By Rev Erice Mbusa
Main text: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Easter stands as the most significant celebration in the Christian faith. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the very foundation upon which Christianity rests. Writing to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul emphasises that the death, burial and resurrection of Christ are “of first importance”. Without the resurrection, faith would be empty and preaching meaningless.
Yet Christ has risen. It is this truth that fills Easter with joy, hope and gratitude for believers across the world.
The foundation of the Christian faith
At its core, Easter commemorates the victory of Jesus over sin, death and the grave. The Gospel accounts tell how Christ was crucified, died and was buried, but on the third day He rose again through the power of God. The angel’s words at the empty tomb remain the cornerstone of this message: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
The resurrection affirms that Jesus is the Son of God and that His sacrifice was accepted. As Scripture teaches, He “was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification”. Easter, therefore, is not merely a historical remembrance, but a declaration of divine victory.
A message for all people
Historically, Easter began with the resurrection of Christ in Jerusalem around A.D. 30–33. From that moment, the disciples boldly proclaimed the risen Lord. In the book of Acts, the apostles testified, “God raised him from the dead, and we are witnesses of this.”
Early Christians marked this reality every Sunday, known as the Lord’s Day. Over time, the Church set aside a special annual celebration, now known as Easter, to honour this defining event.
Easter is a message for all people. Christ did not die for a select few, but for the whole world. The promise of John 3:16 remains central: whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. It is a celebration for believers rejoicing in salvation, for sinners seeking forgiveness, for the broken in search of hope, and for all who desire reconciliation with God.
Living out the meaning of Easter
Its importance cannot be overstated. The resurrection confirms Christ’s divine identity, assures forgiveness of sins, and offers the hope of eternal life. Because He lives, believers are promised life beyond the grave. The words of Scripture echo with triumph: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
Easter also calls for a response. Christians are urged to celebrate in ways that reflect its true meaning. Worship and praise take centre stage, as believers gather to honour God for His saving grace. Prayer and thanksgiving follow, acknowledging His enduring love.
It is also a time of remembrance, reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice and victory. Equally important is the call to live out the message through love and forgiveness, extending to others the grace that has been received. Finally, Easter compels believers to share the good news, spreading the message of salvation to the world.
Above all, Easter is an invitation. It reminds us that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Through Him comes forgiveness, new life and the promise of eternal glory.
For those who have not yet embraced this message, the call remains open: believe, confess and be saved. As Scripture declares, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Easter, therefore, is not only a celebration, but a moment of decision. It is a call to faith, a reason for hope, and a reminder that the Saviour lives.
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.
