Why We Do Not Observe The Easter

Celebration

Why this lesson?

• To show that it is NOT authorized in scripture

• To familiarize ourselves with how the holiday is observed

• To show how we DO observe the resurrection

Origin of Easter• Origins of the holiday – the first

recorded observance of a special annual celebration was the 2nd century. (Polycarp ca. 154-155 AD).

• But its root were much earlier – combining the Passover, the “Christian Passover” and pagan celebration of spring.

Origin of Easter• Easter – named after Teutonic

goddess Eastre – goddess of spring and fertility

• In other cultures known as Aphrodite (Greece), Venus (Rome) Ishtar (Turkey), and Ashotreth (Babylon) .

• Observed on 14th of Nissan until 325 when dating system was established.

Origin of Easter• Spring has been celebrated by

many pagan cultures.• Missionaries when they went to

foreign countries tried to adapt local customs to make “Christianity” more palatable.

• Some customs were adopted and assimilated into “Christian” observances.

“Easter” in the Bible• Easter NOT mentioned in the

Bible! Either in name or practice!• What about Acts 12:4, KJV,

“intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.”

• A mistranslation. Most other versions use, “Passover.”

• Actual word is πάσχα (pascha) the word for Passover (used 29x).

“Easter” in the Bible

• The observance does not fit the pattern for worship and work of the church

•1 Cor. 4:6, “not think beyond what is written.”

•Heb. 8:5, Col. 3:17

“Easter” Observed Today

• An understanding of HOW this is observed will help us address it and understand it!2 Cor. 2:11, Eph. 5:11, cf. AC. 17:22-23

“Easter” Observed Today

• The date – set by the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, as the first Sunday following the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox (beginning of Spring). Can be anytime from March 22-April 25.

“Easter” Observed Today• Days of Easter season• Lent – a season of 40 days before

Easter during which subjects were to prepare for baptism, or repentance, refocusing and fasting (sacrifice). Begins Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday. Sundays not included.

“Easter” Observed Today

• Days of Easter season

• Fat Tuesday – day before Lent begins. A day of feasting and festivals. IT is the origin of Mardi Gras (New Orleans) and Carnival (Brazil)

“Easter” Observed Today• Days of Easter season• Ash Wednesday – beginning of

Lent. Special service offered where ashes (in shape of a cross) placed on forehead by priest or minister as a sign of humility or repentance.Color – purple or grey

“Easter” Observed Today• Days of Easter season• Holy Week – AKA, “Passion

Week”, the week that begins with Palm Sunday and concludes with Easter. A recounting of the events from the triumphal entry of Jesus through His death and resurrection.

“Easter” Observed Today

• Days of Easter season

• Palm Sunday – represents Jesus entering Jerusalem and the people exalting Him. Observed with waving of palm branches and songs of praise. Buildings decorated.

“Easter” Observed Today• Days of Easter season• Maundy Thursday –

(commandment – i.e. mandate) commemorates institution of the Lord’s Supper. Observed by partaking of Lord’s Supper and some by foot washing. Solemn observance.Color Red for blood.

“Easter” Observed Today• Days of Easter season• Good Friday, commemorates

the condemnation and crucifixion of Jesus. Observed with a recounting of the crucifixion account (for some the 14 stations of the cross). Candles put out.Color changed to black.

“Easter” Observed Today

• Days of Easter season

• Holy Saturday, a day of solemn contemplation. Usually no services. Some fast as Lent is concludedColor is still black.

“Easter” Observed Today• Days of Easter season• Easter Sunday, the resurrection is

celebrated with sunrise services. For some the only week they attend. Some churches baptize on this day. After service there are family celebrations – meals and activitiesColor is white or gold.

“Easter” Observed Today

• Activities and symbols

• Eggs and rabbits – symbols of fertility since it is the beginning of spring (new life). Adopted from pagan festivals. Resurrection is a new life.

“Easter” Observed Today

• Activities and symbols

• Candy and treats – symbols of the pleasantness and joy of the resurrection. The “sweet taste” of the new life.

“Easter” Observed Today• Activities and symbols• Hot cross buns– a sweet

roll with a cross on it. Had origins with pagan festivalsof spring. Originally the cross represented the four seasons. It was adopted to symbolize the cross in the 8th century AD. Consider Jer. 7:18

Picture, Wikipedia images

“Easter” Observed Today

• NONE of these observances are found in scripture!

•Matthew 15:1-9•Galatians 4:9-11•1 Cor. 10:14, 20-22•Colossians 2:20-23

“Easter” Observed Today

• These observances:

• 1) Go beyond the boundaries of God’s word

• 2) Are based upon false religion and the traditions of men

How do we observe the resurrection?

• We preach about it frequently.

• When we assemble – “first day of the week” (Matt. 28:1, Ac. 20:7)

How do we observe the resurrection?

• We partake of the Lord’s Supper every week - Ac. 20:7

• When we obey the gospel - Rom. 6:3-4, Col. 2:12

How do we observe the resurrection?

• In our prayers offered through Jesus (we pray THOUGH a living being) – Eph. 2:18, Heb. 7:24-25

Belief in the Resurrection and Easter are NOT the same

thing!

IN what do you believe?