As we enter into the season of autumn, we can't help but think about the changes that are sure to come… changing colors of the leaves, a gradual changing of the air's temperature, the fruits harvest time, the newness of stormy weather that marks this time of year – all wonderful for some – but, at times, awesome for others. Like we spoke about last time, the nearing time of winter and it's accompanying celebration of Christmas is the end of that change that promises to bring hope for all humanity in the form of a Savior who would bring the promise of eternal life to all who believe in him. This Savior, whom we believe is the Lord of all creation – if you remember – is Jesus Christ. When we spoke about Christmas, we spoke about his birth. But, in this article, we would like to speak about his death and resurrection.
The death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ are celebrated every springtime during the holiday of Easter and has its purpose in remembering the suffering that Jesus Christ went through to bring eternal life to all those who believe in him. This holiday gives homage to the greatest act of love that God Almighty has shown the world since the beginning of creation, and it is the most important holiday apart from Christmas for all Christians due to its wonderful significance.
In this article, we would like to share with you some important details about the significance of this holiday. What you won't find here is how to celebrate the holiday. Though many celebrate Easter in different ways, some even in ways that have nothing to do with Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. If you have ever seen the Passion of Jesus Christ (a fitting title for the meaning of Jesus Christ’s life and ministry), then you'll know that this holiday’s celebration is of great spiritual importance.
Death is a Certain Demise
As we had mentioned last time regarding Christmas, all the world is in need of a Savior; because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden during the days following the creation of the universe and everything in it, the curse of the law (physical and spiritual death) was spread to every individual person – to you and to me. We see this in Romans 5:12 (English Standard Version) where it says that “just as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin… so death (including eternal separation from God) spread to all men because all sinned.” Likewise, we see in Romans 6:23 (my own paraphrase) that the “[result that is rightfully due for all sin is death.]” It cannot be argued that even one of us is free of this deathly bondage; “all have sinned and [continually] fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 English Standard Version).
