This week we celebrate Easter. But what is the “celebration” all about? Sadly, if asked, many really could not tell you. Or, if they did, their response would be limited to the Easter bunny and hiding eggs. And, even then they would not have a clue that the Easter bunny and hiding eggs was derived from pagan worship thousands of years ago dealing with the celebration of spring and rebirth – and then found its way into many “Christian traditions”. Yes, some may say that Easter has something to do with a man called Jesus; but, that would be the extent. Others may actually say it was the day that Jesus arose from the grave; but, again that would be the extent. So, why do we celebrate Easter?
Our reason for celebrating Easter has everything to do with a man called Jesus. But this wasn’t just any man; this man is the Son of God. Jesus Christ came into the world to die in our place for our sins so that we may have eternal life. Notice what Jesus taught His disciples.
Mark 8:31,
“And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”
As Jesus stated, He would not remain in the grave; for, on the third day following His crucifixion He arose to be the Saviour of the world so that He could bring all who trust in Him unto the Father.
Notice the following Scriptures concerning God’s only begotten Son Jesus Christ.
John 3:16,
“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.”
John 14:6,
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
2 Corinthians 5:21,
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Galatians 3:13,
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
1 John 4:14,
“And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”
Luke 24:1-7,
“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
1 Peter 3:22,
“Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
Hebrews 12:2,
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 7:25,
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
John 3:36,
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Here we have the answer as to why we celebrate Easter. We serve a “resurrected Savior” – Jesus Christ the Son of God; the One who died in our place on the cross of Calvary; the One who arose again on the third day; the One who lives and reigns with His Father in Heaven. The question must now be asked, “Have you trusted in Jesus Christ the resurrected Saviour of the world unto God’s salvation?” Only when one trusts in Jesus Christ as their Savior will one ever be able to truly celebrate Easter.
Romans 10:13,
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Anything less is just a counterfeit Easter celebration.
