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To the Editor:

Easter Sunday, also known by Christians as Resurrection Sunday, celebrates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Biblical archaeologist Titus Kennedy said there is archaeological proof of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Atheist Lee Strobel, a skeptic and a legal journalist, looked at the evidence for the resurrection to prove his wife was wrong to become a Christian, but the evidence was so strong Strobel became a Christian himself. Strobel said the facts speak for themselves!

Dr. Josh McDowell was asked by his students why he couldn’t refute Christianity. He said, “For a simple reason: I’m unable to explain away an event in history — the resurrection of Jesus.” Dr. McDowell gave some facts why historians believe in the resurrection of Jesus. They are:

1. Roman guard deserts — This was an offense requiring the death penalty. Guards could be put to death for falling asleep or deserting.

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2. Two-ton stone moved — The stone was described as having been rolled up a slope away from the entrance of the tomb.

3. Broken Roman seal — Everyone feared breaking of the seal. It meant automatic execution by crucifixion.

4. Empty tomb — Both Roman and Jewish traditions and sources admit an empty tomb. Gamaliel of the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, said, “The rise of the Christian movement was God’s doing; He could not have done that if the tomb was occupied or if the Sanhedrin knew the whereabouts of Jesus’ body.” The Jewish leaders would have paid any price to get the body of Jesus to destroy Christianity.

5. Over 500 witnesses — The Bible says Jesus was seen by more than 500 people after rising from the dead.

6. Lives changed — Thomas and James didn’t believe Jesus rose from the dead until they saw him.

7. Lives given — Many gave their lives because they wouldn’t deny Jesus had risen from the dead. People won’t die for something they don’t believe in.

Knowing our Christian faith is based on solid historical facts of the empty tomb and the risen Jesus, we can celebrate the most glorious, important and life-changing morning in world history — Easter!

There’s nothing wrong with egg fighting, as they do in Peters Hollow. It’s fun to dye eggs, but most importantly, remember and teach children Easter is about a dying Savior (Jesus), not dyeing eggs.

Eggs have long symbolized rebirth and renewal, making them perfect to commemorate the story of Jesus’ resurrection as well as the arrival of spring. The chocolate Easter egg, however, is a less healthy, more modern twist on tradition.

The Bible says to attend church, especially as the time of Jesus’ return draws near. At Easter we reflect on the amazing love of Jesus for us. Celebrate God’s amazing rescue plan. Because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross, we don’t have to practice social distancing with Jesus and God the Father. This Easter, draw near to God, and God will draw near to you!

It’s not by works, as Muslims and others believe. These religions aren’t based on evidence, as Christianity is, but based on someone claiming he got info from angels. The Bible says even if “an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”

Faith in Jesus and what He accomplished on your behalf is the only thing that will save you. Are you bearing your sins, or have you accepted that Jesus died for your sins and rose again? Admit you are a sinner and need Jesus as the only Savior. Believe Jesus died for your sins and rose again. Call on or pray to Jesus to save you.

The forgiveness of all your sins, reconciliation with God, sonship, eternal life, peace and heaven are yours for the taking. Today is the day of salvation. Among all religions, only Christianity has a founder (Jesus) who professed to be the Messiah, the Son of God, who gave His life and was resurrected to save and give new life to everyone who places their faith in Him alone!

D.D. Nave
Elizabethton