The Foundation of The Faith

The season of the core and foundation of the Christian faith is upon us. Most call it Easter. Others prefer "Resurrection Sunday” for assorted reasons. But either way, without the reality of the events that occurred in the long ago, mankind would be forever lost in trespasses and sin. (Ephesians 2:5)

The origins of the word "Easter" are not really certain. But many believe that its name is probably derived from "Estre," an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. The German word "Ostern" has the same derivation. But most other languages follow the Greek term used by the early Christians: "pascha", from the Hebrew "pesach" that referred to the Passover.

The method for determining the date of Easter is a bit complex and has been a matter of controversy. Western churches (Catholic and Protestant) celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. Unlike with the Incarnation, always occurring on December 25th, the date of Resurrection Sunday falls on differing dates each year either in March or April. In the 20th century, discussions began about a possible worldwide agreement on a consistent date for the celebration of the central event of Christianity. But as is obvious, no resolution has ever been reached.

While the miraculous coming of Christ to earth in human flesh receives far more attention and celebration, it was the death and resurrection of Christ, over three decades later, that completed and sealed the redemption package. On the cross, Jesus accomplished the mission of paying the full price to have human sin forgiven and all humanity given the opportunity to be fully justified before a holy God. This incredible moment is described in John 19:30 when the Savior cried out, "It is finished!"

But as amazing and necessary as this aspect of salvation was, there was a second phase that the Bible reveals as equally crucial - if not more so! It centers on what took place just days later when the crucified Lord arose from the dead, thus proving His deity and His power over sin and death itself. The unfathomable importance of His literal return from the clutches of death and His departure from the tomb is recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:13 –19:

“But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up — if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”

This passage intertwines the resurrection with the crucifixion. Together they complete God’s perfect plan of salvation. They provide those in Christ, through saving faith, with the "Blessed Hope” of also someday rising to new life and a heavenly home with Him forever. (1 Corinthians 4:15-18)

But as Christ was suffering for the sins of the world, two opposing voices arose at the location of His prophetic death. One was a hardened unbeliever who unknowingly uttered one of the greatest theological truths in all of Scripture. As Jesus uniquely suffered, and was about to finalize the atonement for sin, one of His detractors said from the foot of cross, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” (Mark 15:31-32) This poor lost soul had put his lost finger on the ultimate truth concerning redemption. Jesus could not leave the cross in that horrific moment. He was driven by His great love - something far beyond our human comprehension. This meant that He remained true to His spiritual mission despite suffering the most unthinkable thing imaginable to a holy God in the flesh.

In 2 Corinthians 5:21 Paul describes it like this: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Yes, the physical aspect of a crucifixion is beyond brutal. But there are no words that suffice to express the holy Son of God becoming the very thing He hated most, and what He specifically came to fully defeat.

Then there was the other voice, among others, that spoke that fateful day. This one was not from the foot of Christ’s cross, but from another cross just adjacent to the Savior’s. This brief but highly significant interaction is shown in Luke 23:42-43. One of the two guilty thieves, also being executed that day, finally recognized Jesus for who He really was and what He was really doing. The Lord’s brief but incredible promise to this dying and lost sinner illustrates what this season is all about. It is the ultimate example for all who come to this dying criminal’s accurate assessment of Christ and who also call upon the name of the Lord in simple faith! (Romans 10:13)

“Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.' And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'"

 Bill Breckenridge