Christianity makes extraordinary and amazing claims. Three of these, in particular, are celebrated at Easter, as follows:
- Jesus is the Son of God.
- Jesus died on Good Friday in order to restore our relationship with God.
- Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Day and thereby proved that 1 and 2 are completely true.
It is impossible to read the Bible, and especially the New Testament, without finding overwhelming evidence in support all of these claims. It is what makes Easter so important. National Geographic have produced a special edition this Easter called simply: ‘The Story of Jesus’. They too refer to the Bible accounts, including St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, where he agrees that if Jesus was not raised from the dead then Christian faith would be futile.
But, says Paul, after producing all kinds of evidence, including his own meeting with the risen and ascended Christ, “in fact Christ has been raised from the dead.” (1 Corinthians 15.20).
I wish you a very Happy Easter!
Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts
Bishop of Bunbury