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the Truth about Easter

posted Apr 24, 2011, 7:56 AM by Kelvin Leu   [ updated Apr 24, 2011, 8:02 AM by hbchurch org ]
Today is one of the two most recognized days in the western religious world. But a little known fact, at least among the general populous, is that neither Christmas or Easter is of Biblical origin. Both of these holidays have their roots in paganism. It does not require much research to uncover the facts about the history of Easter. In this brief quote from Nelson’s Bible Dictionary one can quickly learn where it began:

Easter was originally a pagan festival honoring Eostre, a Teutonic (Germanic) goddess of light and spring. At the time of the vernal equinox (the day in the spring when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are of equal length), sacrifices were offered in her honor. As early as the eighth century, the name was used to designate the annual Christian celebration...

The modern-day observance of Easter as a religious holiday is essentially the product of several centuries of Roman Catholic tradition. As noted, there is absolutely nothing in the New Testament about observing Easter as a religious holiday. It was about the eighth century when so-called Christians decided to blend pagan practices with the divinely revealed facts about the resurrection of Christ. The product of these human endeavors is the religious holiday called Easter.

When some folks hear these facts about Easter, they respond with a “So what? Does it really matter?” Granted, most westerners think nothing of mixing their traditions with the Bible, thus adding man’s ways to God’s. But how does the Lord look at such practices? Hear what His Word says:
  • “...You should learn from us not to go beyond what is written in scripture...” 1 Corinthians 4:6
  • “Because of your traditions, you have destroyed the authority of God’s Word. And you do many other things like that.” Mark 7:13
  • “You are observing religious days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you that my work for you may have been in vain.” Galatians 4:10-11 
Oh yes, the resurrection is important. That’s why the apostle Paul instructed Christians to observe the Lord’s supper each Sunday, not annually. Since this is what God says, this is what we practice. As already noted from the scripture, we must not deviate from God’s revealed will by adding human traditions to His Word.

by Ken Dart
contact him at hbchurch1@verizon.net
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