As we look back at what this past weekend really meant, it was a weekend of rejoicing for Christians around the world.

Jesus Christ rose from the dead after his crucifixion on Friday.

They believe He lives in glory with our Eternal Father in heaven. Christians believe that as a result of His atoning sacrifice, death, and resurrection we become the beneficiaries of His mercy and grace. In a world of trouble and uncertainty, His peace can fill our hearts and ease our minds. Jesus is indeed “the way, the truth, and the life” ((John 14:6), for  all people throughout the world.

He stands as our Advocate and Savior, Christians believe.

They also believe that He has done for all mankind that which no other could have done. That he is the Son of God, Jehovah of the Old Testament and Messiah of the New Testament.

When he died on the Cross, gone were the hopes of those who loved Him. They forgot the promises He had made. His body was placed in a borrowed tomb on the eve of the Jewish Sabbath. That Sabbath came and went. Then, early in the morning of Sunday, Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb. They wondered as they hurried how the stone might be rolled from the door of the sepulchre. When they arrived they saw an angel who spoke to them: “I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matt. 28:5–6).

The empty tomb was the answer to the question of the ages. Paul said: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians15:55).

Christians believe the miracle of that resurrection morning, that first Easter Sunday, is a miracle for all mankind. It is the miracle of the power of God, whose Beloved Son gave His life to atone for the sins of all, a sacrifice of love for every son and daughter of God. In so doing He broke the seal of death.

All of us will one day die, when our spirit leaves the physical body

Jesus Christ has made that possible when he rose from the dead 2000 years ago.

All Christians rejoice, therefore, and as should all mankind, when we remember the most glorious, the most comforting, the most reassuring of all events of human history – the victory over death.

The knowledge that death opens the door to another life gives Christians hope that they need not fear death.

That this journey through mortality is part of an eternal journey – that if they do good to their fellow beings as they are commanded – they will receive blessings not only in this life but most importantly in the life to come.

It’s this knowledge that empowers people to love one another and show compassion to those who are weak, vulnerable and poor.

Jesus Christ died and gave us the opportunity to repent and do good at all times otherwise we will suffer the consequences of our wrong and bad choices. His resurrection, Christians believe, gave us the assurance that we will all live again after death.

Let’s hope and pray that the spirit of Easter will continue and influence the way we live to achieve peace and stability in our communities.

Nemani Delaibatiki

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj