LES ORIGINES DE PÂQUES (Lien vers le fichier Google Docs fourni dans les commentaires et à la fin pour faciliter la navigation parmi les citations bibliques cliquables) [Sauf indication contraire, les citations bibliques sont tirées de “La Bible Segond 21” (S21)] Pour faire la distinction entre Pâques (Easter) et la Pâque Juive (Passover), je mettrais des guillemets autour de « Pâques ». Avant d'explorer « les origines de Pâques », rappelons brièvement ce que les chrétiens sont censés célébrer en cette période. Autrement dit, clarifions la signification de cette fête. En résumé, il s'agit de la manifestation de l'amour de Dieu, qui a envoyé son Fils pour mourir et expier les péchés du monde. Trois jours après sa mort, il est ressuscité. Cette mission de rédemption s'inspire de la Pâque Juive, lors de laquelle Dieu a racheté les Israélites de l'esclavage en Égypte. Autrement dit, Jésus-Christ est venu accomplir la Pâque Juive, raison pour laquelle il a dû être crucifié le jour de cette fête. Voici quelques passages des Écritures qui étayent ces affirmations : Jean 3:16 @16 Car Dieu a tant aimé le monde qu’il a donné son Fils unique, afin que quiconque croit en Lui ne périsse point, mais qu’il ait la vie éternelle. LSG Jean 1:29 @29 Le lendemain, il vit Jésus venant à lui, et il dit: Voici l’Agneau de Dieu, Qui ôte le péché du monde. LSG 1 Corinthiens 5:7-8 @7 Faites donc disparaître tout « vieux levain » du milieu de vous afin que vous soyez comme « une pâte toute nouvelle », puisque, en fait, vous êtes « sans levain ». Car nous avons un agneau Pascal Qui a été sacrifié pour nous, Christ Lui-même. @8 C’est pourquoi célébrons la fête de la Pâque, non plus avec le « vieux levain », le levain du mal et de la méchanceté, mais uniquement avec les pains sans levain de la pureté et de la vérité. BDS En parlant de la Pâque Juive, le premier jour de la Pâque est le 14 Nisan 5786 (Lévitique 23:5 LSG), commence au coucher du soleil le 31 mars et se termine au coucher du soleil le 1er avril 2026, selon le calendrier grégorien, soit aujourd'hui au moment où j'écris ces lignes. C'est pourquoi, en Hébreu, je vous dis : «Chag Pesach Sameach », ce qui signifie « Joyeuse Pâque ». Comme Paul l'a mentionné dans le passage ci-dessus, Jésus-Christ, notre Agneau pascal, a déjà été sacrifié ; nous pouvons donc maintenant célébrer la fête sous un nouvel angle (paraphrase). De plus, Jésus-Christ a institué la Sainte Cène à la Pâque Juive et nous a commandé de communier en mémoire de Lui (Luc 22:15, 19-20 BDS). Il est donc également approprié en ce jour de Pâques de CÉLÉBRER la fête en prenant la communion et en méditant sur la Passion du Seigneur, qui nous offre le pardon et la délivrance de la captivité du péché et de la mort (1 Corinthiens 11:24-26, Hébreux 2:14-15). Afin de ne pas trop m'éloigner du sujet que je souhaite aborder, je vous invite à consulter d'autres articles et ressources gratuites qui traitent en détail des points évoqués dans le paragraphe précédent, les passages cités ci-dessus. Vous trouverez les liens à la fin. Concernant l'accomplissement de la Pâque et des autres fêtes bibliques par Jésus-Christ, et plus particulièrement les détails, je vous recommande l'ouvrage « Les fêtes Bibliques de Dieu ». Je vous conseille également vivement de lire l'article « Jésus-Christ, l'agneau pascal », surtout après avoir terminé celui-ci. Enfin, vous pouvez consulter l'article « Comment Jésus Peut-il Payer Pour Les Péchés Des Autres ». Le cœur de la Semaine Sainte était la Pâque. Fait intéressant, la Pâque, qui trouve son origine dans l'Ancien Testament, était combinée avec la Fête des Pains sans Levain, et il s'agissait d'une fête d'une semaine (Lévitique 23:5-8, 2 Chroniques 35:16-19, Ézéchiel 45:21). Il est donc assez intéressant que l'on désigne également la période de la crucifixion et de la résurrection de Jésus comme la Semaine sainte, en comptant à partir de son entrée triomphale à Jérusalem. En ce qui concerne la Pâque, Jésus-Christ a institué la Sainte Cène à l'occasion de la Pâque Juive (Marc 14:12, 22-24); et il fut crucifié le jour de la Pâque (Jean 19:14 NBS; Veuillez également lire le verset en anglais dans « The Passion Translation » TPT). Dans l'article « Jésus-Christ l'Agneau Pascal », en s'appuyant sur les Écritures, le calcul Biblique du temps (du coucher au coucher du soleil) et les différentes confessions juives de l'époque de Jésus, il a été démontré la plausibilité de la Cène et de la crucifixion lors de la Pâque, telles que décrites dans les Évangiles. Cependant, mon propos est que le thème de la Semaine Sainte était la Pâque Juive, et que cette fête trouve ses origines dans les Écritures, tant dans l'Ancien que dans le Nouveau Testament. Le sujet qui nous intéresse ici est de comprendre les origines de ce que les chrétiens célèbrent aujourd'hui sous le nom de « Pâques » (Easter). Contrairement à la Pâque juive, « Pâques » possède une autre histoire, méconnue ou indifférente de la plupart des chrétiens ; cette histoire ne trouve pas son origine dans les Écritures, mais dans l'histoire et la tradition. C'est une vérité dérangeante de l'histoire de l'Église, mais une vérité qu'il est nécessaire d'aborder. Il ne fait aucun doute que, en tant que chrétiens, nous sommes tenus de commémorer la mort et la résurrection de Jésus-Christ, car Jésus-Christ l'a commandé (Luc 22:19-20 LSG, 1 Corinthiens 11:23-26 LSG). Mais une controverse a éclaté au sein de l'Église du IIe siècle, connue sous le nom de « Controverse Quartodécimale », au sujet du moment où il fallait commémorer la mort et la résurrection de Jésus. « Quartodéciman » vient du latin « quartodecimus », qui signifie « quatorzième ». Il fait référence aux chrétiens qui célébraient l'événement le 14e jour du mois juif de Nisan, en même temps que la Pâque, quel que soit le jour de la semaine (Lévitique 23:5 LSG). Les Quartodécimans étaient principalement présents en Asie Mineure (Église d'Orient). Dans une lettre défendant les Quartodécimans (citée d'après l'historien de l'Église Eusèbe de Césarée), Polycrate d'Éphèse affirmait que la célébration du 14 Nisan suivait la tradition apostolique transmise par les apôtres Philippe et Jean, tous deux disciples de Jésus. En revanche, l'Église romaine et occidentale a toujours célébré le dimanche suivant la Pâque. L'accent était mis sur le dimanche, premier jour de la semaine, car c'est ce jour-là que Jésus-Christ est apparu pour la première fois après sa résurrection (Marc 16:9 NBS). Victor Ier, évêque de Rome de 189 à 199 ap. J.-C., tenta d'excommunier les églises d'Asie Mineure qui observaient le 14 Nisan. Cependant, comme je l'ai mentionné, Polycrate d'Éphèse défendit la pratique des Quartodécimans dans sa lettre à Victor Ier, affirmant qu'elle suivait la tradition apostolique. De plus, Irénée exhorta Victor Ier à ne pas excommunier des églises entières, car les évêques romains précédents, bien que divergents sur ce point, étaient restés pacifiques. Sa position était celle de la tolérance et de l'unité face aux différences, une position confirmée par l'Écriture sur des questions non fondamentales de la foi (Phil 3:15-16 NBS). Au IVe siècle, Constantin convoqua le concile de Nicée en 325 apr. J.-C., et la controverse des Quartodécimans fut l'un des sujets abordés lors de cette réunion. Cependant, cette fois-ci, l'idée de tolérance, ou le fait que les Quartodécimans suivaient les traditions apostoliques, n'eut aucune importance ; seul comptait l'objectif d'uniformiser l'Église et de la dissocier de tout ce qui était juif. On peut déduire de la lettre de Constantin que, concernant la Pâque, l'antisémitisme fut un facteur déterminant. Non seulement il proféra des injures contre les Juifs, mais il affirma également que le christianisme ne devait rien avoir en commun avec le judaïsme, y compris la Pâque juive. [note - mise en majuscules ajoutée par moi] ... « Lors de cette réunion, la question concernant le jour très saint de Pâques a été discutée, et il a été résolu à l’unanimité par tous les présents que cette fête devait être célébrée par tous et en tout lieu le même jour. » ... Et tout d'abord, il paraît indigne que, pour la célébration de cette fête très sainte, nous suivions LA PRATIQUE DES JUIFS, qui ont impiement souillé leurs mains d'un péché énorme et qui, par conséquent, sont justement affligés d'aveuglement spirituel. Car il est en notre pouvoir, si nous abandonnons leur coutume, de prolonger la juste observance de cette ordonnance pour les générations futures, selon un ordre plus authentique, que nous avons conservé depuis le jour même de la Passion jusqu'à ce jour. N'AYONS DONC RIEN EN COMMUN AVEC CETTE FOULE JUIVE DÉTESTABLE; car nous avons reçu de notre Sauveur une AUTRE VOIE. … Notez que même si ce sont les Juifs qui pratiquaient et célébraient la Pâque, ce ne sont pas eux qui ont institué la fête, mais Dieu lui-même ; et l'Écriture parle des fêtes comme des « LES FÊTES DE L'ÉTERNEL », et non comme des fêtes juives (Lévitique 23:1-2). Constantin avait donc tort sur ce point en essayant de distancer l'Église des Juifs (Jean 4:20-22, Romains 9:4-5), et aussi en considérant la fête Biblique de la Pâque comme « la pratique des Juifs ». Deuxièmement, Jésus-Christ est-il venu instaurer une « voie différente » qui exigeait de changer la date à laquelle il a institué la communion et nous a ordonné de la pratiquer en sa mémoire ? Je ne le crois pas. C'est le rôle de l'Antéchrist de modifier les dates bibliques établies, et non celui de Jésus-Christ (Dan 7:25-26, 1 Jean 2:18-19). Pour rappel, la Pâque juive devait être célébrée le 14e jour du premier mois, Aviv, également appelé Nissan (Lévitique 23:5). La date choisie pour célébrer Pâques fut donc le premier dimanche après la pleine lune suivant l'équinoxe de printemps. Il s'agissait de dissocier l'Église de tout lien avec le calendrier juif et la fête Biblique de la Pâque. On voit donc que l'idée fondatrice de « Pâques » était de détacher l'Église de la Pâque Biblique. Dès lors, comment se fait-il que certains affirment encore que « Pâques » est Biblique ? On peut le souhaiter, mais ses origines racontent une autre histoire : Constantin ne voulait absolument pas que l'Église ait quoi que ce soit en commun avec les Juifs, quitte à rejeter la Pâque et le Sabbat hebdomadaire. Je ne vais même pas perdre de temps à m'attarder sur le nom lui-même, « Pâques » (en anglais “Easter”), qui a des liens avec la déesse païenne « Ishtar » ou « Ēostre », une même fausse divinité avec des noms différents selon la culture ; ni sur le fait que les symboles de cette déesse païenne correspondent également aux symboles de « Pâques », en parlant du « lapin de Pâques » (un rongeur), et des « œufs de Pâques », qui n'ont AUCUN lien positif avec les Écritures. Je veux dire que le lapin ou la lièvre, Bibliquement parlant, est considéré comme un animal impur (Lévitique 11:6-8). Pourtant, pour une raison qui reste un mystère, il est devenu l'emblème de la période la plus sacrée du Christianisme. Tout symbole religieux ou lié à une activité religieuse recèle nécessairement une profonde signification spirituelle. Dès lors, la question se pose : quelles sont les connotations spirituelles profondes des mots « Pâques », du « lapin de Pâques » ou de l'« œuf de Pâques » en lien avec les Écritures, la crucifixion et la résurrection du Seigneur ? Je le répète, mis à part le thème de la mort et de la résurrection de Jésus, « Pâques » n'a aucun lien avec les Écritures ; c'est une invention humaine pour tout le reste. C'est un véritable paradoxe, et je trouve mystérieux que tout le reste puisse être mauvais, à l'exception d'un seul ingrédient, et que nous soyons pourtant prêts à l'accepter sans poser de questions. Je ne pense pas que Dieu approuve ce genre de compromis et de complaisance. Veuillez étudier attentivement les lettres de Jésus aux Églises dans l'Apocalypse 2 et 3 (Apocalypse 2:2-5, 14-16, 20-23, 3:1-3, 15-19). Réfléchissez-y un instant : la haine envers un groupe ethnique était une raison applaudie qui a façonné la formation d'une doctrine, et non les Écritures (2 Timothée 3:16); La Parole de Dieu et la signification prophétique de la Pâque Biblique ont été mises de côté à cause de la haine aveugle d'un groupe de personnes (les Juifs) par certaines personnes dans l'Église. De plus, nous devons nous demander honnêtement s'il y a une place pour une telle haine dans le christianisme, étant donné que Jésus-Christ nous a commandé d'aimer nos ennemis et de faire du bien même à ceux qui nous haïssent (Luc 6:27-28, Matthieu 5:44-46, Romains 12:17, 20-21); N'oubliez pas non plus que Jésus-Christ lui-même a pardonné à tous ceux qui ont participé à sa crucifixion, y compris les Romains, parmi lesquels Constantin fut plus tard empereur Romain (Luc 23:34, Lire aussi Actes 7:59-60). Si, malgré l'absence de raison valable, les Chrétiens choisissaient de haïr les Juifs et tout ce qui leur est associé, alors, par souci de cohérence, ils devraient également haïr les Romains et tout ce qui est associé à Rome. Après tout, c'est le gouverneur Romain qui détenait l'autorité de crucifier Jésus-Christ et qui a finalement ordonné sa flagellation et sa crucifixion (Jean 18:31, 19:1-6, 10). L'hypocrisie est donc flagrante, soyons honnêtes. N'oublions pas non plus que Jésus-Christ et les premiers apôtres étaient tous juifs. La haine des Juifs est donc injustifiable (Matthieu 25:40, Romains 15:26-27, Galates 6:6). L'origine du « Pâques » ne semble déjà pas prometteuse, mais voyons si sa tentative d'unification est justifiée. Certains pourraient affirmer que la controverse entourant ce sujet menaçait l'unité de l'Église, tout comme Victor Ier avait tenté d'excommunier certaines églises. C'est pourquoi, selon eux, « Pâques » était une nécessité pour réunifier l'Église. Il est évident que, du vivant des Apôtres, des controverses ont surgi qui ont menacé l'Église ; cependant, elles ont été résolues d'une manière fondamentalement différente du processus qui a donné naissance plus tard à ce que l'on appelle aujourd'hui « Pâques ». L'Écriture était centrale dans l'Église primitive pour résoudre les controverses; car les Apôtres s'appuyaient sur la Parole de Dieu pour établir la vérité et instaurer l'unité (2 Timothée 3:16-17, Éphésiens 4:11-16). Par exemple, des articles précédents ont souligné comment le concile de Jérusalem a résolu la question de la circoncision, où les partisans de la circoncision ont tenté d'en faire une condition nécessaire au salut (Actes 15:1). Certes, Pierre, Paul et Barnabé se sont vigoureusement opposés à cette idée (Actes 15:2-12), mais la décision finale s'est fondée sur les Écritures et l'approbation du Saint-Esprit (Actes 15:13-18, 28, Amos 9:11-12 LSG). Là encore, la controverse a surgi, certains affirmant que la résurrection finale avait eu lieu (2 Timothée 2:16-18). Bien qu'il n'y ait aucune référence Biblique à un concile de l'Église pour traiter cette controverse, Paul l'a abordée de manière adéquate dans ses lettres, s'adressant aux faux enseignants et au sujet de la résurrection (1 Timothée 1:20, 1 Corinthiens 15:12, 35, 1 Thessaloniciens 4:13-18). Dans sa lettre aux Thessaloniciens, il a mis en lumière un événement clé de la fin des temps qui doit se produire avant la venue de Jésus-Christ et la résurrection finale (2 Thessaloniciens 2:1-4). Cet événement, celui de l'Antéchrist profanant le Temple et se proclamant Dieu, peut être rattaché aux Écritures, et plus précisément aux prophéties de Daniel (Daniel 7:11, 26, 9:27, 11:31, 12:11), auquel Jésus-Christ a également fait référence lorsqu'il a prophétisé sur la fin des temps (Matthieu 24:15). Je joindrai également une série en deux parties intitulée « Chiffres et Codes Bibliques », dont la deuxième partie aborde un certain nombre de points importants concernant la fin des temps. Les controverses vont et viennent, et parfois des divisions peuvent être nécessaires (1 Jean 2:18-19, 1 Corinthiens 11:19). Les Apôtres n'ont JAMAIS prôné l'unité à tout prix, surtout pas au détriment de la Vérité (2 Jean 1:9-11, Romains 16:17-18, 1 Corinthiens 5:11-13, 2 Corinthiens 6:14-17, 2 Timothée 3:1-5, 2 Thessaloniciens 3:6, 14-15, Tite 3:10-11). L’appel à promouvoir « l’unité » ne constitue donc PAS une justification suffisante pour instituer « Pâques », surtout lorsque cela revient à abroger la Parole de Dieu et les commandements de Jésus-Christ. Le fait est que l'Église serait toujours confrontée à une controverse ou à une autre, car le diable lutte activement contre elle (Éphésiens 6:10-13, Apocalypse 12:11-12, 17, 2:14-16, 24-25). Il y aura des personnes inspirées par des esprits démoniaques qui propageront des mensonges et de la confusion qui ne peuvent être fondés sur les Écritures, mais dont les idées seront séduisantes (1 Timothée 4:1-3, Matthieu 24:24-25). Non pas si, mais quand nous serons confrontés à une telle situation, devrions-nous adopter le modèle « Pâques » où nous essayons par tous les moyens de nous accommoder ou d’« unir » l’Église au détriment de la vérité des Écritures, ou devrions-nous rester fidèles à la vérité et défendre ce que disent les Écritures ? Je peux vous dire que la première option est facile, confortable et FAUSSE, mais que la seconde est plus difficile, inconfortable, mais JUSTE. Se ranger du côté de la foule est facile et confortable, mais Dieu nous appelle à nous ranger du côté de la vérité, même lorsque cela va à l’encontre de la foule ou du politiquement correct (Exode 23:2-3, Lévitique 19:15). L'unité dans l'Église ne peut être forgée sur des compromis humains. Au contraire, l'unité dans l'Église doit être forgée par l'Esprit, sur le fondement de la Parole de Dieu (Éphésiens 4:3-6, 11-16, Phil 2:1-2, Romains 15:5-6, 1 Corinthiens 1:10). Notez que « l’unité de pensée » dont il est question dans les passages cités ne consiste pas simplement à adopter un consensus humain partagé, mais à embrasser la pensée du Christ par le Saint-Esprit (**1 Corinthiens 2:10-12, 16**, Galates 4:6). Autrement dit, un groupe de personnes peut parvenir à un accord et partager une même opinion sur un sujet, mais si leur pensée n'est PAS alignée sur la pensée du Christ telle que révélée dans les Écritures et par le Saint-Esprit (1 Corinthiens 2:16), alors ils ne peuvent être véritablement unis en Christ, même s'ils semblent avoir le même pensèe (espirit). L'unité dans l'Église exige que nos pensées (c'est-à-dire nos esprits) soient transformées (Romains 12:2), et cette transformation est une partie essentielle de notre conformité au Christ (Romains 8:29, Galates 4:19, Jean 17:22-23, 26). En tant qu'êtres humains, nous devons être suffisamment honnêtes et humbles pour admettre que nos pensées ne sont PAS TOUJOURS les meilleures, même lorsque nos intentions sont bonnes (Proverbes 16:1-5, 25, 3:5-7, Ésaïe 55:8-9). Par conséquent, il n'est pas pratique d'établir une unité durable sur la base de notre propre raisonnement ou sur les opinions d'autrui. Une unité vraie et durable, quelle que soit notre différence et nos inclinations, ne peut être atteinte en Dieu qu'en adoptant la pensée du Christ par le Saint-Esprit, gagnant ainsi la perspective de Dieu (Ésaïe 30:1 JND, 1 Corinthiens 2:10-12, 16, Jean 17:20-23, 26). En d'autres termes, l'unité ne doit PAS être forgée sur les idées et les philosophies des hommes, mais plutôt par l'Esprit du Christ et sa direction, tels que révélés dans l'Écriture (Matthieu 28:19-20, Jean 16:13-15, 2 Pierre 1:20-21). Après tout, il s'agit de l'Église du Christ – et non de l'Église des hommes – il est donc logique que les pensées du Christ façonnent et gouvernent son Église. Paul a joué un rôle crucial dans l'enseignement des doctrines qui guident l'Église aujourd'hui (Éphésiens 3:2-12, 1 Corinthiens 2:1-5, 13-14); mais il comprenait que l'attention NE DEVAIT PAS être portée sur lui-même ou sur les autres dirigeants (1 Corinthiens 1:12-13). Cela a été renforcé dans sa propre vie pour le protéger de l'orgueil (2 Corinthiens 12:6-10); et il enseignait que les dirigeants de l'Église ne sont que des serviteurs, tandis que Dieu seul donne la croissance (1 Corinthiens 3:3-11, 21-23, 4:6-7). C’est pourquoi il n’avait aucune confiance en lui, même en servant avec sincérité (1 Corinthiens 4:1-4, 2 Corinthiens 1:12, 3:5). Il a également placé la vérité au-dessus de lui-même, afin que même dans l'éventualité improbable de son échec, les autres ne soient pas induits en erreur (Galates 1:8-9, 1 Corinthiens 9:27). L'essentiel est que l'UNITÉ dans l'Église NE DOIT PAS être fondée sur les personnes, mais UNIQUEMENT sur la Personne de Jésus-Christ (Éphésiens 4:13, 15-16, 1:22-23). Les doctrines des hommes ne doivent JAMAIS prévaloir sur la doctrine du Christ. J'ai insisté sur le fait que, pour aborder les controverses, il est essentiel de s'appuyer sur les Écritures. J'appliquerai maintenant ce même critère pour démontrer pourquoi l'origine de « Pâques » est erronée. Il est intéressant de noter qu'une situation très similaire à celle de « Pâques » s'est produite dans les Écritures : le remplacement d'une fête instituée par Dieu par une fête humaine célébrée à une autre date, tout en prétendant qu'il s'agissait de la même fête ordonnée par Dieu. Après le règne de Salomon, la nation d'Israël se divisa en deux royaumes : Juda, dont la capitale était Jérusalem, et Israël, dont la capitale était Samarie. Depuis l'époque de Moïse, Dieu avait ordonné qu'il choisirait un lieu précis en Terre Promise où tous leurs sacrifices seraient apportés (Deutéronome 12:5, 11). Nul ne devait offrir de sacrifices à Dieu où bon lui semblait, même s'il vivait loin du lieu choisi par Dieu. Ceux qui vivaient à distance devaient vendre leurs récoltes et animaux qu'ils avaient prévu d'offrir, apporter l'argent au lieu choisi et l'utiliser pour acheter ce qui était nécessaire à leurs offrandes (Deutéronome 12:13-14, 14:24–26⁠). Il n'y eut pas d'exception. À l'époque de David, Dieu choisit Jérusalem comme lieu, et Salomon fut chargé d'y construire le Temple (2 Sam 7:12–13, 1 Rois 5:5, 6:37-38). Lorsque le royaume se divisa, Jéroboam, roi d'Israël, pensa que s'il permettait au peuple de continuer à se rendre à Jérusalem pour adorer au Temple, ils pourraient revenir à leur allégeance au roi de Juda (1 Rois 12:26-27). Il décida donc de fabriquer deux idoles et de les présenter comme le même Dieu qui avait fait sortir les Israélites d'Égypte (1 Rois 12:28-30). Nous constatons donc qu'il a essentiellement « rebaptisé » Dieu (1 Rois 12:28, Exode 20:2-5). De plus, au nom de la commodité, il a convaincu le peuple qu'il pouvait offrir des sacrifices à Dieu n'importe où (1 Rois 12:31, Deutéronome 12:2-6). Ceux qui connaissaient les Écritures, en particulier les Lévites, reconnurent ses mensonges et ses contradictions avec la Parole de Dieu, c'est pourquoi ils ne restèrent pas mais se rendirent à Jérusalem (2 Chroniques 11:13-16); tandis que la majorité du peuple est restée. Enfin, le roi d'Israël a CHOISI SA PROPRE DATE pour imiter la fête des Tabernacles (1 Rois 12:32–33 NBS, Lévitique 23:34-36, 39-42), afin que ceux qui se trouvaient dans son domaine n'aient pas à se rendre à Jérusalem, puisque c'était l'une des trois fêtes qui exigeaient que tout Israël s'y rassemble (Deutéronome 16:16). Il agissait ainsi pour maintenir « l'unité » au sein de son royaume. Cela vous semble familier ? Lévitique 23:34 @34 Parle aux enfants d'Israël, et leur dis : Au QUINZIÈME JOUR de ce SEPTIÈME MOIS sera la fête solennelle des Tabernacles pendant sept jours, à l'Éternel. FMAR 1 Rois 12:32-33 @32 Jéroboam ordonna aussi une fête solennelle au HUITIÈME MOIS, le QUINZIÈME JOUR du mois, à L'IMITATION de la fête solennelle qu'on célébrait en Juda… @33 Or le quinzième jour du huitième mois, savoir au mois qu'il avait INVENTÉ de lui-même… FMAR En résumé, Jéroboam a abordé la question de « l'unité » en ignorant la Parole et les commandements de Dieu ; en établissant ses propres conditions de culte — en changeant les dates et en rendant les choses « pratiques » pour le peuple ; pourtant, dans ce mélange hétéroclite de définitions humaines, il prétendait toujours que c'était le MÊME Dieu d'Israël qui était adoré, et que sa fête N'ÉTAIT PAS DIFFÉRENTE de celle de Jérusalem. Le péché de Jéroboam a hanté chaque génération de rois d'Israël après lui. Et après toutes ces années, lorsque Dieu prononça son jugement contre le royaume d'Israël (dont le siège était à Samarie), il déclara que le peuple pleurerait la disparition des idoles mêmes que Jéroboam avait fabriquées (Osée 10:5-8). Il faut savoir qu'ils s'étaient tellement attachés à ces faux dieux que leur perte leur causait un profond chagrin. Autrement dit, ils avaient tellement embrassé le mensonge qu'ils refusaient de s'en défaire. Il est assez frappant de constater leur comportement et comment ils ont pu suivre le mensonge de Jéroboam pendant des siècles. Pourtant, ce n'est pas si surprenant quand on réalise que nous ne sommes pas différents en ce qui concerne la question de « Pâques ». En effet, « il n'y a rien de nouveau sous le soleil » (Ecclésiaste 1:9). En comparaison, le même appel à « l’unité » a servi de base à la célébration de « Pâques ». La date fixée par Dieu, le 14 Nisan, a été mise de côté et la Pâque juive ignorée, au profit d’une célébration « nouvellement » définie, avec sa propre date. Pourtant, malgré ces changements, on prétend encore que le « Vendredi saint » véhicule la même signification que la crucifixion de Jésus, qui a eu lieu à la Pâque Juive (Jean 19:14 NBS). En réalité, toute la séquence de la Passion, culminant dans la résurrection, prend pour point de référence la Pâque Juive. « Pâques », d'autre part, se concentre le dimanche et remonte le temps au « Vendredi Saint », sans véritable lien avec la Pâque Juive. Si le point de référence de la Pâque Juive est supprimé, alors – comme Jéroboam – on ne peut plus affirmer qu’il s’agit de la même fête ordonnée par Dieu, que Jésus-Christ est venu accomplir. L’Écriture identifie explicitement le Christ comme notre Agneau Pascal, montrant que la Pâque Juive est le véritable point de référence (1 Corinthiens 5:7, Jean 1:29). Pour être clair, il faut bien comprendre que normalement un individu (Romains 14:5-6), ou un groupe de personnes (Esther 9:20-32, Joël 2:15-19, 2 Chroniques 20:3-4, 13-15), peut consacrer n'importe quel jour au Seigneur, et cela serait acceptable aux yeux de Dieu. Cependant, le problème avec « Pâques » est que Dieu lui-même avait déjà consacré un jour spécifique et l'avait appelé Pâque (Exode 12:14, Lévitique 23:5), et lors de cette même Pâque, Jésus-Christ institua la Sainte Cène avec ses disciples et ordonna qu'elle soit observée en mémoire de lui (Luc 22:19-20, 1 Corinthiens 11:23-26). Il est donc inapproprié pour les êtres humains de modifier ce que Dieu a institué en consacrant un autre jour, puis en lui attribuant la même signification que celle que Dieu a initialement ordonnée. Jésus-Christ a dit qu'il était venu accomplir les Écritures (Matthieu 5:17), et après sa résurrection, deux de ses disciples ont eu le privilège de l'entendre démontrer cela directement à partir des Écritures (Luc 24:25-27, 44–49). Aujourd'hui encore, nombreux sont ceux qui enseignent à partir des Écritures, en particulier de l'Ancien Testament, révélant des vérités profondes qui renvoient au Christ. La Pâque Juive elle-même est l'un de ces Passages Bibliques qui la désignent ; par conséquent, elle ne peut être mise de côté, avec sa riche signification prophétique, pour adopter « Pâques », dont l'origine n'est pas ancrée dans les Écritures, mais plutôt dans une tentative malavisée de promouvoir « l'unité », tout en exprimant de l'hostilité envers les Juifs. Or, les Écritures affirment clairement que Jésus-Christ est venu unir Juifs et Gentils en un seul peuple (1 Jean 4:20-21, Ésaïe 49:5-6, [Jean 10:14-16, Actes 2:38-39], Romains 11:1-2, 11-29, Éphésiens 2:14-22, Galates 3:26-29). J'ai omis plusieurs détails, mais je crois qu'il est suffisamment clair que l'origine de « Pâques » n'est PAS Biblique. Bien qu'il puisse sembler rassurant de la conserver, elle repose sur des fondements créés par l'homme, qui sont voués à s'effondrer (Ps 127:1-2, Matthieu 7:24-27). Son nom – « Pâques » (en anglais “Easter”), ses symboles (le lapin et les œufs), et les raisons de sa création, tout forment un château de cartes voué à s'effondrer. Dieu lui-même déracine ce qu'il n'a pas planté (Genèse 11:3-9, Matthieu 15:13, Hébreux 12:26-27). Et vous vous demandez peut-être pourquoi Dieu n'a pas pris de mesures décisives à ce sujet, étant donné que cela dure depuis si longtemps. C'est peut-être parce qu'il est Miséricordieux, donnant aux gens l'occasion de se REPENTIR (2 Pierre 3:3-4, 8-9). Par le passé, on a souvent supposé que le silence apparent de Dieu sur une question signifiait que ce que l'on faisait était acceptable à ses yeux (Ps 73:1-28, 94:7-15, 50:16-23, Ésaïe 42:14, 57:10-13, **Jérémie 44:15-28**). Mais ce n'est pas le cas : Dieu envoie toujours des avertissements avant le jugement (Amos 3:7, 2 Chroniques 36:15-16). Je crois qu'il envoie un avertissement à l'Église maintenant, car le jugement s'abattra sur TOUS, et il doit commencer par l'Église avant de s'étendre au monde (1 Pierre 4:17-18). Je sais que cette vérité peut être dérangeante, et je comprends le malaise que j'ai ressenti lorsque le Saint-Esprit me l'a révélée, notamment par la rédaction du livre « Premiers Pas dans le Christianisme » (première et deuxième éditions). D'ailleurs, les principales nouveautés de la deuxième édition concernent le chapitre six, qui traite de la communion – la Sainte Cène. J'ai reconnu ouvertement le défi que cette révélation a représenté et le chemin de repentance qu'elle m'a personnellement conduit à emprunter. Pourtant, je ne saurais exprimer pleinement la paix, la joie et le réconfort que j'ai reçus du Seigneur, ce qui me confirme que je suis bien sur la bonne voie. Ce que j'ai présenté dans cette étude peut être troublant pour certains. Sachez que mon intention n'est pas de causer de la détresse, mais si c'est ce qu'il faut pour vous faire connaître la vérité, alors cela en vaudra la peine au final (2 Corinthiens 7:8-10). Pour d'autres, il faudra peut-être du temps pour pleinement accepter ce que j'ai partagé, mais je fais confiance à Dieu pour éclaircir les choses tandis que nous continuons à nous attacher fermement aux vérités fondamentales des Écritures (Phil 3:15–16). Je vous demande simplement d'y réfléchir, de prier à ce sujet et de rester ouvert à la révélation divine. Je prie également pour qu'il vous accorde la grâce d'agir selon ses enseignements. Cela dit, j'espère que vous avez pris conscience de la Pâque Biblique et que vous en comprenez la signification dans le Nouveau Testament. Je vous encourage à nouveau à consulter gratuitement le livre « Les fêtes Bibliques de Dieu » et à parcourir la série en deux parties, que j'ai regroupée dans un seul document intitulé « Jésus-Christ, l'agneau pascal ». Merci de m'avoir accordé de votre temps. J'espère que cette étude vous a été utile. Que Dieu vous bénisse et Shalom ! {La plateforme semble rencontrer des difficultés pour analyser les liens français. Il vous faudra peut-être copier l'intégralité du lien et le coller dans un navigateur, ou dans votre application de traitement de texte ou de notes, afin de pouvoir cliquer dessus plus facilement. Veuillez nous excuser pour ce désagrément} Lien Google Docs pour l'article actuel : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/LES_ORIGINES_DE_PÂQUES/ Lien vers la version originale en Anglais : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ Vous pouvez également suivre ce lien vers la publication Facebook. Les liens y fonctionnent parfaitement : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MK9yZHv8w/ Et pendant que vous y êtes, pensez à aimer et à suivre la page 🙏 : https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjeJLJSLC/ Série complète de « JÉSUS-CHRIST L'AGNEAU DE LA PÂQUE » : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JÉSUS-CHRIST_L'AGNEAU_DE_LA_PÂQUE-SÉRIE_COMPLÈTE/ Autres articles susceptibles de vous intéresser : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/COMMENT_JÉSUS_PEUT-IL_PAYER_POUR_LES_PÉCHÉS_DES_AUTRES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/L'ANCIEN_TESTAMENT_EST_L'OMBRE_DE_LA_NOUVELLE_ALLIANCE/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/CE_QUE_PAUL_VOULAIT_DIRE_PAR_LA_LOI_DU_PÉCHÉ_ET_DE_LA_MORT/ Désolé(e), pour le moment, les livres sont uniquement en anglais, mais je m'efforce de les publier en français rapidement. Dès que les versions françaises seront prêtes, je mettrai à jour les liens. N'hésitez pas à revenir vérifier leur disponibilité. Merci. Pour obtenir gratuitement le PDF de « Premiers Pas Dans le Christianisme » : https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity Pour les exemplaires brochés ou reliés : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N Pour obtenir gratuitement le PDF de « Les Fêtes Bibliques de Dieu » : https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod Pour les exemplaires brochés : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J Suite du livre, « Les Fêtes Bibliques de Dieu » : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/CHIFFRES_ET_CODES_BIBLIQUES-PARTIE_1/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/CHIFFRES_ET_CODES_BIBLIQUES-PARTIE_2/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/CHIFFRES_ET_CODES_BIBLIQUES-SÉRIE_COMPLÈTE/ … Veuillez aimer et suivre ma page Facebook pour ce contenu et bien d'autres contenus Chrétiens, merci🙏 : https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cv9QngSUc/ … Je vous encourage également à consulter les ressources suivantes : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/ÊTRE_COMME_JÉSUS-SÉRIE_COMPLÈTE/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/LE_PRÉMISSE_DU_CHRISTIANISME/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JÉSUS-CHRIST_LE_RÉDEMPTEUR/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/S'INSTALLER_SUR_UN_HÉRITAGE_ET_LAISSER_UN_HÉRITAGE_DERRIÈRE_LUI/ #Jésus #JésusChrist #Théologie #Christianisme #ÉtudeBiblique #LaBible #Écriture #ParoleDeDieu #ParoleVivante #vérité #ÉtudeBibliqueAvecDanielOlatunji #Gratuit #LivresGratuits #PremiersPasDansLeChristianisme #LesFêtesBibliquesDeDieu #Pâque #Pâques #OriginesDePâques #HistoireDeLÉglise #FêtesBibliques #RetourAuxÉcritures #ApologétiqueChrétien #Épreuves (1 Thessaloniciens 5:21-22 LSG) #Repentir #Repent #Obéissance #Évangile #FoiEnJésus #Salut #VieÉternelle #RoyaumeDeDieu

THE TRUE ORIGIN OF EASTER By David C. Pack Easter is a worldwide tradition involving many customs that people believe to be Christian. What is the origin of Lent and sunrise services? How did rabbits, eggs and hot cross buns become associated with Christ’s Resurrection? Is Easter mentioned in the Bible? Did the apostles and early Church keep it? The answers will shock you! Most people follow along as they have been taught, assuming that what they believe and do is right. They take their beliefs for granted. Most do not take time to prove why they do the things that they do. Why do you believe what you believe? Where did you get your beliefs? Is the source of your religious beliefs the Bible—or some other authority? If you say the Bible, are you sure? What about Easter? Since hundreds of millions keep it, supposedly in honor of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, then certainly the Bible must have much to say about it. Surely there are numerous verses mentioning rabbits, eggs and egg hunts, baskets of candy, hot cross buns, Lent, Good Friday and sunrise services—not to mention Easter itself. Easter requires close scrutiny and this booklet examines it carefully. Bible Authority for Easter? Notice Acts 12:1. King Herod began to persecute the Church, culminating in the brutal death of the apostle James by sword. This pleased the Jews so much that the apostle Peter was also taken prisoner by Herod. The plan was to later deliver him to the Jews. Verse 3 says, “Then were the days of unleavened bread.” The New Testament Church was observing these feast days described in Leviticus 23. Now read verse 4: “And when he [Herod] had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions [sixteen] of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” Is this Bible authority for Easter? This passage is not talking about Easter. How do we know? The word translated Easter is the Greek word pascha (derived from the Hebrew word pesach; there is no original Greek word for Passover), and it has only one meaning. It always means Passover—it can never mean Easter! For this reason, we find a Hebrew word used in the Greek New Testament. Once again, this Hebrew word can only refer to Passover. And other translations, including the Revised Standard Version, correctly render this word Passover. Instead of endorsing Easter, this verse really proves that the Church was still observing the supposedly Jewish Passover ten years after the death of Christ! Now let’s go to the other scriptures authorizing Easter. This presents a problem. There are none! There are absolutely no verses, anywhere in the Bible, that authorize or endorse the keeping of Easter celebration! The Bible says nothing about Lent, eggs and egg hunts, baskets of candy, etc., although it does mention hot cross buns and sunrise services as abominations, which God condemns. We will examine them and learn why. The mistranslation of Acts 12:4 is a not-so-subtle attempt to insert a pagan festival into scripture for the purpose of authorizing it. We will examine the Passover more closely later. A Brief Look at Passover The well-known Old Testament Passover story centers on God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt through ten miraculous plagues. These included how the death angel would “pass over” all the houses where the Israelites lived. They were instructed to put blood over their doorposts to ensure that only the firstborn of Egypt would die. In this first Passover, it was only the blood of the slain lamb that protected each Israelite home. While Egypt suffered the plague of death, the Israelite firstborn were delivered by blood. By obeying God’s command and by faith in His promise to protect them, they were spared from death. The Passover account is found in Exodus 12:12-14. Verse 14 states that the Passover ceremony was commanded by God to be an annual memorial feast to be kept by Israel “forever.” (This command is repeated in Leviticus 23:5.) Exodus 12:15 introduces the seven-day festival called the Days of Unleavened Bread (also repeated in Leviticus 23:6-8), which was to immediately follow the Passover feast each year. This is why Acts 12:3 states, “Then were the days of unleavened bread,” before mentioning the Passover in the next verse. These days were always kept in conjunction with one another. What About the New Testament? If the Passover was instituted forever, then New Testament instruction for its observance should be clear. This instruction is found in I Corinthians 5:7-8: “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast [of unleavened bread, which always followed Passover, as explained above]…” Christ, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29; Acts 8:32; I Peter 1:19; Rev. 5:6), replaced the Old Testament lamb eaten on Passover evening each year. The New Testament symbols of the bread and wine were instituted so that Christians could eat the body and drink the blood of Christ, the true Lamb of God. Jesus’ sacrifice replaced the need to kill a spring lamb. Luke 22:19 shows that Jesus substituted the bread and wine to be taken annually in commemoration of His sacrifice for the remission of our sins—both spiritual and physical. Early Christians kept the Passover, not Easter. Notice this from the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th edit., Vol. 8, p. 828: “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 continued to observe the Jewish festivals [God’s festivals of Leviticus 23], 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…continued to be observed.” The original apostles and early New Testament Church did not observe Easter. Notice: “In the second century AD, Easter Day was, among Christians in Asia Minor [these would be the Gentile churches that Paul raised up in places such as Philippi, Colossae, Galatia, etc.—and he warned the Galatians (4:9-10) about taking days such as Easter] the 14th of Nisan [or Abib] the seventh month of the [civil] Jewish calendar” (World Almanac, 1968 edit., p. 187). The date described here is not Easter Day, but rather the Passover—which was kept on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) of the sacred calendar. The apostles and early Church did not observe Easter! Despite the overwhelming proof that God’s Holy Days, as listed in Leviticus 23, are still to be kept by Christians today (Acts 2:1; 12:3; 18:21; 20:6, 16; I Cor. 5:7-8; 16:8), almost no one who claims to believe in the God of the Bible keeps them! Almost no one who professes to worship Jesus Christ observes the Passover as He commanded! Why? Since instruction to observe Easter is not in the Bible, and God’s permanent command to keep Passover is, then where did Easter originate? After surveying the origin of Passover, we are ready to study the origin of Easter. When Easter Came to America Easter has long been known to be a pagan festival! America’s founders knew this! A children’s book about the holiday, Easter Parade: Welcome Sweet Spring Time!, by Steve Englehart, p. 4, states, “When the Puritans came to North America, they regarded the celebration of Easter—and the celebration of Christmas—with suspicion. They knew that pagans had celebrated the return of spring long before Christians celebrated Easter…for the first two hundred years of European life in North America, only a few states, mostly in the South, paid much attention to Easter.” Not until after the Civil War did Americans begin celebrating this holiday: “Easter first became an American tradition in the 1870s” (p. 5). Remarkable! The original 13 colonies of America began as a “Christian” nation, with the cry of “No king but King Jesus!” The nation did not observe Easter within an entire century of its founding. What happened to change this? Where Did Easter Come From? Does the following sound familiar?—Spring is in the air! Flowers and bunnies decorate the home. Father helps the children paint beautiful designs on eggs dyed in various colors. These eggs, which will later be hidden and searched for, are placed into lovely, seasonal baskets. The wonderful aroma of the hot cross buns mother is baking in the oven waft through the house. Forty days of abstaining from special foods will finally end the next day. The whole family picks out their Sunday best to wear to the next morning’s sunrise worship service to celebrate the savior’s resurrection and the renewal of life. Everyone looks forward to a succulent ham with all the trimmings. It will be a thrilling day. After all, it is one of the most important religious holidays of the year. Easter, right? No! This is a description of an ancient Babylonian family—2,000 years before Christ—honoring the resurrection of their god, Tammuz, who was brought back from the underworld by his mother/wife, Ishtar (after whom the festival was named). As Ishtar was actually pronounced “Easter” in most Semitic dialects, it could be said that the event portrayed here is, in a sense, Easter. Of course, the occasion could easily have been a Phrygian family honoring Attis and Cybele, or perhaps a Phoenician family worshipping Adonis and Astarte. Also fitting the description well would be a heretic Israelite family honoring the Canaanite Baal and Ashtoreth. Or this depiction could just as easily represent any number of other immoral, pagan fertility celebrations of death and resurrection—including the modern Easter celebration as it has come to us through the Anglo-Saxon fertility rites of the goddess Eostre or Ostara. These are all the same festivals, separated only by time and culture. If Easter is not found in the Bible, then where did it come from? The vast majority of ecclesiastical and secular historians agree that the name of Easter and the traditions surrounding it are deeply rooted in pagan religion. Now notice the following powerful quotes that demonstrate more about the true origin of how the modern Easter celebration got its name: “Since Bede the Venerable (De ratione temporum 1:5) the origin of the term for the feast of Christ’s Resurrection has been popularly considered to be from the Anglo-Saxon Eastre, a goddess of spring…the Old High German plural for dawn, eostarun; whence has come the German Ostern, and our English Easter” (The New Catholic Encyclopedia, 1967, Vol. 5, p. 6). “The fact that vernal festivals were general among pagan peoples no doubt had much to do with the form assumed by the Eastern festival in the Christian churches. The English term Easter is of pagan origin” (Albert Henry Newman, D.D., LL.D., A Manual of Church History, p. 299). “On this greatest of Christian festivals, several survivals occur of ancient heathen ceremonies. To begin with, the name itself is not Christian but pagan. Ostara was the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of Spring” (Ethel L. Urlin, Festival, Holy Days, and Saints Days, p. 73). “Easter—the name Easter comes to us from Ostera or Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, for whom a spring festival was held annually, as it is from this pagan festival that some of our Easter customs have come” (Hazeltine, p. 53). “In Babylonia…the goddess of spring was called Ishtar. She was identified with the planet Venus, which, because…[it] rises before the Sun…or sets after it…appears to love the light [this means Venus loves the sun-god]…In Phoenecia, she became Astarte; in Greece, Eostre [related to the Greek word Eos: “dawn”], and in Germany, Ostara [this comes from the German word Ost: “east,” which is the direction of dawn]” (Englehart, p. 4). As we have seen, many names are interchangeable for the more well-known Easter. Pagans typically used many different names for the same god or goddess. Nimrod, the Bible figure who built the city of Babylon (Gen. 10:8), is an example. He was worshipped as Saturn, Vulcan, Kronos, Baal, Tammuz, Molech and others, but he was always the same god—the fire or sun god universally worshipped in nearly every ancient culture. (Read our free booklet The True Origin of Christmas to learn more about this holiday and Nimrod’s role in its early history.) The goddess Easter was no different. She was one goddess with many names—the goddess of fertility, worshipped in spring when all life was being renewed. The widely-known historian, Will Durant, in his famous and respected work, Story of Civilization, pp. 235, 244-245, writes, “Ishtar [Astarte to the Greeks, Ashtoreth to the Jews], interests us not only as analogue of the Egyptian Isis and prototype of the Grecian Aphrodite and the Roman Venus, but as the formal beneficiary of one of the strangest of Babylonian customs…known to us chiefly from a famous page in Herodotus: Every native woman is obliged, once in her life, to sit in the temple of Venus [Easter], and have intercourse with some stranger.” We must now look closer at the origin of other customs associated with the modern Easter celebration. The Origin of Lent According to Johannes Cassianus, who wrote in the fifth century, “Howbeit you should know, that as long as the primitive church retained its perfection unbroken, this observance of Lent did not exist” (First Conference Abbot Theonas, chapter 30). There is neither biblical nor historical record of Christ, the apostles or the early Church participating in the Lenten season. Since there is no instruction to observe Lent in the Bible, where did it come from? A forty-day abstinence period was anciently observed in honor of the pagan gods Osiris, Adonis and Tammuz (John Landseer, Sabaean Researches, pp. 111, 112). Alexander Hislops, The Two Babylons, pp. 104-105, says this of the origin of Lent: “The forty days abstinence of 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 of forty days was held in spring by the Pagan Mexicans…Such a Lent of forty days was observed in Egypt…” Lent came from paganism, not from the Bible! (To learn more about the Lenten season, read our article “The True Meaning of Lent.”) Eggs, Egg Hunts and Easter Eggs have always been associated with the Easter celebration. Nearly every culture in the modern world has a long tradition of coloring eggs in beautiful and different ways. I once examined a traveling display of many kinds of beautifully decorated egg designs that represented the styles and traditions of virtually every country of modern Europe. Notice the following: “The origin of the Easter egg is based on the fertility lore of the Indo-European races…The egg to them was a symbol of spring…In Christian times the egg had bestowed upon it a religious interpretation, becoming a symbol of the rock tomb out of which Christ emerged to the new life of His resurrection” (Francis X. Weiser, Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs, p. 233). This is a direct example of exactly how pagan symbols and customs are “Christianized,” i.e., Christian-sounding names are superimposed over pagan customs. This is done to deceive—as well as make people feel better about why they are following a custom that is not in the Bible. Notice: “Around the Christian observance of Easter…folk customs have collected, many of which have been handed down from the ancient ceremonial…symbolism of European and Middle Eastern pagan spring festivals…for example, eggs…have been very prominent as symbols of new life and resurrection” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1991 ed., Vol. 4, p. 333). Finally, the following comes from Egyptian Belief and Modern Thought, James Bonwick, pp. 211-212: “Eggs were hung up in the Egyptian temples. Bunsen calls attention to the mundane egg, the emblem of generative life, proceeding from the mouth of the great god of Egypt. The mystic egg of Babylon, hatching the Venus Ishtar, fell from heaven to the Euphrates. Dyed eggs were sacred Easter offerings in Egypt, as they are still in China and Europe. Easter, or spring, was the season of birth, terrestrial and celestial.” What could be more plain in showing the true origin of the “Easter egg”? An “Easter” egg is just an egg that pertains to Easter. God never authorized Passover eggs or Days of Unleavened Bread eggs, but there have been Easter eggs for thousands of years! It naturally progressed that the egg, representing spring and fertility, would be merged into an already pagan springtime festival. Connecting this symbol to Christ’s Resurrection in the spring required much creativity and human reasoning. However, even highly creative human reasoning has never been able to successfully connect the next Easter symbol to anything Christian, because there is not a single word about it anywhere in the New Testament! The Easter Bunny Here are two additional quotes from Francis Weiser about the origin of the “Easter bunny”: “In Germany and Austria little nests containing eggs, pastry and candy are placed in hidden spots, and the children believe that the Easter bunny, so popular in this country, too, had laid the eggs and brought the candy” (p. 235) and “The Easter bunny had its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore…The Easter bunny has never had religious symbolism bestowed on its festive usage…However, the bunny has acquired a cherished role in the celebration of Easter as the legendary producer of Easter eggs for children in many countries” (p. 236). Here is further proof of the origin of Easter eggs and rabbits. It demonstrates how no one has ever been able to connect the Easter bunny to anything Christian, let alone to the Bible: “The Easter bunny is not a true Christian symbol” (John Bradner, Symbols of Church Seasons and Days, p. 52), and “Although adopted in a number of Christian cultures, the Easter bunny has never received any specific Christian interpretation” (Mirsea Eliade, The Encyclopedia of Religion, p. 558). None of this will stop scores of millions of professing Christians from decorating their lawns and houses with Easter bunnies each spring. Consider this last quote: “The hare, the symbol of fertility in ancient Egypt, a symbol that was kept later in Europe…Its place has been taken by the Easter rabbit” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1991 ed., Vol. 4, p. 333). Even in modern times, rabbits have remained common symbols of fertility. While their rapid rate of reproduction is well known, another problem arises with rabbits—they do not lay eggs! While both are clearly fertility symbols, there is no logical way to connect them. In a world filled with pagan tradition, truth and logic can be lost. Merging these symbols with Christianity makes an already idolatrous practice worse. There is nothing Christian about any of these symbols. The true history of these fertility symbols, rabbits and eggs, is completely unknown to all the unsuspecting children who have been led by adults to think them so special. The entire concept that these are Christian is a lie foisted on innocent children who will believe that “the moon is made of cheese” just because someone tells them so. While these are shocking facts, they are true nonetheless. A Counterfeit Savior? One of the central themes of the New Testament is that Jesus Christ came to die for mankind’s sins and offer redemption to a world cut off from God. The master counterfeiter (Satan the devil, called the “god of this world” in II Cor. 4:4) seeks to counterfeit every aspect of God’s plan. He “deceives the whole world” (Rev. 12:9). As the arch-deceiver, he would not be content to counterfeit all other aspects of Christianity but not the identity and worship of the true Savior! Who is the real “savior” central to the “Easter Sunday” tradition? Is it the Jesus Christ of the Bible? If you say “yes,” are you sure? History answers this question plainly, with this: First notice that “…the conception of a Saviour-God was quite normal in the ancient pagan world…a conception of salvation underlies the notion of such Gods as Osiris, Attis, and Adonis…” (John M. Robertson, Christianity and Mythology, p. 395). And then this: “It has often been urged that this belief in the Resurrection of Jesus is due to ideas of divine resurrection current in the contemporary world…stories of Attis, Adonis, and Osiris…In the pagan stories the rising again is a joyous reversal of defeat; in the Christian story it is the complement of victorious death. It may be said that Attis and Osiris saved by rising again, Jesus by dying…the Easter observance did not arise at once out of belief in the Resurrection, but developed later by gradual stages out of the Jewish Pasch. The notion implied in the Easter greeting Christ is risen is a secondary development; the idea comes from this festival and from its occurrence in spring; the festival does not come from the idea. The idea of Christ’s resurrection was injected into the old practice of Easter observance and not the other way around” (A. Nock, Early Gentile Christianity and its Hellenistic Background, pp. 105-107). And, finally, the powerful theme of this oft-repeated counterfeit is made most clear by the famous historian, James George Frazer: “Now the death and resurrection of Attis were officially celebrated at Rome on the 24th and 25th of March, the latter being regarded as the spring equinox, and…according to an ancient and widespread tradition Christ suffered on the 25th of March…the tradition which placed the death of Christ on the 25th of March…is all the more remarkable because astronomical considerations prove that it can have had no historical foundation…When we remember that the festival of St. George in April has replaced the ancient pagan festival of the Parilia; that the festival of St. John the Baptist in June has succeeded to a heathen Midsummer festival of water; that the festival of the Assumption of the Virgin in August has ousted the festival of Diana; that the feast of All Souls [following Halloween] in November is a continuation of an old heathen feast of the dead; and that the Nativity of Christ himself was assigned to the winter solstice in December because that day was deemed the Nativity of the Sun; we can hardly be thought to be rash or unreasonable in conjecturing that the other cardinal festival of the Christian church—the solemnization of Easter—may have been in like manner, and from like motives of edification, adapted to a similar celebration of the Phrygian god Attis at the vernal equinox…It is a remarkable coincidence…that the Christian and the heathen festivals of the divine death and resurrection should have been solemnized at the same season…It is difficult to regard the coincidence as purely accidental” (The Golden Bough, Vol. I, pp. 306-309). We can summarize the above source. The Roman Catholic Church had a practice of incorporating pagan festivals—of pasting “Christian” names over them and calling them “Christian.” This was done to make “Christianity” more palatable and familiar to heathen worshippers, whom the Church was trying to attract. How did such a state of affairs develop? It can now be better understood why the apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians to beware of the subtle deceit of “another Jesus whom we have not preached.” He said, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted…” (II Cor. 11:3-4). People today can think that they are worshipping the true Savior when they are really worshipping a false savior—another Jesus! The entirety of traditional Christianity is actually worshipping Baal, the mediator and sun god, who was named after his “wife” Ishtar (who was actually his mother Semiramis)—who we will later see is the one the Bible calls the “Queen of Heaven.” People can worship in ways that represent things that are far different than what they sincerely believe or intend. Consider the following classic example. Sunrise Services Sunrise services are mentioned in the Bible. But what God says about this custom is not what you expect. Notice these astonishing verses. The prophet Ezekiel was being shown, in vision, an important prophecy concerning the sins of God’s people in our time. The entire context of these verses needs to be examined carefully to understand the heightening condemnation toward which God builds in His conclusion: “…Turn you yet again, and you shall see greater abominations that they do…and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz…And He brought me into the inner court of the Lord’s house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. Then He said unto me, Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing…that they commit the abominations which they commit here? For they…have returned to provoke Me to anger…Therefore will I also 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” (Ezek. 8:13-18). Observing sunrise services is serious to God! He so hates this vile practice that He will ultimately destroy all who persist in it (Ezek. 9)! It is no “light thing” to God that many millions do this every Easter! It may seem “beautiful,” “religious,” and “deeply moving” to those participating in it, but God has forbidden His true people to devise their own religious customs and ideas. He is not interested in what people may personally feel or think is right. He is interested in those who care about what He thinks! As far as God is concerned, ancient sun worship, dressed up in Easter finery and bonnets, is just modern packaging of a very old, idolatrous pagan custom. Consider God’s own words in Deuteronomy 12:28-32 (NKJ): “Observe and obey all these words which I command you…When…you…dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them…and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods…Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” God tells Christians to never mix what is godly with what is pagan—or the true with the false! Do not let men tell you that what God says makes no difference. It does! Hot Cross Buns When I was in the first grade, all the children in my class had to sing a solo of his or her choice. I will never forget this terrifying moment. I was so embarrassed and nervous that I picked the shortest song in our little songbook, “Hot Cross Buns,” and sang it before the class. Of course, I had no idea what I was singing. Though short (it was only fifteen words), I have never forgotten the lesson of its meaning. Notice Jeremiah 7:18: “The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.” The cakes offered to the queen of heaven were these same hot cross buns that millions of children sing about today (Alexander Hislop, The Two Babylons, p. 107). What seems so innocent is not innocent at all. Who is the “queen of heaven”? Ashtaroth—The Queen of Heaven Astarte (Easter)-worship was always associated with the worship of Baal or sun worship. Astarte was Baal’s wife. Notice that another name for Astarte was Ashtaroth. The following quote makes this point clear: “What means the term Easter itself? It is not a Christian name. It bears its Chaldean origin on its very forehead. Easter is nothing else than Astarte, one of the titles of Beltis, the queen of heaven…Now, the Assyrian goddess, or Astarte, is identified with Semiramis by Athenagoras (Legatio, vol. ii. p. 179), and by Lucian (De Dea Syria, vol iii. p. 382)…Now, no name could more exactly picture forth the character of Semiramis, as queen of Babylon, than the name of ‘Asht-tart,’ for that just means ‘The woman that made towers’…Ashturit, then…is obviously the same as the Hebrew ‘Ashtoreth’” (Alexander Hislop, The Two Babylons, pp. 103, 307-308). Notice this conclusive quote from Microsoft Encarta Multimedia Encyclopedia: “Ishtar was the Great Mother, the goddess of fertility and the queen of heaven.” So, in actuality, Ashtaroth (Ishtar) was Nimrod’s harlotrous, mother/wife widow, Semiramis, as many other ancient historians attest! Easter is now established as none other than the Ashtaroth of the Bible! We can now examine the scriptures that show how God views the worship of this pagan goddess—by any name! God Calls Easter Evil Now that we know that Easter is the goddess Ashtaroth, we need to look into the Bible and see what God thinks of her. Look at this verse: “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord…And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth [Easter]” (Jdg. 2:11, 13). The context shows that God allowed His people to be taken from their land into captivity as a result of this sin! It continues, explaining how God delivered His people over and over again through a series of judges. After each deliverance, Israel returned to the same false gods, which in turn brought another captivity, via conquest by the nations around them. They never seemed to learn, as verse 19 makes clear: “And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves…in following other gods…and…they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.” In chapter 10, verse 6, Israel repeats this pattern of stubbornness. And God, just as stubbornly, still calls it evil. Baal and Ashtaroth worship reappeared during Samuel’s time. Samuel told Israel, “…put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only…Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only” (I Sam. 7:3-4). Later, in I Samuel 12:10-11, Samuel publicly recounted Israel’s history to them. He reminded them that they continually returned to obeying God, only to fall backwards into idolatry again and again! It has been said that “The only thing man has learned from history is that no one learns from history.” George Santayana took it further, saying, “Those who do not learn the lesson of history are doomed to repeat it.” This lesson describes ancient Israel—but it also describes today’s modern world. Because Israel could not stay on track, they were eventually taken into captivity, becoming lost to history! One more time of captivity and punishment is foretold to happen again soon. One Final Example The Bible states that King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. Yet, he made a mistake that God considered so great that, after his death, He punished Solomon by removing the kingdom from his son. His mistake? He married a woman who led him into the worship of Easter (Ashtaroth). Notice I Kings 11:4-6: “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods…For Solomon went after Ashtaroth the goddess of the Zidonians…And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.” Verses 11-12 demonstrate that the kingdom was taken from his son. Two Churches: The Great Switch There are two completely different churches pictured in the New Testament. One, the true Church that Jesus built, is described as the bride of Christ, forsaking involvements with this world and its customs in order to be pure when He comes for her. But, throughout the New Testament, it was prophesied that false teachers would creep in and gain control of the church organization. True Christians would have to flee from many of their original congregations to continue to obey God. They would, therefore, be a “little flock,” often scattered, never having political power in this world. The world has kept little track of this small, scattered, persecuted Church, but Christ promised that He would never leave or forsake it and that “the gates of hell [the grave] shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). Though it has periodically had to scatter for its life (Acts 8:1; Dan. 12:7), Christ has faithfully kept His promise to remain with it, empowering and strengthening it through His Spirit. Despite continual persecution—even during periods of great martyrdom by the large popular churches that have always sought to destroy it—a remnant has always remained throughout the last nearly 2,000 years. It has continued to “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12). God has always commanded His Church not to keep pagan festivals! This little Church has been willing to obey Him. The inset 12th chapter of Revelation gives a brief overview of its history, including God’s promise to protect it through future, horrific world punishment. Paul warned the Thessalonian congregation, “…the mystery of iniquity [lawlessness] does already work” (II Thes. 2:7). This mystery was already having an influence within the true Church just twenty years after Christ established it in 31 AD. It was the very Chaldean Mystery, embodied in Christmas and Easter—its two greatest festivals! Invariably, the arrival of these false pagan celebrations required true Christians to flee. It is this same pattern at work that has caused this booklet to have to be written. Since the death of Herbert W. Armstrong (the leader of the Church of God from 1934 to 1986), the prophesied “falling away” (the Greek word apostasia here means “to defect from truth”) before the Return of Christ (II Thes. 2:1-3) has now occurred. Many of Mr. Armstrong’s writings are no longer available and all have been rewritten by The Restored Church of God. Thus, the previously described true Church organization joined the other church of this world that is founded on lawlessness. Gradually, this church, centered at Rome, adopted more and more pagan doctrines and practices until the only discernible difference between it and pagan religion was its use of the name of Jesus Christ. This is how Easter came to be celebrated in place of the true Christian Passover. The entire false religious system of today masquerades under the banner of “Christianity.” All of its organizations have adopted pagan practices. The Quartodeciman Controversy: From Passover to Easter What does history say about how and when the idolatrous pagan festival of Easter came to replace the Passover service ordained by God? A series of extensive quotes tell this story—commonly referred to as the “Quartodeciman Controversy.” Several sources are quoted so that the story of how the counterfeit Easter came to replace Passover will be perfectly clear. This problem—Passover versus Easter—became so pivotal, as a test of the power of the great church that wished to stamp out the “little flock,” that eventually disobedience brought the death sentence upon any who continued to keep either God’s Sabbath or His true festivals. Make no mistake! Whether one keeps God’s Passover or celebrates the pagan Easter is serious! First notice the following by Eusebius (a well-known historian of the early Church) from his work, Ecclesiastical History, Book V, chapters XXIII and XXIV: “A question of no small importance arose at that time. For the parishes of all Asia, as from an older tradition, held that the fourteenth day of the moon, on which day the Jews were commanded to sacrifice the lamb, should be observed as the feast of the Saviour’s passover…the bishops of Asia, led by Polycrates, decided to hold to the old custom handed down to them. He himself, in a letter which he addressed to Victor and the church of Rome, set forth in the following words the tradition which had come down to him: “We observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away. For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep, which shall rise again on the day of the Lord’s coming, when he shall come with glory from heaven, and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles…and, moreover, John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord…and Polycarp in Smyrna, who was a bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumenia…the bishop and martyr Sagaris…the blessed Papirius, or Melito…All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith.” The 1967 New Catholic Encyclopedia states, “Quartodeciman, a term used to describe the practice in the early Church of celebrating Easter on the 14th of Nisan (die quarta decima), the day of the Jewish Passover (Ex. 12:6). Quartodecimanism, prevalent in Asia Minor and Syria in the 2nd century, emphasized the death of Christ, the true Paschal victim (Jn. 18:28; 19:42), while Roman practice emphasized the observance of Sunday as the day of the Resurrection. Implicit in these two positions is the disputed chronology of Holy Week. As Christianity separated from Judaism, gentile Christians objected to observing the principal Christian feasts on the same day as the Jewish Passover. “Roman efforts to induce the Quartodecimans to abandon their practice were unsuccessful. On a visit to Rome (c. 155), St. Polycarp of Smyrna amicably discussed the question with Pope Anicetus without, however, reaching agreement. Pope Victor (189-198) sought unity through a series of synods held in both East and West; all accepted the Roman practice except the Asiatic bishops. When Victor attempted coercion by excommunication, St. Irenaeus of Lyons intervened to restore peace (Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. 5.23-25). During the 3rd century Quartodecimanism waned; it persisted in some Asiatic communities down to the 5th century” (Vol. 12, p. 13). The following very lengthy statement from the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, well summarizes and details the story of how Easter slowly came to replace the Passover by AD 325 within visible, organized “Christianity”: “Although the observance of Easter was at a very early period in the practice of the Christian Church [false], a serious difference as to the day for its observance soon arose between the [true] Christians of Jewish and those of Gentile decent, which led to a long and bitter controversy…The Jewish Christians…(observed) the 14th day of the moon at evening…without regard to the day of the week. The Gentile Christians (Roman Catholics)…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 (Roman Catholic) kept Easter on the 1st day of the week, while the Eastern Churches [including the remnant of the true Church] followed the Jewish rule [the true Christian Passover]. “Polycarp, the disciple of John the Evangelist (last of the 12 apostles), and bishop of Smyrna, visited Rome in 159 (sic) to confer with Anicetus, the bishop of that see, on the subject, and urged the tradition which he had received from the apostles 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. That province [embracing churches founded through the apostle Paul, like Antioch and all of those identified in Revelation 2 and 3 as the true Church] was the only portion of Christendom which still adhered to the 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 the Christians who continued the [correct] Eastern usage. He was, however, restrained (by counsel from other bishops) from actually proceeding to enforce the decree of excommunication…and the Asiatic churches retained their usage unmolested. We find the Jewish usage (the true New Testament Passover) from time to time reasserting itself after this, but it never prevailed to any large extent. “A final settlement of the dispute was one among the other reasons which led Constantine [Roman Emperor] 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. [Or, in other words, no one was allowed to follow the example of Christ and the true Church He founded!]…The FEW who afterwards separated themselves from the unity of the [politically organized] church, and continued to keep the 14th day, were named Quartodecimani [from the Latin word for 14], and the dispute itself is known as the Quartodeciman controversy” (Vol. VIII, pp. 828-829). This is a very powerful quote making absolutely plain the full story of what happened and how it happened. History records that Polycarp was martyred on the way back from Rome (burned to death in a farmhouse), just days after his meeting with Anicetus over the issue of keeping Passover or Easter. He was almost certainly killed because he would not compromise regarding the proper keeping of the Passover. The 1967 New Catholic Encyclopedia states this: “Occasionally, the Quartodecimans celebrated Easter on the day that other Christians were observing Good Friday. Originally both observances were allowed, but gradually it was felt incongruous that Christians should celebrate Easter on a Jewish feast, and unity in celebrating the principal Christian feast was called for” (Vol. 5, p. 8). Now read this quote from the same source, concluding the matter of how the Council of Nicea “decided,” for all, the matter of Easter versus Passover: “As for Easter, the Fathers decreed (1) that all Christians should observe it on the same day, (2) that Jewish customs should not be followed, and (3) that the practice of the West, of Egypt, and of other Churches should remain in force, namely, of celebrating Easter on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox” (Vol. 5, p. 433). The 1909 edition of The Catholic Encyclopedia says, “After the Pope’s strong measures the Quarterdecimans seemed to have gradually dwindled away. Origen in the “Philosophumena” (VIII, xviii) seems to regard them as a mere handful of wrong-headed nonconformists. SECOND PHASE—The second stage of the Easter controversy centers around the Council of Nicaea [AD 325] granting that the great Easter festival was always to be held on a Sunday, and was not to be coincident with a particular phase of the moon, which might occur on any day of the week” (Vol. 5, p. 228). The truth is that the Passover was always tied directly to the moon, regardless of the day of the week on which it fell! (The word month is derived from moon.) The 14th day of Nisan (Abib) was God’s instruction (Exodus 12:1-6)—not the nearest Sunday to this or any other date. This same edition of The Catholic Encyclopedia, when describing the final decision at Nicaea in AD 325, quotes the words of the Emperor Constantine, writing to all the churches: “At this meeting the question concerning the most holy day of Easter was discussed, and it was resolved by the united judgment of all present that this feast ought to be kept by all and in every place on one and the same day…And first of all it appeared an unworthy thing that in the celebration of this most holy feast we should follow the practice of the Jews, who have impiously defiled their hands with enormous sin…for we have received from our Saviour a different way [this is false because Christ did not ever instruct “a different way”]…And I myself have undertaken that this decision should meet with the approval of your Sagacities in the hope that your Wisdoms will gladly admit that practice which is observed at once in the city of Rome and in Africa, throughout Italy and in Egypt…with entire unity of judgment.” (Vol. 5, p. 228). Finally, this same source continues a few paragraphs later with, “The final decision always lay with accepted ecclesiastical authority…was primarily a matter of ecclesiastical discipline and not astronomical science” (p. 229). These two short phrases make it clear that church authority at Rome, and not God’s Word, determined whether Easter or the Passover would be kept. Only the “few” remained faithful to the truth—and it has always been this way. Eventually, as the false pagan church grew in political influence, the death penalty was imposed on anyone found keeping God’s seventh-day Sabbath or His other Festivals, such as the Passover. True Christians have always had to flee to wherever they could continue keeping God’s commandments and truths. (Read our free book Where Is the True Church? – and Its Incredible History!.) Throughout the centuries, though ignored and persecuted by the world, these same Christians (a single true Church of God) have always held to and kept the truth of God on this vital doctrinal point—as well as many other true biblical doctrines! The Passover Was Commanded We have already seen that God never instructed, but rather actually commanded against, keeping Easter. It has always been His purpose that the Passover should be kept once a year—forever. The early portions of this booklet briefly discussed the New Testament instruction to keep the Passover through the newly instituted symbols of the bread and wine. The New Testament Passover also includes an ordinance of humility called the footwashing. This instruction is found in John 13:2-15 and was commanded by Christ to be taught to all who would learn God’s doctrines. Christ commanded His disciples, “Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them…Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). This instruction includes the Passover, with the footwashing and the symbols of the bread and wine. It also includes keeping the Days of Unleavened Bread and the rest of God’s annual feast days. If you are determined to no longer participate in this world’s Easter tradition, then The Restored Church of God can help you learn what is entailed in keeping God’s New Testament Passover service. What Will You Do? Can Easter be kept “in honor of Christ”? Some may say, “Okay, I know Easter comes from paganism—but I’m not pagan! I celebrate it in honor of Christ. I focus on Him.” Because God knew that Israel would feel this way when they encountered the religious customs of pagan nations, and would try to use false customs to honor the true God, He gave the instruction in Deuteronomy 12:28-32. God always commanded that people worship Him exactly as He instructed! So did Christ. Jesus told the Pharisees, “Thus have you made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition…in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:6, 9). Mark’s parallel account adds an important element: “Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition” (7:9). These verses have clear application to those who reject the Passover that they may keep pagan Easter. Hundreds of millions keep the rank idolatrous pagan feast known as Easter, believing themselves to be honoring Jesus Christ! Most are in complete ignorance of what they are doing. God’s answer to all is “…the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30)! From Easter Back to the Passover The following is from the conclusion of Herbert W. Armstrong’s booklet The Plain Truth About EASTER. It follows a brief overview of the importance of keeping God’s Passover instead of pagan Easter: “We need to return to the faith once delivered. Let us humbly and obediently observe this sacred ordinance [Passover] as we are commanded, at the scriptural time, after sunset, the 14th of Abib [Nisan] according to the Sacred Calendar.”

Good morning!! How are you doing?? Passover, also called Pasch or Pesach (Biblical Hebrew), or Peysekh in Yiddish is the sign of the last major feast by Israelites in Egypt, before they were liberated from bondage. It's a sign of the passing over of the Angel of Death over their houses whose doorframes were marked by the blood of the slaughtered lamb. In Exodus, this was one of the few historical moments, when the Israelites were united as one. YESHUA translates this sacrificial history as the final preparation of His own sacrifice and thereby establishing a few unavoidable aspects. Therefore coming together (fellowship) and dining together (breaking the bread) are the two sacraments established by YESHUA. It's a symbol of compassion, caring, sharing, cooperation with one another. These days all churches consider that their onus gets over just by a symbolic performance and participation in eucharist. No. What YESHUA was referring to was a larger concern to bear the burden of the unwanted through sharing of resources with one another as a collective unit. And exactly this is missing in all churches today. May this day be a transformative one to you and all around!! Peysekh blessings!!

Chag Pesach Sameach! Happy Passover to all 💜🙏

Chag Pesach Sameach! Happy Passover!

#Passover #Pesach #Yeshua #Jesus #Blood of the #SacrificialLamb ❤️ https://youtu.be/mtcu84Q7mFQ?si=DBqHB0ESohiHs44m

#Passover #Pesach #Yeshua #Jesus #Blood of the #SacrificialLamb ❤️ https://youtu.be/ItsfIP5si4Y?si=3i4XG4EcC913zVow

THE ORIGINS OF EASTER (Google Docs file link provided in comments and at the end for easy navigation of clickable Bible citations) Before we explore the “Origins of Easter”, let's briefly highlight what Christians ought to be celebrating in this season. In other words, let's clearly state what this season is all about. In summary, it is about God expressing His Love by sending His Son to die and pay for the sins of the world; and then three days after His death He was raised to life, i.e. resurrected; and this mission of redemption was patterned after the Passover, when God redeemed the Israelites from the land of slavery, Egypt. In other words, Jesus Christ came to FULFILL the Passover, which was why He had to be crucified on the day of the Passover. I'll briefly highlight the Scriptures to support these assertions: John 3:16 [16] For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall NOT perish but have eternal life. NIV John 1:29 [29] The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world! NIV 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 [7] Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, OUR PASSOVER LAMB, has been sacrificed. [8] THEREFORE LET US KEEP THE FESTIVAL, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. NIV Speaking of Passover, the first day of Passover on 14 Nisan, 5786 (Lev 23:5), begins at sunset on March 31st and ends at sunset on April 1st, 2026, on the Gregorian calendar, which is today at the time of writing this. So in Hebrew I say to you, “Chag Pesach Sameach”, meaning “Happy Passover”. As Paul mentioned in the Passage above, Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb has already been sacrificed, so we can now KEEP the Festival from a new perspective (paraphrasing). Besides that, Jesus Christ inaugurated the Lord's Supper on Passover and commanded us to take Communion in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:15, 19-20), so it is also appropriate on this Passover day to KEEP the Festival by taking Communion and pondering the Lord's Passion, which affords us forgiveness and deliverance from the captivity of sin and death (1 Cor 11:24-26, Heb 2:14-15) As I do not want to stray too far from the topic I seek to address, I would like to refer you to some other posts and Free resources that adequately address what I've said in the paragraph preceding the quoted Passages above, with links provided at the end. With respect to Jesus Christ FULFILLING the Passover and the other Biblical Festivals, with particular attention to details, get the book “The Biblical Festivals of God”; and I strongly recommend reading the post, “Jesus Christ The Passover Lamb”, especially after we're done with the current post; and you could also check out the post, “How Can Jesus Pay for The Sins of Others”. The HEART of the PASSion Week was PASSover, pun intended. Interestingly, the Passover, which originated in the Old Testament, was combined with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and this was a week-long festival (Lev 23:5-8, 2 Chron 35:16-19, Ezek 45:21). So it is quite interesting that we also refer to the period of Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection as the Passion Week, counting from the Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem. With regards to the Passover, Jesus Christ instituted the Lord's Supper on the Passover (Mark 14:12, 22-24); and He was crucified on the Passover (John 19:14 TPT). In the post, “Jesus Christ The Passover Lamb,” using Scripture, the Biblical reckoning of a day as being sunset to sunset, and the Jewish sects in Jesus’ day, it was demonstrated how plausible it was for the Lord's Supper and crucifixion to have occurred on the Passover as described by the Gospel accounts. The point I want to make however, is that the theme of the Passion Week was the Passover; and the festival of the Passover has its origins deeply rooted in Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments. The topic at hand however, is to deduce the origins of what Christians have come to celebrate as “Easter”. Unlike Passover, “Easter” has another origin story that most Christians are unaware of, or apathetic to; and its story is NOT rooted in Scripture, but rather in history and tradition. It is an uncomfortable truth from Church history, but a truth that needs to be addressed. There is no question about it, we as Christians are expected to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, because Jesus Christ commanded it (Luke 22:19-20, 1 Cor 11:23-26). But there was a controversy in the 2nd century Church referred to as the “Quartodeciman controversy,” about when to commemorate Jesus’s death and Resurrection. “Quartodeciman” comes from the Latin “quartodecimus”, meaning “fourteenth.” It refers to Christians who celebrated the event on the 14th day of the Jewish month Nisan—the same time as the Passover, regardless of the day of the week (Lev 23:5). The Quartodecimans were mainly in Asia Minor (Eastern Church). And in Polycrates of Ephesus letter defending the Quartodecimans (referenced from the Church historian Eusebius of Caesarea), he claimed that the observance of Nisan 14 followed the Apostolic tradition passed down by Apostle Philip and John, both of whom were Jesus’s disciples. On the other hand, the Roman and Western Church always celebrated on the Sunday after Passover. Their emphasis was focused on Sunday, the first day of the week, because that was when Jesus Christ was first seen after His resurrection (Mark 16:9 TPT). Victor I, Bishop of Rome from 189-199AD, tried to excommunicate churches in Asia Minor for keeping Nisan 14, but like I said Polycrates of Ephesus defended the Quartodeciman practice in his letter to Victor I, saying they followed apostolic tradition. Furthermore, Irenaeus urged Victor I not to cut off whole churches since previous Bishops of Rome disagreed on the same matter but remained in peace. His position was that of tolerance and unity in the face of differences, a position confirmed by Scripture in matters that are not fundamental in the faith (Phil 3:15-16 NKJV). In the 4th century, Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, and this Quartodeciman controversy was part of the controversies that were addressed in that meeting. This time however, the idea of tolerance, or the fact that the Quartodecimans were following the Apostolic traditions, did not matter, all that mattered was trying to forge uniformity and distance the Church from anything Jewish. It can be deduced from Constantine's letter, that in the subject of “Easter” antisemitism was a deciding factor. Not only did he say vile things against the Jews, but he also argued that Christianity shouldn't have anything in common with the Jews, including the Passover. [note - emphasis through capitalization added by me] ... “AT this meeting the question concerning the most holy day of EASTER WAS DISCUSSED, and it was resolved by the united judgment of all present, that this feast ought to be kept by all and in every place on one and the same day. ... And first of all, it appeared an UNWORTHY thing that in the celebration of this most holy feast we should follow THE PRACTICE OF THE JEWS, who have impiously defiled their hands with enormous sin, and are, therefore, deservedly afflicted with blindness of soul. For we have it in our power, if we ABANDON THEIR CUSTOM, to prolong the due observance of this ordinance to future ages, by a truer order, which we have preserved from the very day of the passion until the present time. LET US THEN HAVE NOTHING IN COMMON WITH THE DETESTABLE JEWISH CROWD; for we have received from our Saviour a DIFFERENT WAY. … Note that even though the Jews were the ones practicing and celebrating Passover, it wasn't they that originated the Feast, it was God Himself; and Scripture refers to the festivals as “APPOINTED FESTIVALS OF THE LORD”, not Jewish festivals (Lev 23:1-2). So Constantine was wrong on this point of trying to distance the Church from the Jews (John 4:20-22, Rom 9:4-5), and also by regarding the Biblical Festival of Passover as a “Jewish custom”. Secondly, did Jesus Christ come to introduce such a “different way” that required the changing of the date on which He instituted Communion, and commanded us to do it in remembrance of Him? I don't think so. It is the antichrist's job to alter established Biblical dates, NOT Jesus Christ (Dan 7:25-26, 1 John 2:18-19). Just a reminder, Passover was to be celebrated on the 14th day of the first month, Aviv, aka Nisan (Lev 23:5). So the date CHOSEN to celebrate “Easter” was to be the first Sunday after the full moon, following the Spring Equinox. This was to divorce the Church from any connection to the Jewish calendar or the Biblical festival of Passover. So you can see that the foundational idea of “Easter” was to disconnect the Church from the Biblical Passover, so how is it that people still argue that “Easter” is Biblical? You may want it to be so, but its origins tell a different story, Constantine did NOT want the Church to have anything in common with the Jews, even at the expense of rejecting the Passover and weekly Sabbath. I'm not even going to waste any time dwelling on the name itself, “Easter,” which has connections to the pagan goddess “Ishtar” or “Ēostre”, same false deity with different names depending on the culture; or the fact that the symbols of this pagan goddess also match the symbols of “Easter”, speaking of the “Easter bunny” (a rodent), and “Easter eggs”, which have NO positive connection to Scripture. I mean the rabbit, Biblically speaking, is considered an unclean animal (Lev 11:6-8); Yet, for some reason, it is the mascot of the most sacred season of Christianity. Anything symbolizing a religion or religious activity must carry deep spiritual meanings related to that faith or practice. So, the question is: what are the deep spiritual connotations of the words “Easter,” the “Easter bunny,” or “Easter egg” in relation to Scripture and the Lord's Crucifixion and Resurrection? I'll say it again, apart from the theme of Jesus’s death and Resurrection, “Easter” has no connection to Scripture, it is man-made in everything else. It is quite a cocktail and mystery to me that everything else can be bad, except for one ingredient, but we're still willing to gulp it without asking any questions. I don't think God is okay with this kind of compromise and complacency, please carefully study Jesus’ letters to the churches in Revelation 2&3 (Rev 2:2-5, 14-16, 20-23, 3:1-3, 15-19). Think about it for a moment, hatred for a people group was an applauded reason that shaped the formation of a doctrine, NOT Scripture (2 Tim 3:16). God’s Word and the prophetic significance of Passover was set aside, because of the blind hatred of a people group by some persons. Moreover, we need to HONESTLY ask if there is room for such hatred in Christianity, given that Jesus Christ commanded us to Love our enemies and do good even to those who hate us (Luke 6:27-28, Matt 5:44-46, Rom 12:17, 20-21)? Also remember that Jesus Christ Himself forgave everyone involved in His crucifixion—including the Romans, among whom Constantine was later a Roman emperor (Luke 23:34, read also Acts 7:59-60). If—despite there being NO VALID Reason—Christians were to choose to HATE the Jews and everything associated with them, then, for the sake of consistency, they would also have to HATE the Romans and everything associated with Rome. After all, it was the Roman governor who held the authority to crucify Jesus Christ, and who ultimately ordered His scourging and crucifixion (John 18:31, 19:1-6, 10). So the hypocrisy is obvious if we're being honest. Also let's not forget that Jesus Christ and the early Apostles were ALL Jews. So hatred of the Jews is unjustifiable (Matt 25:40, Rom 15:26-27, Gal 6:6). It's already NOT looking good for the origin of “Easter”, but let's see if its unifying effort is justified. Some might argue that the controversy surrounding the subject threatened the unity of the Church, just as we saw Victor I trying to excommunicate certain churches. So they say for this reason “Easter” was a necessity to “unite” the Church. It is evident that during the lifetime of the Apostles, controversies did arise that threatened the Church; however, they were resolved in a manner fundamentally different from the process that later gave rise to what is now called “Easter”. Scripture was central in the Early Church for resolving controversies, as the Apostles appealed to the Word of God to establish truth and bring unity (2 Tim 3:16–17, Eph 4:11-16). For instance, it was highlighted in previous posts how the Council at Jerusalem resolved the circumcision issue, where proponents of circumcision tried to make it a necessity for salvation (Acts 15:1). Granted, Peter, Paul, and Barnabas argued vigorously against that idea (Acts 15:2-12), but the final decision was pinned on Scripture and the approval of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:13-18, 28, Amos 9:11-12 NKJV). Again, there was the controversy of some people saying that the final resurrection had occurred (2 Tim 2:16-18). Even though there is no Biblical reference to a Church Council to address this controversy, Paul adequately dealt with it in his letters, addressing the false teachers and the subject of resurrection (1 Tim 1:20, 1 Cor 15:12, 35, 1 Thess 4:13-18). In his letter to the Thessalonians, he highlighted a key end-time event that must occur before the coming of Jesus Christ and the final resurrection (2 Thess 2:1-4). This referenced event of the antichrist desecrating the Temple and claiming to be God can be pinned to Scripture, specifically the prophecies of Daniel (Daniel 7:11, 26, 9:27, 11:31, 12:11), which Jesus Christ also referenced when He prophesied about the end-times (Matt 24:15). I'll also attach a two-part series titled, “Biblical Ciphers and Codes”, where part two covers a bunch of important things pertaining to the end-times. Controversies come and go, and at times divisions may be necessary (1 John 2:18-19, 1 Cor 11:19). The Apostles NEVER advocated unity at all costs, especially at the compromise of Truth (2 John 1:9-11, Rom 16:17-18, 1 Cor 5:11-13, 2 Cor 6:14-17, 2 Tim 3:1-5, 2 Thess 3:6, 14-15, Titus 3:10-11). So the appeal to foster “unity” is NOT sufficient justification to establish “Easter”, especially when doing so abrogates the Word of God and the commands of Jesus Christ. The fact is that the Church would always be faced with one controversy or the other, because the devil is actively fighting against Her (Eph 6:10-13, Rev 12:11-12, 17, 2:14-16, 24-25). There will be people inspired by demonic spirits propagating lies and confusion that CANNOT be anchored on Scripture, yet their ideas would be alluring (1 Tim 4:1-3, Matt 24:24-25). NOT IF, but WHEN we face such a situation, should we adopt the “Easter” model where we try by all means to accommodate or “unite” the Church as best we can at the expense of the Truth of Scripture, or would we stand by the Truth and uphold what Scripture says? I can tell you that the former is easy, comfortable, and WRONG, but the latter is harder, uncomfortable, but RIGHT. Siding with the crowd is easy and comfortable, but God calls us to side with the Truth, even when it goes against the crowd or political correctness (Ex 23:2-3, Lev 19:15). UNITY in the Church CANNOT be forged on man-made compromises. Rather, UNITY in the Church MUST be forged by the Spirit, on the premise of God's Word (Eph 4:3-6, 11-16, Phil 2:1-2, Rom 15:5-6, 1 Cor 1:10). Note that the “oneness of mind” being referred to in the cited Passages is NOT merely a matter of adopting a shared human consensus, but of embracing the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit (**1 Cor 2:10-12, 16**, Gal 4:6). In other words, a group of people may reach agreement and share a single mind on a matter, but if their thinking is NOT aligned with the mind of Christ as revealed in Scripture and through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:16), then they CANNOT be truly united in Christ, even though they appear to have one mind. Unity in the Church requires that our minds be transformed (Rom 12:2), and this transformation is an essential part of our conformation to Christ (Rom 8:29, Gal 4:19, John 17:22-23, 26). We as humans must be honest and humble enough to admit that our thoughts are NOT ALWAYS best, even when our intentions are good (Prov 16:1-5, 25, 3:5-7, Isaiah 55:8–9). Therefore, it is impractical to establish lasting UNITY based on our own reasoning, or the adopted views of others. True and enduring UNITY—regardless of our differences and proclivities—can ONLY be achieved in God by adopting the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit, thereby gaining God’s perspective (Isaiah 30:1, 1 Cor 2:10-12, 16, John 17:20-23, 26). In other words, unity should NOT be forged on the ideas and philosophies of men, but rather by the Spirit of Christ and His direction, as revealed in Scripture (Matt 28:19-20, John 16:13-15, 2 Peter 1:20-21). After all, it is the Church of Christ–NOT the church of man–therefore it stands to reason that the thoughts of Christ should shape and govern His Church. Paul played a crucial role in teaching the doctrines that guide the Church today (Eph 3:2-12, 1 Cor 2:1-5, 13-14), yet he understood that the focus must NOT be on himself or other leaders (1 Cor 1:12-13). This was reinforced in his own life to guard him against pride (2 Cor 12:6-10); and he taught that church leaders are merely servants, while God alone gives the growth (1 Cor 3:3-11, 21-23, 4:6-7). For this reason, he placed no confidence in himself, even while serving with sincerity (1 Cor 4:1-4, 2 Cor 1:12, 3:5). He also upheld the truth above himself, so that even in the unlikely event of his failure, others would not be led astray (Gal 1:8-9, 1 Cor 9:27). The point is that UNITY in the Church should NOT be founded on people, but SOLELY on the Person of Jesus Christ (Eph 4:13, 15-16, 1:22-23). The doctrines of men must NEVER supercede the doctrine of Christ. I have emphasized that in addressing controversies, it is essential to remain anchored in Scripture. I will now apply that same standard to demonstrate why the origin of “Easter” is unsound. Interestingly, a situation very similar to the “Easter” issue occurred in Scripture, I'm talking about the: redesignation of a God-instituted festival in favor of a man-made festival on a different date, while still claiming it was the same festival God had commanded. After Solomon’s reign, the nation of Israel divided into two kingdoms: Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, and Israel, with its capital in Samaria. From the time of Moses, God had instructed that He would select a specific place in the Promised Land where all their sacrifices were to be brought (Deut 12:5, 11). No one was to offer sacrifices to God wherever they pleased, even if they lived far from the place God would choose. Those living at a distance were instructed to sell their produce, bring the money to the chosen place, and use it to buy what was required for their offerings (Deut 12:13-14, 14:24–26⁠). There was no exception. In the time of David, God chose Jerusalem as that place, and Solomon was commissioned to build the Temple there (2 Sam 7:12–13, 1 Kings 5:5, 6:37-38). When the kingdom split, Jeroboam, king of Israel, thought to himself that if he allowed the people to continue going to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, they might return their allegiance to the king of Judah (1 Kings 12:26–27). So he decided to fashion two idols and present them as the same God who had brought the Israelites out of Egypt (1 Kings 12:28–30). So we see that he essentially “rebranded” God (1 Kings 12:28, Ex 20:2-5). Not only that, but in the name of convenience, he convinced the people that they could offer sacrifices to God anywhere (1 Kings 12:31, Deut 12:2-6). Those who knew Scripture, especially the Levites, recognized his lies and contradictions to God’s Word, so they did NOT stay but went to Jerusalem (2 Chron 11:13-16), while the majority of the people remained. Lastly, the king of Israel CHOSE his own date to mimic the Feast of Tabernacles (1 Kings 12:32–33, Lev 23:34-36, 39-42), so that those in his domain would not have to go to Jerusalem, since it was one of the three Festivals that required all Israel to gather there (Deut 16:16). His reason for doing all of this was to maintain “unity” in his kingdom. Sound familiar? Leviticus 23:34 [34] “Say to the Israelites: ‘On the FIFTEENTH DAY of the SEVENTH MONTH the Lord’s Festival of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. NIV 1 Kings 12:32-33 [32] He instituted a festival on the FIFTEENTH DAY of the EIGHTH MONTH, LIKE the festival held in Judah… [33] On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, A MONTH OF HIS OWN CHOOSING, he offered sacrifices on the altar he had built at Bethel. So he instituted the festival for the Israelites… NIV So in essence, Jeroboam addressed the “unity” issue by disregarding God’s Word and commands; by setting his own terms of worship—changing dates and making things “convenient” for the people; yet, in this cocktail mix of man-made definitions, he still claimed that it was the SAME God of Israel being worshipped, and that his festival was no different from the one in Jerusalem. The sin of Jeroboam plagued every generation of the kings of Israel after him. And after all those years, when God pronounced judgment against the kingdom of Israel (headquartered in Samaria), He declared that the people would mourn the removal of the very idols Jeroboam had made (Hosea 10:5-8). Consider that: they had become so attached to those false gods that losing them brought grief. In other words, they had embraced the lie so deeply that they were unwilling to let it go. It is quite striking when we consider their behavior and how they were able to follow the lie of Jeroboam for centuries. Yet it is not so surprising when we realize that we are no different when it comes to the “Easter” issue. Indeed, there is nothing new under the sun (Eccl 1:9). In comparison, the same appeal to “unity” was used as the basis for “Easter.” God’s appointed date of Nisan 14 was set aside, and the Passover disregarded, in favor of a “newly” defined observance with its own date. Yet, despite these changes, it is still claimed that “Good Friday” conveys the same meaning as the crucifixion of Jesus, which occurred at Passover (John 19:14 TPT). In reality, the entire sequence of the Passion, culminating in the resurrection, begins from the reference point of the Passover. “Easter,” on the other hand, fixes its focus on Sunday and works backward, without any real connection to Passover. If the reference point of Passover is removed, then—like Jeroboam—it CANNOT be claimed that it is still the same festival commanded by God, which Jesus Christ came to FULFILL. Scripture EXPLICITLY identifies Christ as our Passover Lamb, showing that Passover is the true reference point (1 Cor 5:7, John 1:29). Just to be clear, it should be understood that ordinarily an individual (Rom 14:5–6), or a group of people (Esther 9:20-32, Joel 2:15-19, 2 Chron 20:3-4, 13-15), can consecrate any day to the Lord, and it would be acceptable in God’s sight. However, the problem with “Easter” is that God Himself had already consecrated a specific day and called it Passover (Exod 12:14, Lev 23:5), and on that very Passover, Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper with His disciples and commanded that it be observed in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19–20, 1 Cor 11:23–26). Therefore, it is inappropriate for human beings to alter what God has instituted by consecrating another day and assigning it the same significance as the one God originally ordained. Jesus Christ said He came to FULFILL the Scriptures (Matt 5:17), and after His resurrection, two of His followers had the privilege of hearing Him demonstrate this directly from the Scriptures (Luke 24:25–27, 44–49). Even today, many teach from Scripture—especially the Old Testament—uncovering profound truths that point to Christ. Passover itself is one of those Scriptures pointing to Him; therefore, it CANNOT be set aside, along with its rich prophetic significance, in order to embrace “Easter,” whose origin is NOT rooted in Scripture, but rather in a misguided attempt to foster “unity,” while at the same time expressing hostility toward the Jews. Yet Scripture makes it clear that Jesus Christ came to UNITE both Jew and Gentile as ONE (1 John 4:20-21, Isaiah 49:5-6, [John 10:14-16, Acts 2:38-39], Rom 11:1-2, 11-29, Eph 2:14–22, Gal 3:26-29). I've skipped several details, but I believe it is clear enough to see that the origin of “Easter” is NOT Biblical. While it may feel comfortable to keep, it rests on man-made foundations, which are certain to collapse (Ps 127:1-2, Matt 7:24–27). Its name, symbols, and the reasons for its creation form a house of cards that will surely fall. God Himself uproots whatever He has not planted (Gen 11:3-9, Matt 15:13, Heb 12:26-27). And you may be wondering why God hasn’t taken decisive action concerning this, seeing that it has continued for so long. Perhaps it is because He is merciful, giving people an opportunity to repent (2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-9). In the past, people have often assumed that God’s apparent silence on a matter meant what they did was acceptable in His sight (Ps 73:1-28, 94:7-15, 50:16-23, Isaiah 42:14, 57:10-13, **Jer 44:15-28**). But that is not the case—God always sends warnings before judgment (Amos 3:7, 2 Chron 36:15-16). I believe He is sending a warning to the Church now, because judgment will come upon ALL, and it must begin with the Church before extending to the world (1 Peter 4:17-18). I know this may be an uncomfortable truth, and I can relate to the discomfort I felt when the Holy Spirit first brought it to my attention, particularly through the writing of “Early Steps in Christianity” (first and second editions). In fact, the main updates in the second edition focused on Chapter Six, which covers Communion—the Lord’s Supper. I have openly acknowledged the challenge this revelation brought, and the journey of repentance it has led me on personally. Yet I cannot fully express the peace, joy, and comfort I have received from the Lord as a result, which reassures me that this is indeed the right path. What I’ve presented in this study may be troubling to some. Please know that it is not my intention to cause distress, but if this is what it takes to bring the truth to you, then it will be worth it in the end (2 Cor 7:8–10). For others, it may take time to fully embrace what I’ve shared, but I trust God to make things clear as we continue to hold fast to the fundamental truths of Scripture (Phil 3:15–16). All I ask is that you reflect on this, pray about it, and remain open to hear from God on the matter. I also pray that He grants you the grace to act on what He reveals. That said, I hope you are awakened to the Passover and come to understand its New Testament significance. Once again, I encourage you to access the FREE book, “The Biblical Festivals of God”, and go through the two-part series, which I have combined into a single document titled “Jesus Christ the Passover Lamb”. Thank you for the privilege of your time. I hope this study has been helpful. God bless you, and Shalom! Google Docs link for current post: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ Full Series of “JESUS CHRIST THE PASSOVER LAMB”: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/ Other posts you might be interested in: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity For Paperback or Hardcover copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod For Paperback copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J Follow-up Post to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/ I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/ #Jesus #JesusChrist #Theology #Christianity #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #BibleStudy #TheBible #Scripture #TheLivingWord #Truth #Free #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod #Passover #Easter #ChurchHistory #Repent #Repentance #Obedience

🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦 YAHWAH APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES ALL ARE WELCOME, COME AS YOU ARE GOSHEN, MONETTA, S.C. MARCH 28, 2026 - ABIB 10, 5786 SHABBAT LIVE 3 P.M. 🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦 PESACH/PASSOVER LAMB THE LAST PERILOUS DAYS 🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦 SPIRIT FILLED SERVICE TONGUES & INTERPRETATION SONG IN HOLY SPIRIT TONGUE 🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦 PESACH/PASSOVER 18 DAYS ABIB 15 - ABIB 22, 5786 EVENING APRIL 1 TO EVENING APRIL 9 🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19tJ6pwwSB/ 🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦🔥🟦