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For many people, Easter is another holiday during which to celebrate traditions, to decorate, and to dress in a special outfit. It may even include chocolate, eggs, bunnies, and a big family meal together. But the true reason for celebration is not found in any of those things.

The Bible doesn’t mention “Easter” nor does it instruct Christians to set aside a certain day to observe and celebrate Christ’s resurrection. However, Christ’s resurrection is most certainly something that should be celebrated. And we should be thankful for the resurrection every day!

Remembrance and Celebration!

For Christians, Easter is a time to remember and to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It may seem strange to celebrate someone’s death. And it would be, if it weren’t for the fact of the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus Christ makes His death different than any other death. You see, Jesus, the Son of God (John 3:16), is the only person who ever lived a perfect life: He never sinned. Because He is sinless, He is the perfect and only qualified, acceptable sacrifice for sin. Sin is God’s term for anything we do that goes against what God wants. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all have sinned. Lying, stealing, swearing, or anything in thought, word, or deed that keeps us from perfection and ultimately glorifying God with our lives, therefore, marks us as unqualified to approach the perfect and Holy God. Do you want to be free from your sin, free from the burden and weight of sin which will ultimately take you to Hell? Then accept the gift of salvation that’s freely offered and found only in Jesus Christ. He is the one mediator between you and God (I Timothy 2:5). He is the only one who can give true peace with God (Romans 5:1).

The Resurrection of Jesus!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the best good news ever given! Jesus was perfectly qualified to become our substitute. I Peter 2:24 and 3:18 tell us that Jesus bore our sins. He suffered for us so that we would be healed, and that He might bring us to God. He provided the way for us to be forgiven of sin and accepted of God. You can trust Him as your personal Savior today. Acknowledge that you are a lost sinner in need of a perfect Savior (Romans 3:10, 23; 6:23). Believe in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and receive His gift of forgiveness from sin (John 3:16). Confess your sin and put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior (Romans 10:9–10, 13).

New Life!

Salvation prayer to follow: “Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe that You died upon the cross for me, and that You shed Your precious blood for the forgiveness of my sin. I believe that You were raised from the dead and went to Heaven to prepare a place for me. I accept You now as my Savior, my Lord, my God, my friend. Come into my heart and set me free from my sin. I believe that because You are my Savior, I shall not die, but have everlasting life (John 6:47). Thank you, Jesus, for saving my soul. I trust You and commit my life to You. Amen.”

Author: Greg Joyner

Greg was born and raised in the “Tar Heel” State of North Carolina. He enjoyed a successful career with two different corporations in sales, training and market development. In 1991, their family moved to the Philadelphia area and settled in Collegeville. After many years of serving faithfully at Valley Forge Baptist and with much prayer, Greg responded to God’s call to serve Him in full-time vocational ministry. Greg joined the staff of Valley Forge Baptist and was ordained to the ministry in 2003. He received his Biblical studies from Trinity College and Theological Seminary in Pastoral studies with emphasis in Evangelism and Biblical Counseling. Greg loves ministry and currently serves with Missions, Business Leaders and Young Families which includes weekly Bible studies, banquets, retreats, and conferences. Greg and Peggy have been married 36 years and have three children and one grandson.