The Significance of Easter

The gospel is more than a sales pitch; It’s a proclamation that Jesus can change a life and an eternal destiny.

The death and resurrection of Jesus is a well-documented fact. He died and was placed in a tomb. But, on the third day He arose from the dead. The tomb is empty not because someone moved His body or stole it, but because Jesus has risen from the dead. After the resurrection He appeared to His disciples and about 500 other people.

Here are some historical reminders of the reality of Christ’s resurrection.

• Empty tomb – The tomb is empty and no body has ever been found. Why? Jesus is alive!

• Lying soldiers – Those charged with guarding the tomb couldn’t keep Him there. So, they were bribed to provide an elaborate story to explain away the resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15).

• Grave clothes – Jesus’ grave clothes were discovered lying undisturbed, not as if someone hurriedly unwrapped a body, but rather, as if the body literally vanished from within the garments (John 20:3-7).

• Massive stone – The tomb was sealed with a boulder to keep anyone from stealing the body. Yet, when the first visitors arrived that Easter morning, the tomb was open. The stone had been rolled away.

• Angels – Along with the stone being removed, angels greeted Mary and those visiting the tomb. They proclaimed the news that Jesus was not there. He had risen!

• Disciples – Remember His disciples, cowering behind a locked door after His burial. Then, a short time later, they’d each begin lifelong ministries proclaiming the good news of Jesus. All but one of them would be martyred for their faith. How do we explain such a transformation? They saw the risen Christ and believed, going out to tell a lost world the news through the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Personal Transformation – Each of us believers has our own testimony of how Christ has transformed our lives, giving further proof that He lives!

Clearly, there is a historical reality to the resurrection of Jesus.

But, what is the spiritual significance of the resurrection? What does it mean to you?

Easter is a great time for us to proclaim the realities, and give people the opportunity to confess and believe that Jesus is Lord!

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved (Romans 10:9-10).

Several truths become realities when someone puts their faith and trust in Jesus in response to the proclamation of the gospel:

1. They die to sin.

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).

2. They become connected to or absorbed in Christ!

“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

3. They are united in His Resurrection.

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5).

The resurrection of Jesus is more than a historical event that took place 2,000 years ago. It is a living, spiritual reality.

It’s not just something we look back on and celebrate as a tradition; it is something we participate in!

When we talk about Easter, it’s more than an annual pitch presented by the church to draw a big crowd — It’s life-changing!

He died for my sins.

He brings me into a relationship with God.

He promises eternal life.

If you haven’t done so already, put your trust in Christ now.

Learn more about a relationship with Jesus Christ. Find a local church.