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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I don't go to church much, but I always enjoy going at Easter, because everyone dresses up. But I'm beginning to wonder if I'm missing something. Why is Easter important? -- Mrs. D.P.

A: On Easter, millions of Christians across the world celebrate the most important event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. On that first Easter morning, something happened that had never happened before, and never would happen again: one person came back from the dead, never to die again. That's why Easter is important!

I often think of Luke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name. Luke was a doctor, and he knew from experience that death was absolutely final. And yet he was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that the angels' announcement was true: "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!" (Luke 24:5-6). This is a staggering truth, and yet it really happened!

But what difference does it make? It makes all the difference in the world! For one thing, the resurrection proves that Jesus was who He claimed to be: the divine Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins. As the Bible says, He "was declared to be the Son of God ... by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 1:4, ESV).

But Jesus' resurrection also tells us that there is life beyond the grave. This world is not all there is; although we'll die, we'll continue to live -- either apart from God, or with Him in that place of endless joy the Bible calls Heaven. And because of Christ's resurrection, death has been defeated and Heaven awaits us. Don't ignore Him any longer, but commit your life to Him today.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.