What does the death of Jesus Christ mean to you?

Fri Apr 5, 2013

Editor: At this time, many professed Christians and others stop to celebrate “Easter”. They say that they are celebrating the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. However, history informs us: “It is well known that the word Easter is not a Christian expression — not in its original meaning. The word comes from the name of a pagan goddess — the goddess of the rising light of day and spring.{{more}} ‘Easter’ is but a more modern form of Ostera, Astarte, or Ishtar, the latter, according to Hislop, being pronounced as we pronounce ‘Easter’ today.” Babylon Mystery Religion, pg 135, Ralph Woodrow.

As part of their celebration, some people stay away from certain foods and drinks and lustful passions. For others, it is a solemn occasion followed by a joyful time as the crucifixion and resurrection scene is re-enacted through movies and church drama. Many would mourn, shed tears and lament about the horrible treatment of Jesus Christ. But then what? As soon as the season is passed, the emotion passes, the abstinence breaks and life gets ‘back to normal’. What is the meaning of Jesus’ death? How does it benefit you and me? What change should it work in us?

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is a biblical and historical fact as outlined throughout the scriptures — “And they crucified Him and parted his garments…Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost” (Mat 27: 35, 50).

Then, in other parts of the scripture, we are told that Jesus Christ “suffered for us.” This suffering is meant to show us the horribleness of sin, drive us to repent and to accept the Gift of life that He offers.

Appreciating the death of Christ is not about spending a few days weeping and abstaining from certain foods, and re -enacting the scenes of Calvary. It is our sin (disobedience to God’s law/authority) that caused Him to suffer. Out of His great love for ALL humanity, He has made the provision of grace/life so that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world”. Truly, Jesus Christ gave Himself for us that He might “redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:12, 14).

Ann-Marie Ballantyne
svgpatriot@hotmail.com