The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt Rev James Odedeji has said the resurrection of Jesus, three days after his crucifixion and death is the.most indisputable truth about Christianity and what makes the Christian faith different from other faiths.
He made the statement while delivering an inspiring homily at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja Lagos on Sunday April 20.
Bishop Odedeji also underscored the importance of Easter Sunday which is the day set apart to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection.
On the resurrection of Jesus, he said ‘From the account of the Bible and historical evidence, the death of Jesus is one fact of history that cannot be disputed going by the account of the Bible.. it is our best selling point, the most indisputable truth about Christianity
‘Jesus was buried and a huge stone was used to seal the tomb. But on the third day, the angels came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. He rose from the dead.’
Importance of Easter
He said at the well-attended service that the resurrection day carries with it a lot of significance for believers.
“The first thing about the resurrection of Jesus is that it gives us assurance of salvation. We are saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Christianity is about Easter. When you take Easter from Christianity, nothing remains.” He said.
Making reference to several scriptures, the Anglican Bishop said further that the resurrection also gives an assurance of God’s faithfulness. “It tells us that God is not only a promise maker but a promise keeper. It gives us confidence that what God promises he will do.” Odedeji said.
With the resurrection of Jesus, Odedeji said, ‘there is assurance of forgiveness. “We are assured that we have been truly forgiven with his resurrection”
He also noted that Jesus’ resurrection brings all believers together. “It is the basis of our coming together. The one who brought us together as believers is Jesus. It is the rallying point for all.”
For those who may be in a state of confusion and sadness, Odedeji said to them, “When you think of the resurrection of Jesus, it gives you assurance that your sorrow is for a while. It is the source of joy for believers. Before Christ rose from the dead, the disciples were sad and had lost hope. But his resurrection brought joy to them.”
The Anglican Bishop noted also that the death of Jesus is the highest form of sacrifice that can be carried out by anybody while also assuring his listeners that with the death of Jesus, ‘Nothing again will die in their hands’
Odedeji then called on believers to be bold about their faith and proclaim the news of redemption to all. “The resurrection is the most undisputable fact of history. It is also an inspiration for living a righteous life.” He said’.
The service was attended by all the principal officers of the diocese and the retired bishop of Ilesha diocese, the RT Rev Samuel Sowale. and a number of dignataries
