Is Easter Pagan?

© 07-08 Born-Again-Christian.info

Easter Lunacy?

Q: Since reckoning the annual date of Easter is done by lunar cycles, doesn't this contradict how the Bible tells us we should live our lives? Rodney

A: Keep in mind two things. It was God who put the moon in place with its monthly and diurnal cycles, providing light at night, influencing tides, and keeping time.

It is the association of Easter with pagan moon worship that causes concern. All pagan cultures have some kind of satanic celebration at this time of year.

Where I live, they go frantic in a demonic religious festival, inevitably combined with drunken frenzy. Hundreds die each year in killings, and accidents resulting directly from it.

Fellowship

You and your Father
Christ died to make you one with God in Him. Discover the beauty and tranquility of salvation

It was Catholics who tried to redirect this pagan nonsense to their chosen idols, calling it 'Easter'. There's more on this here; E-pistle answer.

Col. 2:16-19 makes it plain that Christians ought not to celebrate special 'holy days' because we have The Real Thing.

However, religious people revel in their 'sacred days'. Also keep in mind the tender note in Ro. 14:5-8, to bear with those who haven't yet caught on to the full message and liberty of the Gospel.

Christians are influenced and led by the Holy Spirit, not lunar cycles, or religious days and festivals. But, since Christmas and Easter are so entrenched in the Western calendar, wise Christians simply use these times as platforms to proclaim the Gospel. Guess what we will be doing at Easter? Not pagan egg-hunting, or full-moon partying, but proclaiming Christ and gathering in lost souls.

No fear in love

Q: How does a Christian get back the 'fear of God'? Molly

A: Press in closer to Jesus bosom, Listen to his heartbeat, and feel His breath on your cheek, then when He arises to continue Father's business, stick close and simply do as He tells you.

Eyes of light

Q: What does the Bible say is the responsibility of the spouse to put away suspicions of infidelity? Charles

Marriage and Divorce

A: These scriptures will help you Charles; 3 Jn. 1:11, 1 Pe. 3:1, 1 Tim. 6:4, 1 Co. 13:5, Lk.11:34, Lk. 11:4, Mk. 7:22-23.

Take care to distinguish when it is the Holy Spirit telling you of infidelity, He often does this with the Word of knowledge when ministering under the anointing. 1 Co. 12:8. In which case, the sin must be confronted, and dealt with in love.

I recall one big-name preacher relating how this Gift began to operate in his ministry. He actually asked the Lord to forgive him for having 'evil thoughts' about a person, then the Lord showed him it was simply the Holy Spirit pointing out sin in the person's life. The Lord could trust that preacher to use the Word of knowledge in love and God's wisdom to set the sinner free. Just like Jesus did with the woman by the well in Jn. 4:17-18.

When art becomes idolatry

Q: I read your answer advising against painting pictures of Jesus. Surely it is okay to use illustrations of Christ to help people understand the Bible? Laura

A: There are some who go further still, and denounce any form of depiction of Christ, even in films, and Gospel literature, based upon the Commandment not to make any images of the LORD. I understand and respect their concern, especially when they are former Catholic and Hindu idolaters. You see it is a slippery slope.

You may make it with good intent, for education, and instruction, 'to glorify God', but the danger is that it will lead to blatant idolatry. It also sets a bad precedent.

The clear biblical example is the hero Gideon, and the beautifully crafted, resplendent (and valuable) Ephod. Read his story, and tragic downfall, in Judges Chapters 6 to 8. That is why there are so many warnings in both Testaments against insidious idolatry.

I have witnessed numerous examples where Satan has led well-meaning Christians into that snare, and the awful spiritual and physical consequences. So we strenuously warn against such naive claims as,

Oh I don't worship it, I only made it to remind me of Jesus, and what He's done for me.

If you talk and think like that, you are playing with fire. In reading this: God is waking you up.

Some of you are already convicted, others are angry. Instead of disputing with a missionary, I say, test yourself:

How would you feel if that object, or picture, was taken away from you forever, what would be the effect on your walk with God? Would you be weaker without it? If so, you depend upon it, and it is an idolatrous snare to you. Destroy it, no matter how 'precious', and you'll be blessed.

Listen: We have the Living Christ in our hearts, the Living Word of God to follow, and the infinite power of His Spirit poured out for us; they are enough. Learn to depend totally upon them. We don't need idols masquerading as 'aids'.

The wise err on the side of caution, whilst the foolish continue in folly. What will you do?