IntroductionMillions of people are going to Catholic,

Protestant, or non denominational services to celebrate the annual

celebration of Easter today.

When our religious neighbors, friends, or family hear that we don’t, they may ask

why.

This morning we will study where Easter came from, who it was instituted by, and

why we as a church can’t celebrate it from the Scriptures. (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Thess. 5:21-22)

Easter Has Pagan Origins“The English term, according to the Ven. Bede (De temporum ratione, I, v), relates to Estre, a Teutonic goddess of

the rising light of day and spring, which deity, however, is otherwise unknown” (Catholic Encyclopedia)

Van Bede is a historian of the Catholic church who lived from c. 672- 735 A.D.

The Catholic Encyclopedia admits that the English term of Easter relates to a

goddess and not the God of heaven.

Easter Was Instituted by Man, not Christ

There was There was much division in the church in the second and third centuries about which

day to observe Easter.

“The First Council of Nicaea (325) decreed that the Roman practice should be

observed throughout the Church. But even at Rome the Easter term was

changed repeatedly.” (Catholic Encyclopedia)

But “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace as in all churches of the saints”.

(1 Corinthians 14:33)

Easter Was Instituted by Man, not Christ

After the New Testament was completed, Easter began to be observed by the

church.

“Perhaps the earliest extant primary source referencing Easter is a mid-2nd century Paschal homily attributed to Melito of

Sardis, which characterizes the celebration as a well-established one.[21]”

(Wikipedia)

Even if it did begin in the 2nd century, it was a departure from the pattern of partaking the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the

week. (Acts 20:7)

Easter Was Instituted by Man, not Christ

Christ’s rule, authority, and dominion is far above man’s and He is head over all

things to the church (Ephesians 1:20-23).

The apostle Paul warned about the apostasy that would come in which one would

display himself as being God (2 Thess. 2:3-8).

Jesus said, “Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which I say?”

(Luke 6:46)

We Can’t Celebrate Easter by Faith

Faith comes by hearing Faith comes by hearing God’s word and without it we can’t please God (Rom.

10:17; Heb. 11:6).

We believe that Jesus rose from the dead on the 3rd day because of what the Bible

says. (Luke 24:46; 1 Cor. 15:1-4)

Christians were commanded to remember His death on the 1st day of the week. (Matthew 26:26; 1 Cor. 11:23ff; Acts

20:7)

But where does the Scripture approve of a religious observance of Easter?

We Can’t Celebrate Easter by Faith

But some will contend that Easter is in the But some will contend that Easter is in the Bible in Acts 12:4.Bible in Acts 12:4.

““And when he had apprehended him (Peter), And when he had apprehended him (Peter), he put him in prison, and delivered him to he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after intending after EasterEaster to bring him forth to bring him forth

to the people.” to the people.” (KJV)(KJV)

But the Greek word “pascha” is always But the Greek word “pascha” is always translated Passover in the New translated Passover in the New

Testament. Testament.

Even Albert Barnes, a respected Presbyterian Even Albert Barnes, a respected Presbyterian commentator, admits the truth.commentator, admits the truth.

“There never was a more absurd or unhappy translation than this. The

original is simply after the Passover, meta to pasca. The word Easter now denotes the festival observed by many Christian churches in honour of the resurrection of

the Saviour. But the original has no reference to that; nor is there the

slightest evidence that any such festival was observed at the time when this book was written. The translation is not only

unhappy, as it does not convey at all the meaning of the original, but because it

may contribute to foster an opinion that such a festival was observed in the times

of the apostles.” (Albert Barnes- Acts 12:4)

We Must Not Compromise the Truth

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for forsaking God’s command for their tradition (Matt. 15:3) and many are doing the same thing

with Easter.

The Lord commanded that we remember His death on the first day of the week and men are forsaking that for the yearly tradition of celebrating a man made

holiday called Easter.

Let us obey God’s command to contend earnestly for the faith and not

compromise like some churches of Christ are doing or we won’t be approved by

God (Jude 1:3; 2 John 1:9-11).

Our Worship must be in spirit and truth and if it is not, our worship is in vain.

(John 4:23-24; Matthew 15:9)

ConclusionThe facts bear witness that Easter is without

divine authority, therefore faithful members of the Lord’s church do not

celebrate this tradition.

If you have practiced Easter as a religious observance, consider the Scriptures &

examine them because we will be judged by them in the Last Day (John 12:48;

Matthew 7:21-23).

You can be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (John 3:5; 2 Cor. 6:2; 1

Peter 1:3; 3:21).

Why not obey the gospel today? (2 Thess. 1:7-10)