Sunday, March 24, 2013 am
WHY WE DO NOT OBSERVE THE EASTER CELEBRATION
You may notice that we do not
participate in these activities as the Lord’s church here in Bellflower,
and we express concern for those who do celebrate this religious
holiday. The reason we
do not observe this is because it is NOT authorized in the Bible.
Furthermore, much of the pageantry and observations are based
upon pagan symbolism and ideas, and commercialization.
It has been a few years since I have
presented a lesson about this subject so today we want to discuss it.
I present this lesson for the following reasons:
1)
To show that it is NOT
authorized in scripture.
2)
To familiarize us with
some of the practices associated with this holiday, including their
origins. Not everyone, even
among brethren, are familiar with the meaning of all the special days
and activities, or even how they are related to this season of Lent.
3)
Because there may be
some who do NOT understand why we should NOT participate in this
religious holiday.
4)
To show how we ought to
remember the resurrection of Jesus according to scripture.
a.
Origin of the holiday –
its origin can be traced to centuries AFTER the time the church was
established. But its roots date much earlier and are a combination of
the Jewish observance of Passover, the Judeo-Christian observance of
what they called “the Christian Passover” and pagan practices.
i.
The name “Easter” is
derived from the Anglo-Saxon/Teutonic goddess Eastre, who was the
goddess of spring and fertility.
In paganism, this goddess would be known by many other names such
as Aphrodite (Greek), Venus (Roman), Ishtar (Turkey), Etc.
ii.
Relatively early,
perhaps as early as the 2nd century AD, some Christians
(especially of Jewish origin) associated the resurrection of Jesus with
the Jewish Passover and thus during that time, they would celebrate His
resurrection. Exactly how
they did this is not known.
Obviously, they adapted the Passover (which was associated with the
death and resurrection of Jesus – cf. 1 Cor. 5:7) and somehow made it an
observance for Christians.
iii.
As the centuries
developed, specific rituals were added to the observance.
A date was determined in time.
iv.
The celebration of
spring has been observed from early times and cultures.
It was significant to pagan cultures.
As “Christianity” continued to spread throughout the world (after
the 1st century) it was common for missionaries to find ways
to adapt local customs to Christian doctrine so as to make conversion
more palatable. In
pre-Germany (and later pre-England), the goddess of spring was
celebrated at the festival in beginning of spring.
Since the pagan celebration coincided with the “Christian”
celebration of the resurrection of Christ, the timing was adapted along
with some of their rituals into Easter.
v.
The holiday continued to
develop through the centuries from there.
b.
You may observe that the
timing of these events is AFTER the establishment of the church and the
1st century when the New Testament was written and God’s
pattern for the church was divinely established.
Consider the following:
i.
The observance of Easter
is NOT mentioned ANYWHERE in the Bible!
There is no hint of a special yearly observance of the
resurrection of Jesus. As we
shall see, the resurrection WAS remembered, but not with a holiday.
ii.
Someone might ask, “What
about Acts 12:4 where the KJV speaks of Peter having been put in prison
under heavy guard, ‘intending
after Easter to bring Him forth to the people’?”
The word is a mistranslation of the actual Greek word used there
which is πάσχα (pascha) and actually has reference to the Passover feast
of the Jews. The word is
used 29 times, with 28 of them being translated “Passover” (in the KJV).
As we have already noted, “Easter” was NOT around when those
events happened. Virtually
every other translation corrects this word.
c.
Furthermore, this
observance does NOT fit in the pattern for the worship and work of the
church as recorded in scripture.
i.
We are commanded in what
we do to respect God’s boundaries.
1 Cor. 4:6 tells us that
we must learn, “not to think beyond what is written.”
ii.
In
Heb. 8:5, the writer makes
an observation about the instructions Moses was given saying, “as
Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle.
For He said, ‘See that you make all things according to the
pattern shown you on the mountain.’”
The point being made is that when God gives specific
instructions, they are to be respected.
He has a purpose for His pattern.
iii.
Colossians 3:17
says, “and whatever you do in word
or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father through Him.”
a.
The time of Easter –
Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon
after the Vernal Equinox (which is fancy for the first day of spring –
which is March 21). So
Easter can be any day from March 22-April 25.
But the origin of this date lends to our study as it demonstrates how
man (and not God) determined this holiday.
Because it was supposed to correspond with the Jewish Passover,
early on there was debate as to whether it should be on that day every
year or if it should always be a Sunday.
Sunday prevailed. But
which Sunday? Some wanted
the first Sunday after March 21st while others wanted it
based upon the Passover (which varied).
It was decided at the Council of Nicea (325 AD) with the system
we now use. But even with
that there was disparity. To
this day, while the formula is used, the Roman Catholic (and protestant)
use the date of March 21st but the Greek Orthodox Church uses
the date of April 3.[1]
Thus some years it is observed on the same date by all and at
other times on different dates.
Friends this is what happens when MAN makes his own decisions in
religious matters!
b.
The various days
associated with the season[2]
i.
Lent – a
season of 40 days beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating on Good
Saturday. Sundays are
excluded in the count because they are associated with the resurrection.
The number 40 is associated with various Biblical events such as the
temptation of Jesus, Moses on Mt. Sinai, etc.
In the Bible, 40 days is often a period of wandering in which one
can gain control in their lives.
When it first began, its purpose was to prepare those who were to be
baptized on Easter Sunday.
Those who observe the season are supposed to use it as a time of
self-examination, prayer, repentance and refocusing on service to the
Lord. Many during this
“season” will “fast” by giving up something as a symbol of sacrifice.
It is also known as the Season of Advent.
During most of the season, participating churches will decorate with
various colors. Most of the
season is purple in remembrance of the suffering Jesus endured or grey
representing the ashes of repentance.
On Maundy Thursday the color is changed to red.
Good Friday and Holy Saturday, the color is black.
On Easter Sunday the black is replaced with white or gold or
adorned with flower. NOTE:
If you pass by churches with a cross in front of the building, they
might adorn it using these colors during this season.
ii.
Fat Tuesday
– the day before the beginning of Lent.
Mardi Gras or Carnival (a word that means “removal of meat”) is
actually a 3 day period of feasting before the fast begins.
A last “fling” before entering the season of lent.
While those who profess morality might observe it with parades,
dancing and festivals, sadly it has turned into a form of debauchery and
wanton ungodliness.
iii.
Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent. Often worshippers (especially Catholics) will
have ashes put on their forehead by a priest or minister as a sign of
humility and repentance to begin the season. This is done during a
special service.
iv.
“Holy Week” or “Passion week” - A description of the week from the “triumphal entry” of
Jesus through the Resurrection day (Easter).
v.
Palm Sunday
– the Sunday before Easter.
It is the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem as people shouted, “Hosanna,
Son of David. Blessed is the
King” and cast their robes and palm branches before Him.
Sometimes the entry into the city is reenacted by waving palm
branches and singing songs of praise.
vi.
Maundy Thursday – is supposed to commemorate the institution of the Lord’s Supper and
Jesus’ discourse to his disciples on that occasion.
Some churches observe the Lord’s Supper on this evening.
Some even engage in the act of foot washing as a part of this
service.
vii.
Good Friday
– on this day the arrest, trials and crucifixion of Jesus are
remembered. The colors are
removed and replaced with black.
Sometimes, a lesson is presented on the seven last sayings of
Jesus. Some recount the
various events associated with the arrest and trial and death of Jesus.
These are sometimes called “the stations of the cross” (14 of
them). Others in their
services extinguish candles that have been burning symbolizing the
growing darkness as the death of Jesus approaches.
viii.
Holy Saturday – remembering Jesus in the tomb is observed quiet and contemplation.
Some churches suspend services on this day.
Some fast as Lent is concluded.
ix.
Easter Sunday – Also known as “Resurrection Sunday” commemorates the resurrection of
Jesus. Some religions reject
the name Easter for reasons previously mentioned, but they still observe
“Resurrection Sunday.”
c.
Observances associated
with the holiday
i.
Eggs –
because it is a symbol of new life (associated with spring)
ii.
Rabbits –
because of their rapid fertility and thus the creation of life.
The resurrection represents new life.
iii.
Candy and treats
– are associated with joy and celebration of the day (things prohibited
during lent) and the sweet tast of “new life”.
iv.
Hot cross buns – a sweet bun that is iced with a cross (usually an X) to symbolize the
crucifixion. Eaten on Good
Friday and by some throughout lent.
As a part of the pagan feasts to Eastre, the Saxons would offer a
sweet bread with a cross on it symbolizing the four seasons. In the 8th
century AD, the cross was
reinterpreted to represent the Cross of Christ.[3]
Interestingly, Jer. 7:18 describes offerings of cakes offered “to the
queen of heaven” along with drink offerings and thus provoking the Lord
to jealousy.
d.
NONE of these days or
observances are found in the Bible! In scripture we ARE commanded to
avoid human traditions and idolatrous practices.
i.
Matthew 15:1-9. Jesus is asked why His
disciples did not wash their hands (ceremonially) before eating.
Jesus asks them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of
God because of your tradition.”
He then gives examples of how they altered God’s laws and bound
the changes. Jesus then
says, “Hypocrites!
Well did Isaiah prophesy about you saying: ‘These people draw
near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, but their
heart is far from Me. And in
vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
(vs. 8-9)
ii.
Galatians 4:9-11 finds Paul warns these brethren saying, “But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it
that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you
desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and
seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you
in vain.” (emp.- mine TT)
Paul was concerned about how they were considering keeping Jewish
observances as a part of their religion.
He says to avoid it.
iii.
In 1 Corinthians he
expressed similar concerns with pagan practices.
In
1 Corinthians 10:14 he
said, “Flee from idolatry.”
RUN AWAY from it! AVOID it!
This is followed by a reminder that we are in fellowship with
Christ and that is demonstrated by our practices (which ARE authorized).
Then of offerings made by the Gentiles (to their pagan deities)
he says, “Rather, that the things
which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God,
and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you
cannot partake of the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Or do we
provoke the Lord to jealousy?
Are we stronger than He? ” (1
Cor. 10:20-22)
This is followed by an admonition to be an example to these idolaters.
If someone were to invited you to their home to eat and then tell
you, ‘This was offered to an idol” we are told not to eat it, for the
sake of the one who told you (10:23-28).
The point is we do NOT leave an impression that they conduct is
approved.
iv.
Colossians 2:20-23, “Therefore, if you
died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though
living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21 “Do
not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things
which perish with the using— according to the commandments and doctrines
of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in
self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are
of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.“
v.
When we find, #1 –
practices that go beyond God’s boundaries, AND #2 – practices that are
based upon the false religions of man (e.g. paganism); NO matter who
good one’s intentions are, according to God’s word we ought to avoid
such things.
I ask you, what does say about the religious observance of Easter?
a.
That we remember the
Jesus arose is without question.
WE have devoted substantial time to the subject of the
resurrection in previous weeks (both in our study of the life of Jesus
and 1 Corinthians 15). As
you study the book of Acts you find it was a central theme in much of
the preaching recorded as the church spread.
b.
When we assemble “on the
first day of the week” we remember His resurrection.
That was the day He arose (Matt. 28:1, Luke 24:1, etc.)
c.
We remember His
resurrection as we observe the Lord’s Supper – we do this on “the first
day of the week” because of Acts 20:7 as an example.
NOTICE that is also the day Jesus arose.
d.
We remember His
resurrection in obeying the gospel – Rom. 6:3-4, Col. 2:12
e.
In our prayers offered
through Jesus – our prayers are to be addressed to God the Father,
through Jesus Christ. He is
our mediator. Eph. 2:18,
Heb. 7:24-25. To be
such, He has to be living.
Conclusion:
Belief in the resurrection and Easter are NOT the same thing.
We believe firmly in the resurrection of Jesus.
It is the foundation of our hope that we too will be resurrected.
WE need to remember the resurrection and God has seen to it that
we do so every week. But we
reject the religious observance of Easter as the way we are to
commemorate that event. It
is without Biblical authority.
In all that we do, we must respect God’s boundaries.
[2] Much of
the details of observances of various date was found at:
http://www.crivoice.org/cylent.html