
The meaning of Easter
God wants more than anything to have a relationship with you. We were created
out of his love, and the deepest purpose of our lives is to be loved by God,
to love him in return, and to live out his plan for us.
But God gave us free choice. And we use it all to often to turn away from
him, to live lives separated from him. Sin is when we choose our own purposes
and selfishness instead of love and Gods purpose for us. Our sin separates
us from God because his character is love and love cannot coexist with selfishness.
But God wants so much to have a relationship with us that he came to earth
in human form as Jesus. Jesus experienced what it was to be human, but lived
a perfect life of love in relationship with God. Then he died a horrible death
on the cross.
So why did he die?
Because in dying he took on himself our sin. He paid the cost he never owed,
so that we could receive the love we didnt deserve. His death removed
the barriers to our relationship with God. Thats why he had to
enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high
priest to get rid of the peoples sins, he would have already experienced
it all himself - all the pain, all the testing - and would be able to help
where help was needed. Hebrews 2:17-18 The Message.
But it didnt finish with his death.
Jesus returned to life three days later - defeating death, pain, cruelty,
misery and every other evil thing. He promises us life, love, freedom, healing,
purpose. Most of all if we choose to have a relationship with him and live
our lives for him, he promises to live within us, to be with us always, to
strengthen and care for us in difficulty. He promise that death will not be
the end but that we will live forever with him. And he promises that one day
there will be no more pain, no more death, and no more tears.
This is the greatest news you can ever hear - God loves you. God wants to
have a relationship with you. God has a purpose for your life greater than
any you could imagine or achieve!
* * * * * * * * *
Below is a link to help you think more about Why Easter?
http://www.afterthepassion.com/