Mark 16:1-7 NIV When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. [2] Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb [3] and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” [4] But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. [5] As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. [6] “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. [7] But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ”
Here are three central reasons why Easter is important to the Christian:
Resurrection of Jesus Christ:
- Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion.
- This event is the fulfillment of the promises made in the Old Testament and the definitive proof of Jesus’ divine nature.
- The resurrection is central to Christian belief because it demonstrates Jesus’ victory over sin and death, affirming the belief in life after death for all who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:17-20).
Foundation of Christian Faith:
- The Apostle Paul stated that if Christ has not been raised, the Christian faith is futile, and believers are still in their sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).
- The resurrection is thus foundational to the Christian faith; it validates Jesus’ teachings, His sacrificial death for the sins of humanity, and His claims of divinity.
- Without the resurrection, the crucifixion would be the end of the story, making the hope of salvation and eternal life void.
Promise of Eternal Life:
- Easter embodies the promise of eternal life for Christians.
- The resurrection of Jesus is seen as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (died in faith), promising believers resurrection and eternal life with God.
- This hope of resurrection and new life begins now through spiritual renewal and transformation and culminates in the believer’s own resurrection to eternal life (John 11:25-26).
- Easter, therefore, is not just a historical event to be remembered; it is a current reality that influences how Christians live their lives, offering hope, joy, and the promise of redemption and renewal.