What if Easter Didn't Happen?
When asked about Easter, the average American thinks about eggs, candy, bunnies, and decorations. Although there is nothing wrong with such traditions, sometimes we may miss the main point of the celebration. Easter is far more important than we realize. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if Easter Sunday never happened?
What is the true meaning of Easter? First of all, we must understand the true meaning of Easter. Easter is a celebration of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross in order to provide a way of salvation through the forgiving of sin.
Why did Jesus come to die?Second, we must see the purpose in Jesus’ life and death. Jesus came to live out and show His truth and love. Jesus explains that “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37). Jesus’ death is a sacrifice in order to bring those who believe into a right relationship with God. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). There is no access to God in Heaven without Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Finally, we must consider… What if Jesus’ resurrection didn’t happen? What if Easter Sunday isn't true? The apostle Paul considers and weighs in on this possibility in 1 Corinthians 15:12-58.
Without Easter… Christians have no purpose. If Easter didn't happen, then Christianity is a fraud and Christians have bought off on a lie. If Easter didn’t happen, the Christian faith and focus is pointless.
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:14
Without Easter… Christians are liars. If Easter didn’t happen, not only have Christians bought off on a lie, but they have propagated and spread the lie to others. If Easter didn’t happen, Christianity wouldn’t only be pointless, it would be a harmful lie. If Easter didn’t happen, Christians have lied about God himself.
We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 1 Corinthians 15:15
Without Easter… Christians have no hope. If Easter didn't happen, Christians would have no hope beyond their short life. If Easter didn’t happen, Christians should live in fear and dread of death, overwhelmed by their rebellion against the Creator God.
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:17
Without Easter… Christians are embarrassed. If Easter didn’t happen, Christians should not be hated, but be compassionately pitied because they have no purpose, have propagated a lie, and have no hope.
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:19
So…did Easter really happen? Yes! Easter is one of the most predicted, anticipated, and evidenced events in all of human history. Don’t just take my word for it, do you homework and spend a little time doing some research. Consider starting with the books “The Case for Easter” or “The Case for Christ” (also now a movie) by Lee Strobel, or look up this link for helpful information on the greatest person and most amazing event in all of human history!
Because Easter happened… Christians have hope, confidence, truth and purpose! Let’s have love and compassion on those who have not yet believed and truthfully share the hope of Jesus! He lives!