The Hopeful Message of the Resurrection

How does the story of Jesus' resurrection impact your own faith?

The story of Jesus’ resurrection impacts my faith, because it creates a purpose and identity that would not be possible without the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The story of Jesus’s resurrection is the initiation of a new creation that brings all things and all people together through their belief in Christ. As an apologist, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very fact that separates Christianity from all other religions, and to me, makes it worth believing.

How has the commercialization of Easter affected its true meaning for some believers?

The actual term Easter is not in the Bible, neither is the annual celebration of it. Therefore, the holiday itself is an invention that is prone and vulnerable to the possibility of nonbiblical use.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised I. Origin of the Term

The term Easter was derived from the Anglo-Saxon “Eostre,” the name of the goddess of spring. In her honor sacrifices were offered at the time of the vernal equinox. By the 8th cent. the term came to be applied to the anniversary of Christ’s resurrection.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised II. Controversy about the Time of Celebration

By the 7th cent. the practice of the Church had become reasonably uniform. The time agreed upon was the first Sunday following the full moon that comes on or after the vernal equinox. The date of the equinox was set at Mar. 21. This allowed for a variation in Easter dates from Mar. 22 to Apr. 25. The uniformity of practice which prevailed for a number of centuries was again disturbed for a time with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582.

Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered What Is the Origin of the Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs?

The goddess Eastre’s earthly symbol was the rabbit, which was also known as a symbol of fertility. Since rabbits and hares give birth to large litters in the early spring, it’s understandable that the rabbit is the symbol of fertility.

The legend of the Easter Bunny bringing eggs appears to have been brought to the United States by settlers from southwestern Germany. The German tradition of the Easter Bunny or “Oschter Haws” migrated to America in the 1800s, likely accompanying German immigrants, many of whom settled in Pennsylvania. Over the past 200 years, the Easter Bunny has become the most commercially recognized symbol of Easter.

America and the nature of capitalism combined with the pagan history often create problems.

What are some ways to refocus Easter celebrations on its spiritual core?

Maintain a focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ throughout the year, outside the Easter holiday.

Intentional efforts towards existing as a conscious resurrected community. Participation in communal gatherings as a means of existing as a resurrected community in Christ (Acts 2:4).

Habitual study of scripture and how the resurrection is present in every turn of the page (Romans 6).

How would you share the story and meaning of Easter with unbeliever?

The ultimate question every individual faces is what am I put here for and where do I belong? This question is often answered with a variety of responses. However, I would simply say we exist to live in resurrected community.

66% of people in America believe in the resurrection. However, not many understand what the resurrection means in the current world.

Acts 17: The resurrection is about fulfilling that natural desire to be connected with the Divine. Because of the resurrection, we are able to seek for and find God, and this is the purpose He had from the very beginning.

This is ultimately the power of the resurrection at work in the individual and corporate life. The resurrection began a new creation—one where sin is unable to withhold us from the natural desire to connected with our Eternal Father who desires to be in communion with us.