Of First Importance

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

Easter is upon us. The date on which this event is celebrated is reckoned by the calendar calculations determined in the 7th century. the official formula used to determine Jesus final week of ministry before being crucified, buried, and raised the following first day of the week. This year, based on that formula, April 1 is the day determined to be celebrated as resurrection Sunday.

Two days are typically deemed more important than others in connection with Christ. December 25th was first celebrated as the birth of Christ in AD 336, during the reign of Emperor Constantine. Easter, of course, followed later in becoming the time to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. It is encouraging that, in such a secular society as ours has become, there is still some thought given to Christ, some kind of expression regarding his worth, although it may be more of a custom to many, rather than genuine devotion. Christ should mean more to us, in truth to everyone, than a random thought twice a year.

Paul says the fulfillment of Jesus’ earthly ministry, in his death, burial, and resurrection, is to have priority in our lives. Of course, we are mindful of and thankful for his unique entrance in the world, his virgin birth, but the point of his birth was his death and resurrection. If we truly know the Biblical account of Christ, we also know he is worthy of more than just two days of consideration each year. He is foundational to our lives, his coming the “fullness of time” (Gal. 4:4), the focal point of all history. The Son of God becoming the Son of Man is beyond our capacity to fully comprehend. That he lived a sinless life that our sins could be atoned is truly amazing. His death should touch our hearts, and his resurrection should give us hope. How can anyone deem this to be worthy of significance only twice a year?

Paul reminded the Corinthians they were meeting every first day of the week for a reason (1 Cor. 16:2). They came together to remember the Lord’s death through the Lord’s Supper (11:23-26), and to partake of it without discerning his body, in an unworthy manner, would be guilty of his body and blood (11:27). Each Lord’s Day is special, something to look forward to, to take seriously, to remember his death, and resurrection, and the forgiveness these truths offer. May each Lord’s Day, may every day, be a celebration of God’s love in Christ, of life lived in and for him, and a reminder of our anticipation to be with him for all eternity. “For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from the fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was chosen before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the times for you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Pet. 1:18-21).

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”

Robert