Why Is Easter Such a Big Deal?

Every spring, millions of people celebrate Easter. Children search for colorful eggs. Families gather around the dinner table. Churches fill with worshippers dressed in their Easter best. Yet amid all the traditions, one question deserves an answer:

Why is Easter such a big deal?

The answer has nothing to do with eggs, baskets, candy, or even cherished family customs. Easter matters because it celebrates the single most important event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If Jesus did not rise from the dead, Christianity is false, the Bible cannot be trusted, and there is no hope beyond this life. But because Jesus did rise from the grave, forgiveness of sins and eternal life are available to all who place their faith in Him.

Two words summarize why Easter is such a big deal:

Forgiven

Every one of us has sinned against a holy God. The Bible teaches that our sin separates us from Him and that we cannot remove our guilt through good works, religious activity, or personal effort.

Jesus Christ came into the world to do what we could never do for ourselves. He lived the perfect, sinless life we have all failed to live, willingly died on the cross to bear the punishment our sins deserved, and then rose again on the third day.

Before we go any further, it’s important to understand that the Bible is not merely an ancient book. God says His Word is alive and continues to speak with power today:

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
—Hebrews 4:12 (NASB95)

God’s Word is just as living, active, and relevant today as when it was first written nearly two thousand years ago. It exposes our need for a Savior and points us to the only One who can forgive our sins.

But forgiveness depends upon one historical fact: Jesus rose from the dead.

The Apostle Paul explained just how critical the resurrection is:

…and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we witnessed against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
—1 Corinthians 15:14–18 (NASB95)

Paul leaves no room for compromise. If there were no resurrection:

• Preaching Christ would be meaningless.
• Faith in Christ would be worthless.
• The apostles would be false witnesses.
• No one could be forgiven of sin.
• Every believer who has died would be eternally lost.

Everything rests on whether Jesus truly rose from the dead.

The good news is that He did.

The empty tomb is God’s declaration that Christ’s sacrifice for sin was accepted. Because Jesus lives, those who trust Him can know that their sins have been completely forgiven—not because they deserve it, but because of God’s grace demonstrated through the death and resurrection of His Son.

Eternity

The resurrection answers life’s greatest question:

What happens after we die?

The Bible teaches that every person will live forever somewhere. Death is not the end of our existence but the doorway into eternity.

Without the resurrection, death wins.

With the resurrection, death has been defeated.

Jesus’ victory over the grave guarantees that everyone who belongs to Him (those who believe in Him and have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior and repented of their sins) will also be raised to everlasting life. Easter is not merely about remembering something Jesus did long ago. It is about celebrating that He is alive today and that His promise of eternal life is certain.

That is why Christians throughout history have celebrated Easter with such joy and confidence.

Jesus Is Alive—and He Is Praying for His People

Because Jesus rose from the dead, His work did not end at the cross or the empty tomb.

The risen Christ is reigning in heaven today.

Even more amazing, He is actively praying for every believer.

The writer of Hebrews tells us:

Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
—Hebrews 7:25 (NASB95)

Think about that.

The Son of God is praying on behalf of every Christian.

He is not merely a Savior who once died. He is the living Savior who continually intercedes for His people and guarantees their salvation forever.

If God Is Drawing You Today

Perhaps as you’ve been reading this article, you have sensed a conviction that you need Christ.

That is not something to ignore.

Jesus said,

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.
—John 6:44 (NASB95)

According to Jesus, salvation begins with God.

• No pastor can save you.
• No church can save you.
• No religious ceremony can save you.
• No prayer, spoken as a formula, can save you.
• Only God can save you through His Son, Jesus Christ.

If you sense God drawing you today, do not harden your heart. Turn from your sin. Place your trust in Jesus Christ alone as your Lord and Savior. He promises that everyone who comes to Him in genuine faith will be received.

Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow

One of the greatest mistakes people make is assuming there will always be another opportunity.

The Bible never gives that assurance.

Instead, Scripture reminds us that our lives are brief and that each person will one day stand before God.

That is why the Bible repeatedly calls people to respond while God is drawing them.

If He is working in your heart today, don’t delay.

Tomorrow is never promised. There is no second chance to accept Christ after one dies a physical death.

Why Easter Is Such a Big Deal

So why is Easter such a big deal?

• Because without the resurrection, there is no Christianity.
• Without the resurrection, there is no forgiveness.
• Without the resurrection, there is no hope beyond the grave.
• But because Jesus Christ conquered death, forgiveness is available, eternal life is certain for everyone who believes, and death no longer has the final word.

That is why Christians celebrate Easter.

Not because of a tradition.

Not because of a holiday.

But because Jesus Christ is alive.

And because He lives, all who place their trust in Him can live forever with Him.

Learn More

If this article encouraged you, you may also enjoy these biblical resources from TreasureTop – just click on the link:

• What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
• Are You Ready to Meet God?
• Can You Lose Your Salvation?
• Why Good Friday Is Good
• What We Believe

If you would like someone to pray for you, please visit our Prayer Request page.

May God richly bless you as you discover the hope found only in the risen Savior.

Pastor John Haggard