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Why do Christians celebrate Easter as the principal festival of the church?
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Easter
Resurrection of Christ, oil on wood panel by Raphael, 1499–1502; in the Museu de Arte de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. 52 × 44 cm.
Easter is celebrated as the principal festival of the Christian church because it commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a central doctrine of the faith.12
This celebration is considered foundational for several key reasons:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: Easter represents the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the revelation of God’s salvific plan for humanity.1
- Basis of Salvation: The Resurrection forms the basis of salvation and the hope of eternal life for believers. Christian tradition holds that Jesus’ death paid for the sins of humanity, and his rising from the dead signifies the defeat of death and the Devil.21
- Anticipation of Resurrection: The event serves as an anticipation of the resurrection that believers hope to experience themselves.1
As the joyful conclusion to the Lenten season, Easter is a profound affirmation of the belief that through Christ’s victory, all Christians can share in his triumph over sin and death.12