe that Jesus came to earth 2,000 years ago as the Son of God and died on the cross. He presented His blood to pay the payment for my soul and was buried and rose again, showing He has the power to forgive my sins and to give me a home in Heaven. Please cover my sins with Your blood and give me Your righteousness right now!
Note: If by any chance you fail to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior (and miss the rapture), then the consequences are dire. Without the Holy Spirit, you will face unimaginable hardship and fear, especially during the period known as the Tribulation. It is imperative not to accept the mark of the beast as it will ensure your eternal condemnation to Hell. To gain a better understanding, read the King James Version of the Bible for yourself. The full text of these passages is available online in various formats and translations.