Why do you believe the things you believe, and do the things you do? The chances are
you never stopped to ask yourself that question. You have been taught since childhood
to accept Easter as the chief of the Christian holidays.
You have supposed it is part of the true Christian religion to observe Lent, "Holy Week,"
"Good Friday," to buy hot cross buns at he bakery, to have colored eggs, to dress up
and go to Church Easter Sunday, perhaps to attend an Easter sunrise service!
Because of the "sheep" instinct in humans, most of us believe a lot of things that are not true.
Most of us do a lot of things that are wrong, supposing these things be right, or even sacred!
ISHTAR, the PAGAN GODDESS
What is the meaning of the name "Easter"? You haven been led to suppose the word means
"resurrection of Christ." For 1600 years the western world has been taught that Christ rose
from the dead on Sunday morning. But that is merely one of the fables the apostle Paul warned
readers of the New Testament to expect. The resurrection did not occur on Sunday! For the
astonishing proof setting forth the exact time of the Resurrection, write for our free booklet,
"The Resurrection."
The name "Easter" is merely the slightly changed English spelling of the name of the ancient
Assyrian goddess Ishtar, pronounced by the Assyrians exactly as we pronounce "Easter."
The Babylonian name of this goddess was Astarte, consort of Baal, the Sun god, whose worship
is denounced by The Almighty in the Bible as the most abominable of all pagan idolatry.
Look up the word "Easter" in Webster's dictionary. You will find: "AS. (Anglo-Saxon), from name
of an old Teuton goddess of spring".
In the large volume Hastings Bible Dictionary, only six lines are given to the name "Easter"
because it occurs only once in the Bible and that only in the King James translation. Says
Hastings: "Easter, used in Authorized Version as the translation of 'Pascha' in Acts 12:4,
'intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people'. Revised Version has substituted
correctly 'the Passover.'"
APOSTLES OBSERVED PASSOVER
The World Almanac, 1950 edition, page 704, says: "In the second century, AD., Easter Day
was, among Christian in Asia Minor" (that is, in the Churches at Ephesus, Galatia, etc... the
so-called "Gentile" churches raised up by the Apostle Paul) "the 14th of Nisan, the seventh
month of the Jewish calendar." In other words, the 14th day of the first month of the sacred
calendar, and it was not then called by the name of the pagan deity "easter", but by the
BIBLE name "PASSOVER".
Passover, the days of unleavened bread, Pentecost, and holy days God had ordained forever
were all observed by Jesus, and the early apostles, and converted Gentile Christians
(Acts 2:1; 12:3; 20:6; 18:21; 1Co 5:7-8; Acts 20:16; 1Co 16:8). Passover, is a memorial of the
crucifixion of Christ. Passover, observed by the early true Church, occurred not on Sunday or
any fixed day of the week, but a calendar day of the year. The day of the week varies from
year to year.
Easter is one of the pagan days Paul warned Gentile converts they must not return to observing.
How, then, did this pagan festival enter into and fasten itself upon a professing Christianity?
That is a surprising story, but first, notice the true origin and nature of Easter.
ITS CHALDEAN ORIGIN
Easter, as Hislop says: ("The Two Babylons,") "bear its Chaldean origins on its very forehead.
Easter is nothing else than Astarte, one of the titles of Beltis, the 'queen of heaven,' whose name,
as pronounced by the people of Nineveh, was evidently identical with that now in common use in
this country."
The ancient gods of the pagans had many different names. While this goddess was called
Astarte in Babylon, it appears on Assyrian monuments found by Layard in excavations at Nineveh
as Ishtar (Layard's Nineveh and Babylon, page 629). Both were pronounced "Easter". Likewise,
Beltis, or Bel (referred to in the Old Testament) also was called Mooch. It was for sacrificing to
Moloch (1 Kings 11:1-11, especially verse 7, where Moloch is called an abomination) and other
pagan gods that The Eternal condemned Solomon, and rended away the Kingdom of Israel from
his son.
In the ancient Chaldean idolatrous Sun worship, Baal was the Sun god, Astarte his consort, or wife.
And Astarte is the same as Ishtar, or the English Easter.
Says Hislop: "The festival, of which we read in church history, under the name Easter, in the third
or forth centuries, was quite a different festival from that now observed in the Roman (and Protestant) church, and at that time was not known by any such name as Easter. IT WAS CALLED PASSOVER,
and was very early observed by Christians.... That festival agreed originally with the time of the Jewish Passover, when Christ was crucified.... That festival was not idolatrous, and was preceded by no Lent."
WHERE DID WE GET LENT?
"It ought to be known," wrote Cassianus in the fifth century, "that the observance of the forty days
(Lent) had no existence, so long as the perfection of that primitive Church remained inviolate."
Jesus observed no Lent. The apostles and the early true Church of God observed no Lenten season.
Then how did this observance originate?
"The forty days' abstinence of the Lent was directly borrowed from the worshippers of the
Babylonian goddess. Such a Lent of forty days, 'in the spring of the year,' is still observed by the
Yezidis or pagan Devil worshippers of Koordistan, who have inherited it from their early masters,
the Babylonians. Such a Lent was held by the pagan Mexicans, in honor of the sun.... Such Lent
was observed in Egypt (Wilkinson's Egyptians). This Egyptian Lent of forty days was held expressly
in commemoration of Adonis or Osiris, the great mediatorial god." (the Two Babylons, by Hislop,
pages 104 and 105, and Sabean Researches, by Landseer, p. 112).
Do you realize what has happened? God Almighty commanded His people to observe the
PASSOVER FOREVER! (Exo 12:24). This command was given while the Israelites were still in
Egypt, prior to the Old Covenant, or the Law or Moses! It pictured, before the Crucifixion, Christ's
death for the remission of our sins. At His last Passover, Jesus changed the emblems used, from
the blood of a lamb and eating it's roasted body, to the bread and wine.
Jesus did not abolish Passover ....He merely CHANGED the emblems, or symbols used. All of the apostles of Christ, and the true Christians of the first century true Church, observed it. On the 14th
day, of the first month, of the sacred calendar. It is now a MEMORIAL of Christ's death. Reaffirming,
year by year, on it's anniversary, the true Christian's FAITH in the blood of Christ for the remission
of sin, and the broken body of Christ for physical healing.
But what has happened? DO YOU REALIZE IT? All western nations have been deceived into
dropping the festival God ordained forever to commemorate the death of the true Saviour for
our sins, and substituting in its place the PAGAN festival, commemorating the counterfeit
"saviour" and mediator of Baal, the SUN GOD, named after the mythical Ishtar, his wife ..actually,
none other than the ancient Semirimus, who palmed herself off as the wife of the sun-god, the
idolatrous "QUEEN OF HEAVEN."
THIS is NOT Christian! IT IS PAGAN TO THE CORE!
Yet scores of millions of Americans are deceived into observing this form of heathen idolatry,
under the delusion they are honoring Jesus Christ the Son of the Heavenly Father!
Easter does not honor Christ! And yet, have you not been, like a blind sheep, following the other
millions in this customs? "The times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth to
come to repentance." (Acts 17:30)
Hot Cross Buns and Dyed Eggs
But, did you know the hot cross buns, and dyed Easter eggs also figured in the idolatrous
Chaldean rites, just as they do in Easter observance today?
Yes, these are pagan, too. The "buns," known by that identical name, were used in the
worship of the days of Cecrops, the founder of Athens, 1500 years before Christ.
(The Two Babylons pgs 107-108).
"One species of sacred bread, which used to be offered to the gods, was of great antiquity,
and called Boun," says Bryant, Mythology, Vol. 1, p. 373.
It will astonish you, but it's true! One of the reasons God drove the Jews into Babylonian
captivity was this very idolatry; their whole families joined in this idolatrous worship, in
making and offering HOT CROSS BUNS!
Read the entire 7th chapter of Jeremiah. Here you will find God's stern sentence upon Judah,
thru Jeremiah the prophet, "If you really amend your life and doings," God warns them, "I will
allow you to remain in this place (Palestine) for a time." But they would not listen. Then " I will
cast you out of my sight," says God to Judah. And to Jeremiah He says, " Seest thou not what
they do in the cities of Judah...?
"The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough,
TO MAKE CAKES TO THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN... that they may provoke me to anger....
Therefore thus saith the Eternal God: Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon
this place, upon man, upon beast... and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched." (Verse 18-20)
The Hebrew word for "cakes" as Jeremiah originally wrote it is "kavvan," and really means "BUNS."
The word "bun," says Hislop, seems to have been derived from this word. It is used nowhere else
in the Bible, except Jeremiah 44:19, where again, the same idolatrous worship to the queen of the
heaven is mentioned. Every other place in the Bible where the English word "cakes' is used, a
different Hebrew word was used in the original.
Jeremiah was referring to HOT CROSS BUNS--- exactly the same kind hundreds of you who read
this have been buying and eating at "Easter season!"
The origin of the Easter egg is just as clear. It is recorded in Davies' Druids, p. 208, that the ancient
Druids bore an egg as the sacred emblem of their idolatrous order. On p. 207, same history, it is
recorded that in the mysteries of Bacchus, as celebrated in Athens, part of the idolatrous ceremony consisted in the consecration of an egg. Hindu fables celebrate their mundane egg as of a golden
color. It has been ancient customs in Japan to make their sacred egg a hard brazen color. In China,
dyed or painted eggs are used on "sacred" heathen festivals. In the idolatry of ancient Egypt and
Greece, eggs were used in their religious rites.
WHY do Americans, who believe themselves to be Christians, dye eggs at Easter? Do they
suppose the BIBLE ordained, or commands, this heathen custom? THERE IS NOT A WORD
OF IT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Certainly Christ did not start it, and the apostles and early
Christians did none of it!
Then WHY SHOULD YOU DO IT TODAY? Why follow heathenism and try to conceive yourself
you are a Christian ? God calls such things ABOMINATION!
How Easter Crept into the Church
Such is the origin, and early history of Easter. How, then, was this pagan festival injected into
the professing Christian religion, as a substitute for an ordinance of God?
Before revealing briefly the astonishing account of this great deception, two facts must be firmly
fixed in mind.
First, Jesus and the apostles foretold, not a universal, wide-spread popular growth of the
true New Testament Church, but a FALLING AWAY FROM THE TRUTH, on part of the
great majority. Prophesying a popular, universal FALLING AWAY from the faith once delivered.
To the Thessalonians Paul stated, "the mystery of iniquity doth already work," and only some
30 years after the Church began! He referred to the very "Chaldean Mysteries," of which Easter
and Christmas were the two chief festivals! (2Th 2:7)
Second, although Jesus said the gates of hell would never prevail against His Church, yet it is
everywhere prophesied thru the New Testament as the "Little Flock"--- never as great, large,
popular, universal church.
This is the very fact that the world does not realize today!
TWO Churches--- One false, One True
In New Testament prophecy, two (2) Churches are described:
One, the great and powerful and universal church, a part of the world, actually ruling in its
politics over many nations, and united with the "Holy Roman Empire," brought to a concrete
focus in Rev 17.
The Church is pictured with great pomp, ritual and display, decked in purple, scarlet and gold---
proud, worldly, boastful. She is pictured as a universal DECEIVER--- the whole western world
spiritually DRUNK perception so blurred by her paganized teachings and practices they are
unable to clearly distinguish TRUTH! she boast she is the true Church, yet she is drunken with
the blood of the saints she has caused to be martyred!
But how could she have deceived the whole world, as foretold in God's Word? Surely, the
Protestant world isn't deceived!
Oh, But It Is! Notice, verse 5, she is a MOTHER church! Her daughters are the churches who
have come out of her, even in protest, calling themselves Protestant--- but they are fundamentally
of her family in pagan doctrines and practices! They, too, make up themselves a part of the world,
taking active part in its politics--- the very act which made a "*****" out of their MOTHER!
The entire apostate family--- Mother, and more than 500 daughter denominations, all divided
against each other and in CONFUSION of doctrines, yet all united in the chief pagan doctrines
and festivals--- has a family NAME ! They call themselves "Christian," but God calls them
something else! ---"MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT!"
TRUE Church Small -- Scattered
But where is the TRUE Church? Did the true Church of God, of which Jesus Christ is the Living,
Directing Head, become perverted--- did it merely apostatize into the system described above?
NO! The gates of hell have never prevailed against the true Church of God, and never will! The
true Church has never fallen! It has never ceased!
But the true Church of God, is pictured in prophecy as the "Little Flock!" The New Testament
describes this Church as continually persecuted, despised by the large popular churches
because it is not OF this world or its politics, but has kept itself unspotted from the world! It has
always kept the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. It has kept the festivals of God,
not the pagan holidays. It has been empowered with the Spirit of God!
That Church never degenerated into the great popular church at Rome, as the protestant world
supposes! That Church always has existed, and it exist today!
Then where did it go? Where was it during the middle ages?
First, remember this Church was never large, never politically powerful, or a world known
ORGANIZATION OF MEN. It is a SPIRITUAL ORGANISM, not a political organization. It is
composed of all whose hearts and lives have been CHANGED by the Spirit of God, whether
visibly together, or individually scattered.
Under the lash of continual persecution and opposition of the organized forces of this world,
it is difficult for such a people to remain UNITED and ORGANIZED together.
Daniel prophesied the true people of God would be scattered (Dan 12:7). Ezekiel foretold it
(34:5-12). Jeremiah, too, (23:1-2). Jesus foretold it (Mat 26:31). The apostolic church was
soon scattered by persecution (Acts 8:1). James addresses his letters to Christians scattered
abroad (Jam 1:1).
Ignored by Most Histories
You don't read much of this true Body of Christ in the secular histories of this world! No, the
world little notes, not long remembers, the activities of this "LITTLE FLOCK," hated and despised
by the world, driven to the wilderness by persecution, always opposed, usually scattered! But
there are enough references to it in authentic histories to show that it has continued thru every
century to now!
The prophecies bring this Church into concrete focus in the 12th chapter of Revelation. There
she is shown spiritually, in the glory and splendor of the Spirit of God, but visibly in the world
as a persecuted, Commandment keeping Church driven into the wilderness, for 1260 years,
thru the middle ages!
Even in Paul's day, many among those attending at Antioch, at Jerusalem, at Ephesus, at Corinth,
and other places, began to apologize and turn away from the truth. Divisions sprang up. Those
individuals, unconverted or turned from God's Truth and Way Of Life, were no part of God's true
church, though visibly assembling with those who were. The "mystery of iniquity" was already
working, INSIDE these visible churches. This apostasy increased! By the year 125 A.D. the
majority in most churches, especially those Gentile-born, were continuing in many of their old
pagan beliefs and practices, though professing to be Christians! Gradually, a smaller and smaller
portion of the VISIBLE churches going by the name "Christian" remained truly yielded to God
and His Truth, and led of His Spirit. After Constantine took virtual control of the visible, professing
Church in the early fourth century, this visible organization became almost wholly pagan, and
began excommunicating and persecuting all who held to the WORD OF GOD! Finally, it became necessary for real Christians who, even as a scattered people, alone composed the TRUE Christian Church, to worship God! Thus, the visible, organized Church which rose to power was the FALSE
Church--- the "Great *****" of Revelation 17.
Injected into the Church
Nothing illustrates this very fact more vividly than the actual history of the injecting of Easter into
the western Church.
Here is the quick, brief history of it, from the Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th edition, article on
"EASTER:" "There is no indication of the observance of the Easter festival in the New Testament,
or in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers.... The first Christians" (the original True Church)
"continued to observe the Jewish" (that is GOD'S ) "festivals, though in a new spirit, as
commemorations of events which those festivals had foreshadowed. Thus the Passover, with
a new conception added to it, of Christ as the true Paschal Lamb and the first fruits from the dead, continued to be observed.
"Although the observance of Easter was at a very early period the practice of the Christian Church,
a serious difference as to the day for its observance soon arose between the Christians of Jewish
and those of Gentile descent, which led to a long and bitter controversy. With the Jewish Christians...
the fast ended... on the 14th day of the week. The Gentile Christians on the other hand" (that is, the beginning of the Catholic church, now substituting pagan for true Christian doctrines) "...identified the
first day of the week with the resurrection, and kept the preceding Friday as the commemoration of
the crucifixion, irrespective of the day of the month."
"Generally speaking, the Western Churches" (Catholic) "kept Easter on the 1st day of the week,
while the Eastern Churches" (containing most of those who remained as part of the TRUE Church ) "followed the Jewish rule." (That is, observing Passover on the 14th of the first sacred month instead
of the pagan Easter.)
"Polycarp, the disciple of John the Evangelist, and bishop of Smyrna, visited Rome in 159 to confer
with Anicetus, the bishop of that see, on the subject, and urged the tradition which he had received
from the apostle of observing the 14th day. Anicetus, however, declined. About forty years later"
(197), "the question was discussed in a very different spirit between Victor, bishop of Rome, and Polycrates, metropolitan of proconsular Asia" (the territory of the Church at Ephesus, Galatia,
Antioch, Philadelphia, and all those mentioned in Rev 2--- the churches established thru the
apostle Paul). "That province was the only portion of Christendom which still adhered to the
Jewish (the writer should have used the words "true Christians" instead of "Jewish") usage.
Victor demanded that all should adopt the usage prevailing at Rome. This Polycrates firmly
refused to agree to, and urged many weighty reasons to the contrary, whereupon Victor
proceeded to excommunicate Polycrates and Christians who continued in Easter usage" (that is,
who continued in GOD'S way, as Jesus, Peter, Paul, and all the early true Church had done).
"He was, however, restrained" (by other bishops) "from actually proceeding to enforce the decree
of excommunication... and the Asiatic church retained their usage unmolested. We find the Jewish"
(true Christian Passover) "usage from time to time reasserting itself after this, but it never prevailed
to any large extent.
"A final settlement ot the dispute was one among the other reasons which led Constantine to
summon the council at Nicaea in 325. At that time the Syrians and Antiochenes were the solitary champions of the observance of the 14th day. The decision of the council was unanimous that
Easter was to be kept on Sunday, and on the same Sunday throughout the world, and that 'none
hereafter should follow the blindness of the Jews'" (That is in plain language, the Catholic church
now decreed that none should be allowed to follow the ways of CHRIST--- of the TRUE Christian
Church!)
"...The few who afterwards separated themselves from the unity of the church" (Roman church),
"and continued to keep the 14th day, were named 'Quarto-decimani,' and the dispute itself is known
as the 'Quarto-decimani controversy.' "
Thus you see how the politically organized church at Rome grew to great size and power by
adopting popular pagan practices; how she gradually stamped out the true teaching, doctrines,
and practices of CHRIST, and the true Church, so far as any collective practice is concerned.
It was only by violence and bloodshed, at last, says Hislop (The Two Babylons, p.107), that the
idolatrous festival of the Chaldean goddess Easter came to supersede that which God had ordained
to be observed forever!
True Christians Kept PASSOVER
The New Testament reveals that Jesus, the apostles, and the New Testament Church, both Jewish
and Gentile-born, observed God's Sabbaths, and God's festivals--- weekly and annually! Take you
Bible and carefully read Acts 2:1; 12:3-4 (the word "Easter" here is a flagrant false translation in
"King James" version--- originally inspired "Passover," and so corrected in the Revised version);
Acts 18:21; 20:6,16; 1Co 16:8.
Eusebius, historian of the early centuries of the Church, speaks of the true Christians observing
Passover on the 14th of Nisen, first month of the sacred calendar.
The historian Gieseler wrote that "the Gentile Christians observed also the Sabbath and the
Passover," during the latter half of the first century.
But as the false paganized Church grew in size and political power, decrees were passed by
363 A.D. imposing the death sentence upon Christians found keeping God's Sabbath, or God's
festivals. Finally, in order to keep the true Way of God, a large portion of the true Christians
(composing the true Church) "fled into the wilderness," as foretold in Rev 12:6, where they were
fed on the pure Word of God 1260 long years!
But another large portion of the TRUE Church of God, failing to flee, yet remaining true to
God's Truth, paid with their lives in martyrdom (Rev 6:9; 13:15; 17:6; 18:24). History records
that more than 50 million were martyred!
They loved obedience to God more than their lives! DO YOU?
But through all generations, thru every century, though persecuted, scattered, unrecognized
by the world, many true Christians have kept alive the TRUE CHURCH OF GOD--- the Church
composed of those Satan cannot deceive! (Mat 24:24.)
Easter Sun-Rise Services
You think Easter sunrise services are beautiful? LISTEN! God was showing the prophet Ezekiel
the sins of His people in a vision--- a prophecy for today! "Turn thee yet again," said God, :and
thou shalt see greater abominations than these" (Ezekiel had just been shown, in a vision,
idol-worship among professing people of God). "And he brought me (in vision) into the inner court
of the Eternal's house, and behold... between the porch and the alter were about five and twenty
men, with... their faces toward the east: and they worshiped the sun towards the east. Then he
said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing ...that they commit the ABOMINATIONS which they commit here?... Therefore, will I deal IN FURY: mine eye shall not
spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not
hear them!" (Ezekiel 8:15-18.)
Do you grasp what this most abominable thing is?
It is the same identical thing millions are doing every Easter Sunday morning--- the sun-rise
services--- standing with their faces towards the east, as the SUN is rising, in a mythical
idolatrous consort goddess Easter. Yes, deceived into believing this is Christian, millions
practice every Easter the identical form of the ancient SUN-WORSHIP of the Sun-god BAAL!
Throughout the Bible this is revealed as the MOST ABOMINABLE of all idolatry in the sight
of the Eternal Creator!
Do you think this makes no difference, today? It makes all the difference between life and death---
between being SAVED and LOST!
It is a serious thing to write to you, my readers, these truths--- for now you have the KNOWLEDGE
of the TRUTH! and "if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth
no more sacrifice for sins, but a CERTAIN fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which
shall devour the adversaries!" (Heb 10:26-27.)
Yes, it makes a difference! Thousands had to flee the jurisdiction of "civilization" to keep God's ways!
Other thousands paid with their lives for obeying God--- but they shall LIVE forever, in the Resurrection!
This world's ways have brought only sorrow, suffering, chaos, death! GOD'S WAYS are the only
ways that lead to Peace, lasting Prosperity, Happiness, Joy, Eternal Life! If Baal is god, then go
serve him; but if The ETERNAL is your GOD, then SERVE HIM!
To unsubscribe, send "Unsubscribe" to:
Columbia Christians for Life
Steve Lefemine, pro-life missionary
dir., Columbia Christians for Life
P.O. Box 50358, Columbia, SC 29250
April 2, 2007
To research this matter on the internet, try intitiating a search with the words:
"Easter, pagan, Babylon"
These below are just a few of the many, many website postings with information on this subject !
Where did "Easter" get its name?
Where did the concept of an Easter egg and bunny originate?
As the bible says nothing can harm me for the Lord will protect me. So whatever the pagans did, whatever spells they used, they don't work on me, they have no power as Christ is in power.
I won't fear neither devil nor spirits nor anything, for the Lord is with me. And I won't make poepe fear, becaue if I speak about such dangers I make them feel like God was not strong enough to protect us, like we would still have to do something ourselves, like we could add anything to the blessings God gives to us.
This is something I don't like, I don't consider correct. I trust in the Lord and that is it, I need nothing more, no fear of pagans, of the devil and his plans and anything else.
Internationally, the link with a pagan god through the name Easter is not very much implemented.
Indeed, the English word Easter may be sounding or looking as a pagan god. But in other christianity communities, the word Easter can hardly be linked to a pagan god as it is derived of the jewish word Pesach.
Below some translations of Happy Easter in foreign languages.
g�zuar pashk�n
vrolijk pasen
joyeuses p�ques
feliz Pascoa
Selamat Paskah
buona Pasqua
hari paska pesta kristian
god paske
paste fericit
The german frohe Ostern is the only one that could be linked to Eastern (and not Easter).
The above just to point out, that not all similarity in English with pagan gods are in fact wrong celebrating of christianity.
Abedjau & SOS, you 're so true in your comments. And to add my two cents, whatever the devil means for evil, God takes and makes for His good.:glow:
Does anyone remember Mars' Hill in Acts chapter 17. The people were worshipping the UNknown God according to their customs, but Paul declared to them the truth about the REAL GOD, and the proper way to worship Him, and the message about His resurrection. And the Bible says, some mocked Paul for his message, but there were those who did listen to him and believed and were saved.
The message of Easter is the ONLY reason for the season, so that those who are beleivers may worship the Lord, and those who are being saved might come to know the reason and why they should be saved. ITS A SPIRITUAL PURPOSE...
Worshipping our Lord in celebration of what He did for us through His suffering death on the cross, is indeed the focus and message of Easter and what it means to be Christians.
Here is a spiritual view point on why Christian celebrate Easter... hope it will enlighten those who think just because Easterstarted out as pagan celebration, Christians shouldn't use the word or set aside a day to worship and celebrate the resurrection. Well, really doesn't matter, because as I said, much of what we do in society is pagan, and again what the devil means for evil, God in His sovereignly involvement in man's life, knows how to makes everything directed toward Him, for the good. If its not a sin, and If its for God's glory, then what is man's problem with Christians worshipping in celebration of the resurrection on Easter?
Check out this article: Should Christians Celebrate Easter...
A few churches teach that Easter is a pagan holiday. They frown on the idea of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday morning. Christians are not celebrating Jesus, they say, but an ancient pagan deity when they participate in such activities as Easter sunrise services.
But this is based on several misunderstandings. The New Testament gives no grounds for limiting Christian fellowship and worship on Easter. Let�s examine a few objections that are commonly made against Easter and see whether they have any merit.
The Word "Easter"
The first issue is the word "Easter" itself. (Of course, this objection is completely irrelevant in many nations, because the word for this Christian spring festival in other languages has no connection with the word "Easter.") As well, we should remember that the resurrection of Jesus was celebrated in the spring for centuries in Christendom before the word "Easter" was adopted as a label for this festival in the English language.
Nonetheless, critics claim that the Word "Easter" is derived from the name of a Germanic goddess of spring, Eastre. The English monk, Venerable Bede, who lived in the eighth century, popularized this view. However, this idea is not at all certain. The King James translators certainly did not understand the word "Easter" in this way when they used it to translate the Greek pascha, or Passover, in Acts 12:4!
Another explanation is that Easter derives from an Old German root, ostern, for dawn or east, which is the time and place of the rising sun. This makes more sense as a reason why a day commemorating Jesus� resurrection would have begun to be called "Easter." Jesus is thought to have risen around dawn or sunrise on resurrection Sunday (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2). Since he is called "the sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2), it would be quite appropriate to call a day in honor of his resurrection, "Easter" � the dawn of the Rising Sun or Son, Jesus. (The Lord God of the Old Testament is called a "sun" in Psalm 84:11.)
In any case, even if the word "Easter" was associated with an ancient goddess, it does not mean we cannot use the word today. We have many words in the English language that were connected with ancient gods. For example, our word "cereal" comes from the name of the ancient goddess of agriculture, Ceres. The word "cloth" comes from Clotho, the spinster goddess who was said to spin the thread of life. The word "hymn" is thought to come from the god of marriage, Hymen, and in ancient times meant any song offered in praise or honor of a god or gods. But when we use "hymn" in church services we mean a song sung in praise of the one true God. When we use the word "cereal" we�re not thinking of the goddess or worshipping her, but of corn flakes or granola. Cloth is cloth to us, not Clotho.
Easter Sunrise Services
In connection with the word "Easter," the concept of an Easter sunrise service is also labeled as pagan by detractors. They point to Ezekiel 8:14-17, which describes individuals with their faces toward the east, worshipping the sun. This practice in Ezekiel is spoken of as idolatry and an abomination in God�s sight. Critics maintain Easter is a replica of this vain worship in ancient Israel.
However, in Ezekiel the individuals were forsaking the worship of the true God, as is evidenced by them turning their backs on the temple of the Lord (verse 16). They were purposely worshipping the sun. When Christians attend an Easter sunrise service they worship God and Christ, remembering and rehearsing the meaning of the resurrection. The dawn or rising of the sun has great symbolic value in that it reminds them that Jesus is the Dawn of our salvation, and that he had risen on a Sunday morning along with the sun.
Did pagans worship the sun, though? Yes, of course. Pagans worshipped many things, including stars, the moon, many animals, and even the earth itself. Devout Christians see this, and sometimes confuse ancient forms with modern substance. They point to the association of some modern tradition with an ancient religious celebration, and shout "pagan." Similarly, "once pagan, always pagan" is the way some people erroneously reason. While they may admit the transforming power of Christ for people, they deny it for customs and traditions.
Israel�s worship system
Yet, what is often overlooked is the fact that many of the practices God commanded for ancient Israel had previously existed in paganism. Temples, priests, priestly vestments, incense, animal sacrifices, harvest time as the lynchpin of festivals�these and other forms used in pagan worship systems found their counterpart in Israel�s worship system given by God.
The annual festivals or "holy days" God gave Israel as part of the old covenant were based on the cycle of the moon. The festival of Trumpets came on the new moon of the seventh month. Israelites even had a new moon celebration with a blowing of trumpets (Psalm 81:3). Yet, the moon was regularly worshipped as a god or goddess in other cultures. That�s where we get our name for "Monday." It was the day set aside in honor of the moon. If we were to apply the reasoning some people use to call Easter celebration "pagan" to Israel�s worship system (which God gave them), we would be falsely painting it with the brush of paganism.
In fact, God transformed many pagan customs into a form of worship devoted to him. Even the sun, universally worshipped as a god by pagan cultures, is used in Scripture to symbolize an aspect of Jesus� glory. Luke called him "the rising sun" (Luke 1:78). Jesus is also called the "bright Morning Star" in Scripture (Revelation 22:16). God can use symbols misappropriated by pagans and transform them for his own use, and for acceptable worship.
The point is that even if there once was a pagan "Easter" festival in the spring, or if the word itself had some pagan significance, it doesn�t matter. No one takes the phrase "Easter sunrise service" to mean some old pagan rite or thinks that he or she is worshipping the sun.
As pointed out about Monday, all the names of the days of the week have a pagan significance and were named for various pagan deities. Sunday was the day of the sun; Monday was the moon�s day; Tuesday was Tiw�s day; Wednesday was Woden�s day; Thursday was Thor�s day and Friday was Frigga�s day. The latter four were all Norse deities. But we don�t worship pagan gods when we say or use these names for our days. We don�t think of worshipping old gods when a new day comes. That�s the way it is with the word "Easter." Whether or not it had a pagan connection doesn�t matter. We don�t think of it in these terms anymore.
The same applies to worship services on Easter Sunday morning or during resurrection Sunday. If there were pagan "resurrection" celebrations to various gods on Sunday � and no doubt there were � it doesn�t matter. Those institutions, if they existed, have been transformed by God for his use just as he transformed pagan sacrificial and priestly systems for his use. Israel�s religious system may have had forms already in use by pagan religious, but God meant these to be transformed as vehicles for godly worship.
Christians do the same thing with worship on Easter. Today, on Easter Sunday, Christians worship Christ. That�s what�s important. Unless we are to conclude that celebrating Christ�s resurrection is in itself a detestable thing, its celebration on what was once a pagan holiday is irrelevant. We must remember that Pentecost, one of the Old Testament festivals given to Israel by God, fell on Sunday. As well, the Holy Spirit first came on this day, as we know from Acts 2. Knowing this, we understand that Christians who keep Easter are not involved in pagan worship. They do not worship nor regard pagan gods. They honor Christ as Lord and Savior.
Easter eggs, rabbits and things
We should explain one other major objection to Easter. What seems particularly offensive to some people is the use of colored eggs at Easter. A related objection has to do with references to rabbits, which are known for their prodigious reproductive capacities.
Of course, it is quite evident that pagan people used eggs in rituals and ceremonies dedicated to their gods, and in fertility rites. But let�s first ask why eggs might have been used in religious activities. They are certainly a symbol of new life, and thus would have been a ready metaphor of fertility. Since nature comes alive in the springtime, we shouldn�t be surprised that eggs may have been associated with festivities at this time. It certainly is also true that many of the pagan fertility rites were associated with abominable practices such as temple prostitution and other revelry.
On the other hand, let us look at fertility and the egg from another point of view. God created the egg, and since he is the giver of life, it would not be wrong to think of the egg as a symbol of the blessing of life that God gives to us. We don�t confuse the egg with life. As Christians, we know God created life and that it comes from him.
Fertility is something God himself commanded. He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28). Children are a blessing from the Lord. So is an abundance of livestock and fish. The ability of life to reproduce is a great and necessary gift of God so that we might live our physical lives.
The ancients were not wrong in understanding the key role of fertility in life, nor in knowing that sex and reproduction are gifts of God. What they erred in was worshipping the created rather than the Creator, and then worshipping in ways that were abominable to God � such as in fertility revelry, which included temple prostitution.
But there is nothing inherently evil about eggs or rabbits. When associated with Easter, neither are used in the way pagans may have used them. In fact, eggs are hardly thought of in a religious way at all in modern times. The egg-rolling festivity is merely a secular time of fun for children, and nothing more. We put chocolate bunny rabbits in Easter baskets, but they have no Christian religious association. Besides, the pagan linkage simply no longer exists. There is no need to look on Easter eggs or bunnies as evil, for God created both.
Easter celebration not in Bible
Another objection to Easter observance made by some is that it is not mentioned in the Bible. Some people feel we should not set apart any day for worship unless it is specifically commanded in the Bible. Since there is no direct example of the church celebrating the resurrection on Easter Sunday, these people say we should not do it.
Of course, there is no command in the New Testament to celebrate Jesus� resurrection. However, neither is there a command not to celebrate or memorialize it. Consider this. If we could only have those religious worship times and activities that the New Testament specifically mentions, then we would be able to do almost nothing in terms of worship and Christian ceremony. None of the apostles are shown to have performed a wedding ceremony or conducted a funeral, for example. There are no examples of church services such as we have them in our churches. But these are a part of our lives, and Christian experience and worship.
The central issue regarding Easter observance is this: How much freedom do Christians have in the new covenant, either individually or as a church, to express their faith, worship and thanks toward Christ in forms not found in the Bible? Are Christians free to innovate in worship? May church leaders establish special days to celebrate the great acts of salvation?
True, the Bible nowhere tells us to celebrate Easter. But, as mentioned earlier, it also nowhere says not to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on this day. The fact is, the Bible gives examples where God permitted human beings to set up times and forms of worship other than what he specifically commanded.
When Israel added Hanukkah and Purim to its religious calendar � events that celebrated God�s saving acts in Jewish history � these were acceptable to God. Jesus attended temple worship during Hanukkah, then called the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22). The Jews added the synagogue and its traditions, and nowhere is this said to be displeasing to God. In John 7:37 it is widely recognized that Jesus made reference to the Jewish water-drawing ceremony, which pictured the salvation they looked for. Jesus did not condemn this ceremony but used it as a convenient vehicle for explaining that he was the one who would bring true salvation.
Examples such as these have led many Christians to conclude that the church also has the freedom to add to its calendar festivals that celebrate God�s redemptive acts through Jesus. Central among these is the resurrection of Jesus, which is celebrated in the spring (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
It is not a sin to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter. Rather, it is pleasing to God to see his people worshipping Jesus and having understanding of the meaning of his resurrection. After all, Jesus� resurrection should be a cause of great rejoicing and celebration. It is our hope for eternal life.
Love, not command, is what motivates many Christians to celebrate Easter. To harshly judge those who choose to practice their faith in this spirit of devotion conflicts with many New Testament principles. The fact that non-Christians or even some Christians celebrate Easter in a secular manner only or, perhaps even in a profane way, is no reason to avoid worshipful celebration during the Easter season. If some celebrate during Easter in a wrong way, this is not the problem of the season but of the people who celebrate it in a wrong manner. Just as some may need to put "Christ back into Christmas," others may also need to put Jesus back into Easter.
We encourage all those who celebrate Easter to make Christ the center of their celebration. The decision to observe Easter, and how to observe it, is a personal matter. Members of the church are free to celebrate or not to celebrate Easter. The church hopes that Christians who celebrate Easter and those who do not are both seeking to honor Jesus Christ (Romans 14:5-6).
Thank you Ella for this posting. I especialy appreciate knowing about Clotho and Ceres.
Actually I am thinking about those who will not celebrate Easter because of Eastre, if they do not wear cothes because of Clotho and not eat cereals... especially the clothes part seems strange, but walking around naked would maybe be only consequent...:glow:
OKay, I know, I provoce too much here... maybe:rolleyes:
It is unfortunate that some here chose to mock "Barkentine" who has since left this site. Much of what he said was right on point. "Easter" is no doubt a Pagan name and it's roots are Pagan. As Christians we are to recognize and celebrate "The Resurrection" but not "Easter".
Please show me the scripture where the Early Church called the "Resurrection" as Easter. (Ishtar)
I shouldn't be amazed but am in that Christians will try to justify their "traditions" instead of digging deep into God's word and history to find the truth. The problem is that so many look at things through their own eyes and not the eyes of Christ.
Oh why not partake in Halloween? After all it's not Satan we worship, it's just a time to party and eat candy...right?. Surely God wouldn't mind. It's all innocent... right? Yeah...you keep thinking like that in your ignorance. What message do we send our children when we have them partake in Pagan customs of Easter bunnies and colored eggs which have nothing to do with Christ Jesus and everything to do with the fertility goddess Ishtar, (Easter)? You are kidding yourselves if you think for one millisecond that that pleases God and is not offensive to Him and Christ Jesus.
What's the matter my Brothers and Sisters? Are you afraid of being mocked or made fun of by the rest of the "Politically correct" world? Are you too afraid to set yourself apart for Christ's sake?
1Thess 5:22 Abstain from EVERY form of evil. NKJV
Rom 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. NKJV
At this link you can download and listen to the sermon my Pastor did on this subject. http://www.oasischristianchurch.org/audio.html
In this location look for the "Mind of Christ" section and scroll down to .. : "The True Meaning of Easter".
It is accurate and well researched.
Call the day of His Resurrection by that name. "RESURRECTION"...NOT Easter.
In your post you state that "some chose to mock Berkentine and what he said, and that he has since left the site.
I went back and looked over this thread and I can't see where anyone mocked Barkenetine (misspelled...) And after reviewing his post, I can't find where he said or posted anything outside of his topic to start this thread, nor did he responded to anyone's post,... so where is the mockery?
What he posted WERE NOT HIS WORDS, it was an article by someone else... so I'm confused as to what you mean "some mocked him, and he has since left the site." I don't see where anyone mocked him.
I make need new eye glasses, plus, age as much to do with not hearing or seeing what one must see or hear, but I don't see any mockery toward him... help an old lady out here:zzzz: :rocknroll:
I don't know if this is the case, but have you thought about those who purposely visit christian sites all over the internet, and post articles or make negative statements against Christian beliefs during Christian Holiday celebrations, that Christians have set aside to honor and worship Christ, just forthe joy of speaking negatively against the church and its beliefs, and to cause strife, then leave the site?
It happens all the time every Christian Holiday celebration, on many of the Christian sites I am a member. So unless you know Barkenetine, and he has expressed to you his reason for leaving... could it be this is what he has done, posted this article denouncing Easter, and has left because he has fulfilled his planned purpose?... just asking.
BTW, again, I think Paul makes it very plain and clear in Romans Chapter 14, and Colossians chapter 2, if its unto the Lord, to let no man judge you as to when, what, how, or where you worship Christ. And that it matters not which day or what you call it that you have set aside to worship Christ, because this is only a shadow of things to come, but the substance (purpose) is Christ.
Walters words ~ �What's the matter my Brothers and Sisters? Are you afraid of being mocked or made fun of by the rest of the "Politically correct" world? Are you too afraid to set yourself apart for Christ's sake?�
No Sir !!! Christains are Born ta Stand out not Fit in...an those words sound like :boxing: words...Hummmm....:rolleyes:�
Ella was right on the mark about ( Person's ) that pop In an Out on the Forums an start Threads of Controversy ta steer up Choas an Mis-Dirrection.�
As far as Barkentine...he has only Deactivated his profile not Deleted an moved on...He will be back when the next Season of the LORD comes round ta start the next Round of Poop�
The TRUE reason/purpose Christian�s Celebrate Easter is The LORD�s Resurrection�Praise an Glory to the Messiah�JESUS the Christ�For HE has RISEN an LIVES�an that jus Peeves off that Ole Devil�:yay:...Luv ya all�xo
P.S. Happy an Blessed Easter/Resurrection Day/Passover�.
