Where in the Bible Does It Say to Celebrate Jesus Resurrection?

The question of whether the Bible specifically commands Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus is a common one. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly state that Christians should celebrate Easter, there are several passages that suggest the importance of this event.

One of the most significant passages in this regard is found in 1 Corinthians 15:17, which reads: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” This verse highlights the centrality of Jesus’ resurrection to Christian faith and underscores its importance as a cornerstone of Christian belief.

Moreover, throughout the New Testament, we see examples of early Christians gathering together to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection. For instance, in Acts 20:7, we read that “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” Many scholars believe that this gathering was a regular Sunday worship service that commemorated Jesus’ resurrection.

Similarly, in John 20:19-23, we see Jesus appearing to his disciples on the evening of his resurrection and commissioning them with a special mission. This event is often seen as a precursor to Pentecost, which was celebrated by early Christians as a commemoration of both Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

In addition to these specific passages, there are also broader themes throughout scripture that support the idea of celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. For example, Psalm 118:24 says “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Many Christians interpret this passage as referring specifically to Easter Sunday and use it as a basis for their celebrations.

Furthermore, throughout scripture we see examples of God’s people celebrating important events and milestones. From Passover to Hanukkah to Purim, there are many instances where God’s people are commanded or encouraged to celebrate significant events in their history or faith. Given this precedent, it seems fitting for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as a key event in their own faith tradition.

In conclusion, while the Bible doesn’t explicitly command Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, there are many passages and themes throughout scripture that support this practice. From 1 Corinthians 15:17 to Acts 20:7 to Psalm 118:24, we see numerous examples of the importance of Jesus’ resurrection in Christian faith and practice. Whether through regular Sunday worship services or special Easter celebrations, Christians have long recognized the significance of this event and continue to commemorate it in various ways today.