The Easter story itself can be explored through reading the Bible in traditional or contemporary translations or by watching live performances such as Passion Plays or by watching series such as The Chosen or films such as Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.

But what is the significance of the Easter story? And why does it inspire faith and hope in people? What is the real meaning behind the events of Christ’s death and resurrection? The rest of the New Testament has many insights that help us understand the Easter story, and many insights can be found in the Old Testament as well. Thousands of years before Christ, prophets and wise men writing in the Psalms and Isaiah also give insight into the significance of his life, death and resurrection. Read more below!

 

“For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.” —1 Corinthians 15:21

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus.” —Luke 24:2–3

“He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” —1 John 2:2

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” —Matthew 28:5–6

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24

“Jesus said to her ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’” —John 11:25

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” —2 Corinthians 5:17

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” – 1 Corinthians 15:20

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4

“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” – John 16:22

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” – Isaiah 61:10

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.” – Acts 2:32

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” – Revelation 1:18

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” – 1 John 3:16

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20