Question 168: What is Easter?

Answer:

Easter is the greatest feast of the Church, celebrating the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day. It proclaims His victory over sin, death, and the grave, and marks the beginning of new creation. Easter fills the Church with joy, confirms our hope of eternal life, and calls us to live in the power of His risen life. (Luke 24:5–7, 1 Corinthians 15:20–22, Romans 6:4–5, Revelation 1:17–18)

Full Scripture References

“‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?’ asked the men. ‘He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.”’” — Luke 24:5–7 (BSB)

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” — 1 Corinthians 15:20–22 (BSB)

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” — Romans 6:4 (BSB)

“‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.’” — Revelation 1:17–18 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Easter is the center of the Christian faith and the high point of the Church Year. On this day, we celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was crucified, dead, and buried, but rose on the third day with power and triumph. His resurrection is not metaphor but miracle, not symbol but substance. It is the decisive victory of God over sin and death.

Easter declares that Jesus is truly the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Lord of life. By rising from the grave, He conquered death, fulfilled the Scriptures, and opened the way for our own resurrection. As St. Paul wrote, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile… But Christ has indeed been raised” (1 Corinthians 15). Easter assures us that death is not the end, and that Christ will make all things new.

Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Easter is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of the new creation. The tomb is empty, and the world is being remade. The Church lives in that power.”

Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “The resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope. Without Easter, the cross is tragedy. With Easter, the cross becomes triumph.”

The 1662 Book of Common Prayer opens Easter Day with the Collect: “Almighty God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life…” The Easter season continues for 50 days, ending with Pentecost, as the Church celebrates the risen Lord and the birth of the Church through His Spirit.

J.C. Ryle declared, “A religion without the resurrection is no religion at all. Let us hold fast to the risen Christ—He lives, and because He lives, we shall live also.” (Old Paths, 1877)

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Easter means the worst thing is never the last thing. The risen Christ walks among His Church. He is alive, and His Kingdom is coming.”

Easter glorifies Christ as the Victor, Redeemer, and risen Lord. It fills the Church with unshakable joy and proclaims to the world: “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Let no one fear death, for the Savior’s death has set us free. Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead!” — Easter Homily

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The resurrection of Christ is the morning of our hope. We are Easter people, and alleluia is our song.” — Sermon 229E

St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD): “Death used to be strong, but now it is dead. The tomb once held power, but now it is empty. Christ has trampled down death by death.” — On the Incarnation, 27

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–200 AD): “The resurrection is the seal of redemption. He who was dead now lives, and by His rising, we rise also.” — Against Heresies, 5.7.1