by

Rev. James Fritsche

The Christian Church has historically affirmed our Lord’s victory over humankind’s most fearsome enemies:  sin, death and the devil. Sin holds us captive to guilt and shame.  The Devil not only seeks to tempt us to sin, but ultimately to separate us from God and lead us to hell. Death causes fear and brings an end to the joys of life.  The three holy days – Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday – are the time we remember Jesus’ great victory over these great enemies.  

On Good Friday, Jesus, our Paschal Lamb, was sacrificed for the sins of the world.  The innocent Lamb of God bore our sins and paid the penalty that we deserved – the wrath of God – so that we could be forgiven and set from the guilt and shame of sin. (1 Peter 2:24)

Holy Saturday was a day of rest for the people of Israel and our Lord rested in the tomb.  And yet, Scripture affirms that during this time Jesus “descended into Hell” in order to proclaim His victory over the Devil. (1 Peter 3:19) Satan can no longer accuse those whom God has declared “not guilty”.  

On the first day of the week, Easter Sunday, Jesus defeated death by rising from the dead.  He showed himself alive to His disciples and as many as 500 people at one time. (1 Corinthians 15:6) Death could not conquer the Author of life. And because He lives, He has promised that we, too, will rise to life.  Death cannot defeat those whose faith is in their Saviour, Jesus Christ.

These are the three most important days for humanity.  For believers, they are the three most important days of the year.  May you live in the joy and hope that these days provide.