Pastor's Corner

New Life through the Way of the Cross

Christ is risen:

Many people are wondering what Easter actually means, as the true meaning of Easter has been lost. What I can tell you is it isn’t about cute little fluffy chickens, nor does it have anything to do with Easter bunnies. It isn’t even about Easter eggs. Although an egg can represent ‘new life’ because new life hatches from the egg, and Jesus was resurrected on the third day – giving us new life in Him. But just like Christmas, the real meaning has been forgotten.

For those of us that are Christians, we understand what Easter is all about. But for those that haven’t experienced this ‘new life’ in Jesus, I want to share with you the Easter story.

Easter has its’ origin in the Old Testament times, when the priest would bring bulls, goats or a spotless lamb without any blemishes to be sacrificed as a sin offering for himself and for the people. The blood would purify and make atonement (forgive, make amends) for their sins. This was the old order of atonement. When Jesus came, He was a representation of the perfect sacrificial lamb to take away the sins of the world.

He was the final sacrifice. Therefore we no longer have to sacrifice animals to make atonement for our sins. Jesus had to die and shed His blood so we could be brought back into relationship with God. He was the final sacrifice. It is by Jesus blood our sins have been washed away. Then through His resurrection (coming back to life), we too can be risen to new life in Him. When we come to the Lord, we are new creations. We have Jesus resurrected life in us. For the Christian the search is over.

Jesus has done this once and for all. It’s His blood that cleanses us from all sin. He was crucified on the cross. The sin of the world was upon Him, yet He was without sin and blameless. He bore it all. This is why Jesus is referred to as the ‘Lamb of God’. He was bodily resurrected (came back to life) on the third day. He appeared to many – eating and drinking with them.

He appeared to them for 40 days, before his departure to his heavenly home. The Scriptures tell us that he will come again for the faithful. Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.- (John 11: 25) This is fundamental, the Christian faith hangs on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For sure, He is risen indeed: Happy Easter.

Best wishes from your friend and pastor,
Pastor Samuel King-Kabu

Web Page prepared by:
Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2014/03/03
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal