Maybe it’s because Easter falls so late this year—but this spring I’ve been asked more often than usual, “What is Easter really about?” Just in case you get asked, here are a few answers you can share (and I’m grateful for an assist from Bobby Gross and his book Living the Christian Year).

Because of Easter, we believe in the triumph of God. Jesus, by his crucifixion and resurrection, overcame sin, death and evil. The resurrection of Jesus validated his teachings and vindicated his messianic claims. As the stunning implications sank in over time, his followers proclaimed him both Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:22-24).

Because of Easter, we believe in the resurrection of the body. Not the immortality of the soul as the Greeks did, not the dissolution of self in nirvana as Buddhists do, not the repeated cycle of reincarnation as Hindus do, not the progression of spirits to tiers of heaven as Mormons do and certainly not the abrupt end of conscious being as materialists do. No, our expectation is for new bodies fit to live in a new creation (1 Cor. 15:51-52). This is our confident hope, not only for ourselves—but also for our world. The resurrection of Jesus is the first fruits of this glorious new creation (Romans 8:21).

Because of Easter, we believe in transformed lives. Resurrection means the presence of Christ within us and the power of Christ to change us. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: everything old has passed away; everything has become new!” (2 Cor. 5:17). By His Spirit, God gradually transforms us to be like His Son.

What does Easter really mean? Consider these words from Alister McGrath:

The resurrection of Jesus is a sign of God’s purpose and power to restore His creation to its full stature and integrity. In the aftermath of Gethsemane, we catch a scent of Eden; the resurrection is like the first day of a new creation.

It’s never too late for Easter! I’m proud to be your pastor,

Jerry