The Importance Of Easter

• DEAR H.J.J.: Tomorrow, millions of Christians around the world will celebrate Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. When they took him down from the cross and sealed him in a stone tomb, Jesus was truly dead, a fact even his enemies did not dispute. But on the third day after his death, the tomb was empty, and the words of the angels who appeared outside that tomb ring across the centuries: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6). Later he appeared to hundreds of witnesses, proving beyond all doubt that he was alive.

And this is how we know there is life beyond the grave. Jesus Christ has torn down the wall. Death has been destroyed. He has shown us that this life is not all, but beyond us is eternity, either in heaven with him forever or in that place the Bible calls hell, separated from him forever. We were meant to live with God forever, and because of Christ’s death and resurrection for us, we know we can.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25). Don’t live in doubt and hopelessness any longer, but turn to Jesus Christ and put your life — and your eternal destiny — into his hands, both today and forever. –http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/02/1853380/ billy-graham-jesus-resurrection.html#ixzz0k39XRs8W

F. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

G. Christ’s resurrection assures that all men will be raised some to eternal life others to judgment.

H. Acts 17:31 "because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."