Why I Am A Christian

A couple of Sundays ago, we had a guest pastor at our church.  To be honest, I really didn't know what his point was and I didn't agree with some of his opinions, EXCEPT for one small, yet very significant statement.  He said, "As Christians we have Christmas and Easter.  Christmas is nice, but Easter is the reason why I am a Christian."

Through out the whole sermon, I couldn't get this statement out of my mind.  I mean, I know this to be true, but had I actually heard anyone put it like that before?  Clear and concise.  Better yet, had I really expressed this simple but extraordinary truth verbally? 

I have professed that Jesus is God's Son who died for our sins so we could be saved, and excepted Him as my Lord and Savior, BUT, somehow explaining why I am a Christian seems to be so complicated.  How I got to the point of excepting the gift, God's gift of grace, is hard for me to relate when I am asked. 

...Until now.

Since that Sunday, I have become involved in a Bible study with four other lovely ladies from my church.  None of us really know each other that well, so our study is actually called "A Starting Point".  So, we are starting at the beginning, our Salvation.  How fitting is that to be discussing and exploring God's grace and love at this time of year when all the pieces fell into place for our Redemption and Salvation.


Through the study and the pastor's statement, I'm realizing something very significant.  Christmas IS important, it's a stepping stone into Easter.  If you can't believe the Christmas story, then how could you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again on the third day, all because God loves us so much?

For God loved the world in this way:  He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (HCSB version, John 3:16)

Growing up, this verse is usually highlighted during the Christmas season, the little baby laying in a manger, but this verse isn't about the baby we sing about at Christmas.  No, this is about the Son, God's Son, who died on the cross.  This is Easter.

For God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!" (HCSB version, Romans 5:8)

We can have Christmas, but without Easter, there is no redemption, there is no salvation.  Easter is the main event, so to speak.  

He also said to them, "This is what is written:  The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (HCSB version, Luke 24:46-47)

Also, without Easter, there would be no gift, no grace.

For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift--not from works, so that no one can boast. (HCSB version, Ephesians 2:8-9)

So, this is what I have decided, "I am a Christian because of Easter.  If you would like to know more, let show what Easter really is all about."  Without Easter, there is no hope, redemption, or salvation.  We would live our lives and die.  We wouldn't even be a blip in the whole scheme of things, but because of God's amazing love and grace, when we accept His gift we are so much more than just a blip.  We are more than just a number.  We are His.

As we celebrate this Good Friday and eventually Easter this Sunday, let us remember that Easter is the reason why we are Christians.  The ultimate act of love.  Happy Easter!

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me. (HCSB, John 14:6)