Pascha, also known as Easter, is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion. The name “Pascha” comes from the Hebrew word pesach, meaning “Passover.” While Easter customs have pagan origins, the holiday is firmly rooted in the events of Holy Week as described in the Gospels.
The Bible contains several accounts of Jesus’ resurrection, providing insight into its significance for Christian theology. The Gospels state that after Jesus was crucified and buried, he rose from the dead on the third day in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and his own predictions (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31). Women visiting his tomb found it empty and were told by an angel that Jesus had risen as he said (Matthew 28:1-7, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-7, John 20:1-9). Jesus then began appearing to his disciples, including Peter, the eleven remaining apostles, and others (Luke 24:13-43, Acts 1:3-8). His resurrection verified his identity as the Son of God and Messiah prophesied in Scripture (Romans 1:4). It also demonstrated his power over death and the hope of eternal life for those who believe in him (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
The resurrection is central to Christian doctrine concerning salvation and the afterlife. Scripture teaches that all who have faith in Christ are united with him spiritually. Just as he overcame death, they too can triumph over sin and death by the power of his resurrection (Romans 6:5, Philippians 3:10-11). His resurrection also confirms his promise to return and raise the dead to new life at the final judgment (John 5:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23). The hope of being resurrected with Christ motivates believers to live godly lives in anticipation of his return (Colossians 3:1-4).
The events of Easter weekend — Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection — are remembered and celebrated by Christians during Holy Week. Observances begin with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday observes the Last Supper. Good Friday solemnly remembers his suffering and death on the cross. Holy Saturday, also called Easter Vigil, involves prayerful waiting culminating in the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday. Services focus on recounting the resurrection narratives and proclaiming the good news of salvation made possible by Christ’s victory over death.
Easter is preceded by the season of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and repentance to prepare for Holy Week. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday when ashes are placed on the forehead as a sign of mourning and mortality. During Lent, believers engage in acts of spiritual discipline, self-denial, and charitable giving. Many churches remove festive decorations and hold midweek services to reflect the somber tone leading up to Easter. These traditions enrich the joy of celebrating Christ’s resurrection.
The date of Easter each year changes and is based on astronomical calculations. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or just after the vernal equinox around March 21. This ensures Easter always takes place in the Spring to represent new life and hope. This dating method was established by the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. but alternative calculations still exist.
Most Easter customs developed from older spring rituals existing long before Christianity. Eggs and rabbits, for example, symbolized fertility and new life in pagan traditions. The egg also represents the tomb from which Jesus emerged alive. Decorating Easter eggs is an ancient practice retained to celebrate Christ bursting forth from the grave. Other non-Christian customs were absorbed and reinterpreted in light of the resurrection to express joy and new life in Christ.
Easter is celebrated with various cultural traditions reflecting Christianity’s wide influence. Common observances include special church services, family meals, Easter egg hunts, and springtime decorations. Many churches hold sunrise services mirroring the discovery of the empty tomb. Congregations joyfully proclaim, “He is risen!” Families gather for a special meal featuring roasted lamb, representing Christ as the Passover lamb. Days are filled with uplifting hymns, seasonal flowers, and messages of hope and victory through the Savior’s sacrifice. For Christians, Easter is a celebration wrapped in ancient tradition unfolding the greatest miracle of all.
The resurrection is foundational to Christian faith. It authenticated Jesus’ identity and demonstrated his power over death as the Son of God. The risen Christ fulfilled prophecy, showing his lordship and authority. His victory over death and the grave provides believers with the promise and hope of eternal life. Just as he rose, those united to him spiritually can also triumph over sin and death. His resurrection points ahead to the final resurrection when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. The resurrection is a central truth shaping Christian theology, worship, and hope for the future.
Easter commemorates and celebrates the core of Christian belief – Jesus’ miraculous resurrection. Churches decorate with lilies, bells, and banners shouting “He is risen!” Worship is filled with joyful praise and proclamation of Christ’s victory over death. Sermons explain the significance of the open tomb. The faithful remind one another, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” Meals include bread and wine representing the Last Supper when Jesus foretold his death and resurrection. Family egg hunts illustrate new life bursting forth. Through ancient traditions and customs, Easter glorifies God for the salvation made possible by his Son conquering the grave.
The resurrection marks the turning point of history and the Christian faith. Without the risen Savior, the gospel is meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14). Because Jesus rose, death’s power is broken. Without the resurrection, believers would still be trapped in their sins with no hope beyond this life. Christ’s victory over death is the cornerstone of the Christian gospel. His empty tomb gives disciples boldness to proclaim salvation and offer assurance of eternal life (Hebrews 9:27-28). The resurrection displayed God’s mighty power available to believers (Ephesians 1:19-20). His Spirit raised Jesus and lives in those united to Christ (Romans 8:11). Easter makes the astonishing claim proved true – Christ has risen and changed everything.
The resurrection remains a central truth celebrated and proclaimed at Easter. Though surrounded by cultural traditions and non-biblical symbols, Easter is rooted in the biblical account of Jesus rising from the grave. Churches decorate with lilies representing purity, new life, and the radiance of Christ. The Paschal candle shines dispelling darkness, as did the risen Savior. Worship resounds with hope and adoration of the victorious King who defeated death. On Easter, believers joyfully celebrate that the Savior lives, bringing salvation, renewal, and eternal life to all who trust in him.
Easter marks the most joyous day in the Christian faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After dying for the sins of humanity on Good Friday, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, just as he promised. His resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah. The empty tomb on Easter morning verified Jesus’ power over death and his deity as the Son of God. The resurrection sets Christianity apart from all other faiths and provides the hope of eternal life for believers. Jesus is alive, seated at God’s right hand interceding for the saints. Death could not hold him then and cannot hold those who live through faith in him. Easter proclaims life triumphs eternally.
The resurrection remains the cornerstone of Christian faith and worship. All four Gospels record the empty tomb and appearances of the risen Christ. The apostles’ preaching centered on his resurrection (Acts 2:14-36, 3:13-15, 4:1-2, 4:33, 10:39-41). Paul stressed its central importance (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 12-19). Without the resurrection, Christianity crumbles, having no power to save (1 Corinthians 15:13-17). Jesus and Scripture affirm those united to Christ spiritually share in his resurrection power (Romans 6:5, Philippians 3:10). The resurrection points ahead to the coming resurrection of the dead when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Easter reveals Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death opening the way for eternal life.
Easter marks the most significant event in history when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. His resurrection means death and sin are defeated, and new life in him is available. Without the resurrection, the Christian gospel is meaningless. Because Jesus is alive, believers can have assurance of eternal life. Easter grants the hope that as Christ was raised, those who follow him will also rise to be with him forever. The empty tomb proves that God’s power exceeds that of death. Easter celebrates that the Savior lives and that through faith in him, his followers will live eternally in his presence.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event in history according to the Bible. It demonstrated his divinity as the eternal Son of God. The resurrection confirmed Old Testament Messianic prophecies were fulfilled in Christ. Jesus predicted he would suffer, die, and be raised the third day. The empty tomb on Easter morning substantiated these claims. The resurrection proves Jesus’ sinless life was an acceptable sacrifice for sin. His power over death provided victory and eternal life for believers. Without Jesus rising from the dead, there is no salvation or hope beyond this life. His resurrection established faith in him was the only way to heaven. Easter marks the historical event initiating the Christian faith. The risen Christ radically transformed despair into hope.
According to the Bible, Jesus’ resurrection is the most important event in history. His miraculous victory over death validated his identity as the divine Messiah and Son of God. The resurrection demonstrated Christ’s sacrificial death was accepted by God to atone for sin. It confirms those with faith in Jesus will experience resurrection from the dead unto eternal life. His rising from the grave inaugurated the launch of the Christian church. The risen Lord Jesus appeared to his disciples over 40 days empowering them as witnesses. Their bold preaching of the resurrection led to spreading the gospel across the world. Easter marks the resurrection propelling Christianity forward fueled by the amazing news – Christ is risen indeed!
The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands apart as the most pivotal occurrence in human history according to Scripture. His rising from the dead three days after dying by crucifixion verified his identity as the Son of God and Messiah. In the resurrection, Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah were fulfilled. Christ’s teachings are validated. Redemption of sins through his sacrificial death is accomplished. The power of death is shattered providing hope of eternal life for believers. The risen Christ commissioned his disciples to take the gospel worldwide enabling Christianity to flourish. The empty tomb remains the ultimate proof and celebration that Jesus is Lord of life and death forevermore.
