Why do we call it EASTER?
Dr. Lewis Gregory
Why do we call it EASTER, especially considering the history of Easter? Some Christians have a problem with the term Easter because of the historical background associated with the name Easter. But haven’t you heard? Easter was converted from a pagan holiday to the most glorious holy day of all—the celebration of resurrection Sunday!
Easter is now synominous with the day when Jesus Christ arose from the dead. This occurred on the 8th day, the day of the new creation. And that is why circumcision in the Old Testament is on the 8th day—a foreshadowing of the glorious things to come!
Furthermore, in the New Testament the resurrection of Christ is about the circumcision of our heart; whereby, upon receiving Christ, our old evil nature in Adam is removed and replaced by a new divine nature in Christ. (Romans 2:28-29, 2 Corinthians 5:17) As a result, old things are passed away and all things are made new.
This is all because we have become a new creations IN UNION WITH CHRIST! Hallelujah!!! The misguided worship of idols is now replaced by the worship of the one true and living God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Consider what the Apostle Paul did on Mars Hill when he referred to the altar of the unknown god in order to introduce the people to the true and living God by preaching Jesus and the resurrection. All things work together for the glory of God!!! (Acts 17:16-34 & Romans 8:28)
Of course the short answer is that Easter is the term most readily identified around the world with the celebration of resurrection Sunday. Hence, I elaborate on this in my message about “The True Meaning of Easter.”
But, what does it have to do with Easter eggs? Not trying to defend the use of eggs but since they are part of the Easter tradition we can certainly use them for life lessons. Physical life is in the egg. But eternal life comes through the Christ of the cross. Life out of death… John 12:24. For example, imagine the cross coming out of the egg and superseding the egg! The giver of all life has given us eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!
We should not run from the secular traditions that have infiltrated the Christian holidays. Rather, let’s use them as occasions to clarify truth. We can salvage these misconceptions, build upon them or replace them. But in the end everything that goes to the cross can be redeemed, restored and made new. “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12). And God continues to work all things together for good, when we let Him. Now that’s the grace of God! Always remember that Easter is our holiday (Holy Day). Praise God for our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Copyright©2014 Dr. Lewis Gregory, Source Ministries International
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