Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. Here are some common questions people have about Easter and what the Bible says about this holy day:
When is Easter and how is the date determined?
The date of Easter changes every year. It is determined by a complex formula based on the lunar calendar. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox around March 21. So it can fall anytime between March 22 and April 25. This year, Easter falls on April 17.
What is the meaning and significance of Easter?
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion. It is the most important event in Christian theology because it validates Jesus’ divinity and his conquering of sin and death. Through his resurrection, Jesus opened the gateway to eternal life for all who believe in him (John 11:25). The resurrection is the foundation of Christian faith.
What events are described in the Bible regarding Easter?
The Bible records the arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus in the following passages: Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 18-21. It describes how Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples on Thursday night, was crucified on Friday, and rose from the dead on Sunday morning.
Did Easter originate from pagan traditions?
There are some similarities between ancient pagan spring festivals and modern Easter traditions, like Easter eggs and bunnies. However, Easter itself is entirely a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Some pagan elements may have been incorporated into Easter celebrations as Christianity spread, but its core meaning remains Christian.
Why are Easter eggs and bunnies associated with Easter?
Eggs represent new life and bunnies symbolize fertility and new birth. These are fitting symbols for Easter which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection and new life. Decorating eggs may have pagan origins, but eggs and bunnies have become Easter icons that remind us of the hope and new beginnings Jesus’ resurrection brings.
Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
The Bible clearly teaches Jesus bodily rose from the dead. The empty tomb (Luke 24:1-3), his appearances to over 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), and the dramatic changes in the disciples after seeing the risen Christ point to Jesus’ physical resurrection. No other explanation reasonably accounts for all these facts.
Is the Easter story historically reliable?
Scholars agree the biblical accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection were written very early while eyewitnesses were still alive. They were circulated widely with no evidence of legends added. The documentation, multiplicity of sources, corroborating evidence, and accurate historical details confirm the Easter story’s reliability.
Did Jesus prophesy or predict his death and resurrection?
Yes, Jesus foretold his death and resurrection many times during his ministry: Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 8:31, Mark 9:30-32, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 9:21-22, Luke 18:31-34, John 2:18-22. His predictions came true, validating he was from God.
Why is the resurrection so important to Christian faith?
The resurrection is the central proof that Jesus is the Son of God who conquered sin and death as he claimed. It authenticates his teachings and the truth that salvation is found through faith in him. Without the resurrection, Christian faith would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14-17).
What does Paul say about the significance of the resurrection?
Paul stresses the absolute centrality of the resurrection to the Christian faith. He states that our faith, preaching, justification, and hope are meaningless without the historical, bodily resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:14-17, 1 Corinthians 15:20, Romans 4:25, Romans 10:9).
How did the disciples react to news of the resurrection?
The disciples were distraught after the crucifixion but overjoyed at Jesus’ resurrection. John 20:20 records that upon seeing the risen Christ, the disciples were overjoyed. After receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they boldly preached the resurrection despite persecution.
What happened to the disciples after the resurrection?
Before the resurrection, the disciples were fearful and scattered. After seeing the risen Jesus, they were courageous, confident, and completely committed to spreading the Gospel. The resurrection and Pentecost empowered them for ministry and martyrdom.
What impact does the resurrection have on believers?
The resurrection gives believers victory over sin, comfort in grief, power for ministry, guidance through God’s Word, access to God in prayer, and the promise of eternal life. Because Jesus conquered death, we have joy, hope, and purpose. One day we will resurrect to new life with him.
What does the Bible say about our resurrection because of Jesus?
Jesus is called the “firstfruits” of resurrection indicating believers will also resurrect (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). His resurrection guarantees ours. All who believe in Christ will resurrect when he returns and have imperishable, glorified bodies like his (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Will our resurrected bodies be physical or spiritual?
Our resurrection bodies will be physical yet glorified, imperishable, and powerful like Christ’s resurrected body. He was not a mere spirit but physically rose from the grave. Our new bodies will be immune to disease, pain, and death (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Philippians 3:20-21).
What is the rapture and when will it happen?
The rapture refers to believers being “caught up” to meet Christ at his second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Opinions differ on the timing but it will definitively happen sometime between now and the end of the tribulation period before Christ’s millennial kingdom.
Will pets and animals be resurrected or go to heaven?
The Bible does not definitively answer this question. But God loves all his creation so there is hope animals may enjoy eternity with mankind. The Bible says creation will be liberated from corruption when believers are resurrected (Romans 8:18-22).
Do angels and spiritual beings like Satan experience resurrection?
Angels and demons are spiritual beings that exist eternally. Since they don’t experience physical death, they do not need resurrection in the way humans do. When Satan led angels to rebel, God confirmed their eternal state as wicked spirits opposed to him (Matthew 25:41).
What does the Bible say about Jesus’ activities between his death and resurrection?
The Bible does not give details about where Jesus was and what he did between his death and resurrection. 1 Peter 3:18-20 says he preached to spirits in prison who disobeyed God. Some believe these were demons or fallen angels, others say human souls.
Why did Jesus delay going to see Lazarus after hearing he was sick?
Jesus intentionally waited two days before going to resurrect Lazarus so God’s glory could be revealed when Lazarus was raised from the dead (John 11:4,11-15). Jesus let Lazarus die so he could powerfully demonstrate his authority over death through resurrection.
How does Jesus’ resurrection give us power to live for God?
The power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in believers through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:18-21). This resurrection power helps us resist sin, exercise godly character, follow the Spirit, boldly share our faith, and persevere through trials (Romans 6:4-14).
What does the Bible say about the importance of the empty tomb?
The empty tomb is crucial evidence for the resurrection. If Jesus’ body was still there, it would disprove his divine claims. But God raised him physically from the dead, and the empty tomb points to his power over death (Matthew 28:6, Luke 24:1-3).
How has the resurrection impacted the growth of the church?
Preaching the resurrection was central to the explosive growth of the early church. The resurrection validates Jesus’ claim to be the only way of salvation. This exclusive truth compelled Christians to earnestly preach the Gospel, leading to the church’s rapid expansion.
How should Easter and the resurrection influence our lives?
The resurrection gives us hope of heaven, freedom from fear of death, and power to live joyfully and purposefully. Remembering Christ’s sacrifice for sins motivates us to godly living. Easter should inspire us to celebrate Jesus’ victory and share the Gospel message.
Why do some reject the truth of the resurrection?
Some people reject the resurrection because they refuse to believe in miracles, are skeptical of the supernatural, or cling to naturalistic explanations. Many deny biblical authority and Christ’s deity. They reject that sin deserves judgment and we need a Savior.
What are some common theories that attempt to disprove the resurrection?
Some theories offered to discredit the resurrection include: the disciples stole Jesus’ body, the resurrection was a legend added later, the witnesses experienced hallucinations, and Jesus only appeared to have died. But none of these fit the historical evidence.
Why couldn’t the authorities produce Jesus’ body after the resurrection?
The religious leaders desperately wanted to disprove the resurrection. But they could not produce Jesus’ body because God had raised him from the dead. There was no dead body to be found! His resurrection was established by many infallible proofs (Acts 1:3).
What does Jesus’ resurrection reveal about his divinity and purpose?
The resurrection confirms Jesus is the Son of God who took on human flesh to become our Savior. By conquering death, he displayed authority only God possesses. His purpose was to die for sins and rise to provide the path to eternal life (Romans 4:25).
Why is the Gospel meaningless without the resurrection?
A Gospel without the resurrection has no saving power. Scripture links Christ’s resurrection to our regeneration, justification, faith, and salvation. Without it, he’s just a gifted teacher who died. Our faith is worthless unless Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:17).
How should the resurrection influence our work for God?
The resurrection empowers us to serve God boldly despite opposition, challenges us to leverage our gifts maximally, reminds us God can do immeasurably more than we imagine, and motivates us to labor knowing our work in Christ is never in vain (Ephesians 3:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:58).
What prophecy did Jesus fulfill in his resurrection?
Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 16:10 that God would not abandon him to the grave nor let his body decay. Despite undergoing death, God preserved Christ physically and raised him up by the power of the Holy Spirit, just as Scripture had foretold.
How does the resurrection give us victory over fear and doubt?
Christ’s power in conquering death and raising to new life eradicates fear of death, cancer, persecution, poverty, and every threat this world poses. Doubts flee in the light of the living Savior! His resurrection empowers us to trust God in every circumstance.
What is the connection between light and the resurrection?
Light powerfully symbolizes the resurrection. Emerging from the dark tomb, Jesus shattered the power of darkness over humanity. His light now lives in believers, overcoming the darkness of sin, lies, and hopelessness (John 1:4-5, John 8:12).
How does the resurrection assure us that wrongs will be made right?
The resurrection proves that evil will not prevail. Christ conquerored sin and death showing he will certainly conquer injustice, oppression, poverty and all suffering. Justice will prevail. No wrong is beyond the redemptive power of the risen Savior.
What blessings does the resurrection bring to believers in this present life?
We have the Holy Spirit living in us guiding, teaching, convicting, empowering. We experience intimacy with Christ, joy in suffering, overflowing purpose, and spiritual blessings including our adoption, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom and inheritance in him (Ephesians 1:3).
How does Jesus’ resurrection point to his power to transform lives?
The risen Christ transformed cowardly fishermen like Peter into bold evangelists and martyrs. His resurrection power still transforms sinful, purposeless lives into testimonies of grace that bring great glory to God. With Christ, all things are possible!
What blessings will believers experience in resurrected bodies in heaven?
Our new heavenly bodies will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual. We will be free from sickness, pain and death. Best of all, we will dwell in God’s presence and engage in meaningful relationships and purposeful work perfectly suited to our desires.
How does the resurrection provide comfort in the face of death?
For believers, the sting of death has been removed through Christ’s victory (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). His resurrection assures us death immediately brings the joy of God’s presence. We can have peace knowing death cannot separate us from God’s amazing love (Romans 8:38).
How should remembering Christ’s sacrifice on the cross impact us?
Meditating on the agony Jesus endured because of our sins should drive us to repentance, deep gratitude, worship, and wholehearted obedience. As we reflect on his wounds, we should dedicate ourselves completely to Him out of thankfulness for His incredible mercy and grace to us.
What advice would you give someone struggling with doubts about the resurrection?
I would encourage them to thoroughly examine the biblical accounts and evidence with an open heart and mind. I would remind them that the disciples went from cowering in fear to courageously giving their lives for this truth they witnessed firsthand. And I would point them to the countless changed lives through the centuries that attest to the risen Christ still transforming people today.
Why is the Gospel central to our celebration of Easter?
The Gospel is the central reason for Easter. Good Friday and Easter Sunday together proclaim the Gospel message – Christ died for our sins and conquered death through his resurrection. Easter marks the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection victory.
How did Jesus’ death provide salvation for humanity?
As fully God and fully human, Jesus’ sacrificial death paid the penalty for mankind’s sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:10-14). His blood atoned for sin, allowing him to make purification for sins and bring salvation to all who believe (Hebrews 1:3, 1 Peter 1:18-19).
What evidence supports the historical accuracy of the resurrection accounts?
The early transmission of reports while eyewitnesses were alive, the lack of legendary development, multiple sources corroborating key facts, conversion of skeptics like James and Paul, and the willingness of disciples to suffer and die for this truth all point to the historical reliability of the resurrection accounts.
Why did Jesus have to die in order to forgive mankind’s sins?
God’s just wrath against sin requires death as payment for humanity’s rebellion (Romans 6:23). But in grace, God sent Jesus as our substitute to bear the punishment we deserve. Forgiveness was only possible through Christ’s innocent death satisfying God’s judgment against sin once for all (1 Peter 3:18).
How does Jesus’ victory over death give us hope?
Christ’s resurrection definitively proves life triumphs over death. His power over the grave points to our future resurrection and eternal life with him. Because he lives and rules forever, we can have unshakeable hope amidst life’s pains and uncertainties (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).