Why Do We Celebrate Easter?

Traditions vs. Truth

In Canada, Easter often means a relaxing long weekend filled with chocolate bunnies, egg hunts, and family meals. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Holy Week is intensely observed—many pause their usual vices or even reenact Christ’s suffering publicly, believing these rituals alone might secure their place in heaven. Yet, beneath these practices, genuine transformation and true repentance often remain absent. Rituals without a changed heart can’t save anyone.

Ever wonder why Easter truly matters?

The Beginning of Separation

To fully grasp the significance of Easter, we must first journey back to Genesis, the book of beginnings. It was there, nearly 6,000 years ago, in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve made a fateful choice. They chose disobedience, ate from the forbidden tree, and introduced sin into a perfect creation. From that moment, death became an inescapable reality, separating humanity from a holy and loving God.

That one act of rebellion not only marked the fall of humanity but condemned every soul born afterward to a fate of eternal separation from God—hell, a place originally intended as punishment for Satan and his fallen angels. The consequences of this original sin quickly spiraled downward, from Cain murdering his brother Abel to generations embracing wickedness and rebellion against God.

Yet, in His infinite grace, even in that darkest hour, God made a promise—a plan of redemption embedded in the earliest pages of Scripture. In Genesis 3:15, God declares:

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

This verse, spoken to the serpent, Satan himself, foretold a coming Messiah who would defeat evil and restore humanity’s broken relationship with God.

The Prophecy of Redemption

Thousands of years after that first prophecy, around 700 years before Christ was born, the prophet Isaiah gave humanity another glimpse into God’s rescue plan. Isaiah vividly described this Savior—the suffering servant who would carry our burdens and pay the ultimate price for humanity’s sin:

Isaiah 53:5-8
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.”

Isaiah’s words clearly spoke of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who willingly bore our sins, absorbed our punishment, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice once and for all.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of the Promise

Fast forward centuries later. Jesus Christ was born exactly as the prophets had foretold. His life was perfect—tempted in every way, yet without sin. He taught, healed, and showed humanity a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven.

But His ultimate purpose went far beyond miracles and moral teachings. His mission was to fulfill Genesis 3:15—to crush Satan’s power, paying for our sins through His death on the cross. He endured unimaginable agony, bore our guilt, shame, and punishment, and finally declared, “It is finished.”

When Jesus rose again three days later, He defeated death forever. His resurrection guaranteed that all who truly believe and follow Him would not perish eternally, but inherit everlasting life.

The Reality of Eternal Separation

But why does Easter matter so deeply? It’s because the stakes are eternally high.

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus offers a powerful parable that vividly portrays the harsh reality awaiting those who reject His gift of salvation. It describes a rich man suffering in torment after death, separated by an impassable chasm from comfort and peace. This parable wasn’t merely a story—it was a warning from a loving Savior who deeply desires none to perish.

This reality—that there truly is eternal punishment, originally intended for Satan—is something humanity often ignores until it’s too late. Many live unaware, comfortably numbed by temporary pleasures or distracted by traditions and rituals. Yet death comes to all, and only then is the full gravity of Jesus’ sacrifice understood.

Our Choice, Our Eternity

The truth of Easter compels us to examine our own hearts. It calls us to reflect deeply on the choices we make every single day.

Are we choosing Jesus or are we choosing Barabbas—symbolic of our sin and worldly desires? Are we embracing true transformation or merely performing empty religious rituals?

Every sin we knowingly commit, every rebellion against God’s commandments, reflects a heart that has yet to fully grasp the magnitude of the cross. Each act of disobedience echoes the crowds who rejected Christ, demanding He be crucified again.

Yet, God’s grace persists. Jesus paid our debt in full, extending mercy even when we offer Him nothing but rebellion.

The good news—the Gospel—is not just about escaping punishment, it’s about transformation. It’s about being given a new heart, freed from the bondage of sin, and empowered to live righteously through His Spirit.

A Call to Decision

This Easter, recognize that Jesus’ death and resurrection mean infinitely more than chocolate bunnies, traditions, or long weekends. They mean a second chance—a chance to escape eternal separation from God, a fate we rightly deserve due to our sin.

Jesus laid His life down willingly because He loves us—both the righteous and sinful alike. He longs to rescue us from eternal torment and welcome us into everlasting joy. But the choice is ours to make.

One day, each of us will face eternity. We will either hear the chilling words:

“I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Or the glorious welcome:

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

Easter is our yearly reminder that the sacrifice of Jesus was real, costly, and deeply personal. It reminds us that heaven and hell are not merely abstract concepts, but eternal destinations.

Let us not take lightly what cost Jesus everything. This Easter, choose Christ—choose life—and embrace the transformation His resurrection offers.

This is why we celebrate Easter—not just remembering what Jesus did, but responding wholeheartedly to the life He purchased for us on the cross.