Eggs? Bunnies? Candy? Baskets? Family Dinner? There are so many fun things and traditions that come to mind when we hear the word “Easter,” but did you know that the true meaning of Easter is so much more? So Then, What Is Easter All About? Easter is the time of the year when Christians remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It may seem strange to celebrate someone’s death, so why do we do it? Just like we would honor the loss of a soldier who died for our country, or a hero who lost their life rescuing someone dear to us, we celebrate the death of Jesus because He died to rescue us! Why Do I Need Rescued? Each of us has a sin problem. Sin is defined as everything we do that goes against what God wants. We sin by doing things we shouldn’t, such as lying, stealing or swearing (Exodus 20:7-17). We also sin by holding on to improper thoughts and attitudes (Matthew 5:28). But it doesn't stop there: God even charges us with sin when we don’t do things we know we should (James 4:17). As sinners, the Bible says we all deserve the punishment of death and the judgment to follow (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27). What Does This Have to Do With Jesus? Jesus, God’s Son, is the only person who ever lived a perfect life without any sin. Because Jesus is sinless, He was perfectly qualified to become our substitute and take our place in judgment: “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus suffered and died to pay the penalty of your sins and mine, but that wasn’t the end of the story. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead! Did Jesus Really Come Back to Life? In the Bible we read that after Jesus died, a group of women went to anoint His body, but they found that the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty! As unbelievable as this seems, the Bible is very clear on this and even gives a list of witnesses who saw Him alive again. In addition to those named, Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at one time (John 20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). The fact that Jesus rose from the dead not only demonstrates God’s power and majesty, but also proves that God is satisfied with the work Jesus did on the cross when He suffered for our sins. Because of who He is and what He has done, Jesus—the living Savior—is the only way to Heaven. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). What Does This Mean for Me? Do you want to be free from the burden and weight of your sin? You need a Savior who can make peace with God for you, someone who will make you holy in God's sight. Jesus died for you and rose again—He is the Savior you need! God’s message to you is simple: repent and believe (Mark 1:15). Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and call out to Him in faith, accepting what Jesus has done for you. He will take away your sins (1 John 1:9), give you peace with God (Romans 5:1), and make you a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17). Turn to Him today and celebrate the true meaning of Easter! “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” (Romans 10:9).
