To the people of the world, Easter means that the perfect plan of salvation has been provided.

The Bible, God’s book, summarizes the “gospel,” which means “good news,” this way: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures . . . he was buried . . . he rose again on the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). God shows his love for us in that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

To God, Easter means that he is satisfied with Jesus’s death in our place.

“Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust [us], that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus Christ “is the propitiation [the Satisfier of God’s just punishment] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

To the believer, Easter is the promise of everlasting life.

Jesus promised whoever “heareth my word, and believeth on him [God the Father] that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). God “raised up the Lord [Jesus], and will also raise up us by his own power” (1 Corinthians 6:14).

To you, Easter is a challenge to believe.

Whoever “believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John 3:36). Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me . . . shall never die [spiritually]” (John 11:25–26).

You can know the true meaning of Easter in your life today!

Recognize that without Christ you are separated from God. In honest repentance, admit your sin and your need to be saved: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God . . . the wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23, 6:23).

Realize that God loves you and that Jesus Christ died for your sins. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son [to die in your place], that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men [humankind], the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

Receive the risen Christ into your life by faith and trust  him as your Savior. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17). “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

Eternal life begins the moment you believe that only through Jesus can your sins be forgiven, and that eternal life comes only from God: “it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8), it is not because of your own doing.

You can be forgiven today! That’s how the true meaning of Easter can make a difference in your life—now and forever!