Three Whys of Easter. Non-Christians often wonder why Easter is such a big deal to followers of Jesus Christ. Here are three answers that explain the main beliefs of Christianity.

Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus come to earth?

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV, John 3:16)

Jesus entered the world to save us from sin. It is our primary moral problem and thoroughly addressed in scripture. But carefully avoided in modern culture. It’s seldom acknowledged in entertainment, news media, public schools, and universities. And generally an awkward topic for non-Christians.

However, when Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden, sin entered the world. And that one disobedient act has spread and infected the entire world like a cancer. Although most people admit they aren’t perfect and make mistakes, sin goes beyond that. And the problem? We’re all guilty of it.

Because unlike mistakes that are unintentional, sin is willful disobedience. Both in our acts and thoughts, we knowingly break God’s law. As a result we’re separated from God, and, as imperfect people, can’t atone for our sin. But Jesus came as the Son of God and lived a perfect life, which qualified him to atone for our sin.

Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus die on a cross?

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. Why? Because God’s justice demands punishment for sin. And since we can’t atone for ourselves, Jesus took the punishment on our behalf. God’s wrath toward sin was poured out on him instead of us as he hung on the cross.

It is not accidental that the cross is called a tree. Sin entered the world through a tree in the Garden of Eden. And it was Jesus’ sacrificial death on a tree formed into a cross that now offers salvation through forgiveness. Adam took from a tree resulting in death. Jesus gave himself on a tree bringing life through forgiveness.

Through Jesus we can trade eternal death for eternal life.

Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus rise from the dead?

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. And he was buried and raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ validates and completes his redemptive work. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. Told his disciples he would die and rise again on the third day. And even the religious leaders seeking his death knew it. So they asked the Roman authorities to post guards at the entrance to his grave. But it didn’t stop the resurrection.

Therefore, those who believe in Jesus and his resurrection, ask him to forgive their sin, and follow him are spiritually transformed. Following his resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples and over 500 witnesses before ascending to heaven. And he promised to return. This is the hope that fills Christ-followers today. And why on resurrection Sunday we say with confidence. He has risen. He has risen indeed!

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

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