Why is Easter so important? The meaning of Jesus’ resurrection. Easter is unlike any other holiday in the world. Jesus’ death and resurrection are the most important events in the universe. It is the most critical event in human history.
Why such a resounding introduction? First of all, on Easter, let us remember who Jesus is.
God is above all
God became man in Jesus Christ. Yes, this is the same Creator and Ruler of the world, the living God, who decided to become a man out of love for man.
And now, let us remember that there is nothing higher than God. Therefore, God is the pinnacle of all existence.
Easter is the most crucial event in the universe because it is the dramatic step of the Creator’s love to place himself in the hands of the Creature, die, and rise again to life from death.
Easter is also the most important event in the life of every human being, especially Christians. Whether you accept the act of salvation accomplished by Jesus’ death and resurrection determines whether you have the right to enter God’s Kingdom or remain outside its gates in Hell.
Key Bible verse
The most important verse in the Bible that gets to the heart of the matter is 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.”
But the Bible verse that determines each person’s destiny and requires personal decision is Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Many people in this world have suffered and died. But Jesus Christ did not just suffer and die. He rose from death. This fact signifies that he is not just any man but the Lord of life.
Your personal decision as a free person to accept or reject this fact determines everything. Jesus, as the Saviour of humanity, says a critical condition: “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14,6)
The meaning of Jesus’ resurrection
Let’s take a closer look at why Easter is important.
1. The death of Christ frees us from sin.
God, Himself has chosen this expression of salvation for humanity.
- Becoming human.
- To allow humanity to sacrifice him as an innocent lamb on the cross, as if on the altar of the Temple in Jerusalem.
- To rise from death, thus opening the gates to eternal life.
Accordingly, if a person accepts this sacrifice of Christ in the sacrament of baptism, his sins are washed away by the blood of Christ.
2. Christ’s resurrection guarantees our resurrection.
Jesus Christ was the first to pass through the way of death and resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:20 identifies Jesus as the first of us. Therefore, those who believe in him will not remain in the darkness of death after death but will rise with Him to eternal life.
In Romans 6:5, the apostle Paul identifies the condition this will happen: if we are united with Christ.
Christ’s resurrection is crucial for us. If Christ has been raised, we will be raised too.
3. Christ’s resurrection enables the Church to continue the work of salvation.
There is much to be done while we are on earth. However, salvation continues in the mystical body of Christ, the Church. The Saviour has bequeathed to his Church all the means necessary for salvation, which derive their power and effectiveness from his resurrection. Therefore, the Fathers of the Church’s saying is still valid – no salvation exists without the Church.
The purpose of Easter
The purpose of Easter is to show us that death is not to be seen as an end but as a new beginning.
Easter completes God’s plan of salvation announced at Christmas. Jesus Christ, who came to us as “the light of the world” (John 8:12), becomes the light of hope at Easter. He is the key to salvation.
Prayer for Today
Eternal merciful God, you strengthen the faith of your people; multiply the grace you have given us so that we may all know that we have been washed in the blood of Christ and renewed by the Holy Spirit.
Redeemer Jesus, who has gloriously conquered death, let us welcome the joy of your resurrection with an open heart. You live and reign forever. Amen.
