Mark Twain, the American humourist, novelist, and travel writer once said, “If you don’t read the newspaper, you’re uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you’re mis-informed.” A popular British newspaper proved the point two days ago, with an online article attempting to explain why Good Friday is called “Good Friday”. Yes, it contained some interesting facts, but sadly, I feel it missed the point completely.

The real reason Good Friday is good, is because at Passover 2,000 years ago, Jesus the Messiah gave up His life on a Roman cross, while paying the price for my wrongdoing – and yours – thus bringing us forgiveness, love and acceptance and the assurance of eternal life with God in eternity. It’s good news for those who think they’re not good enough. It’s good news for those struggling under the misconception that they have to earn a place in Heaven. As the ancient scriptures say:

“So turn to God! Give up your sins, and you will be forgiven.”

Acts 3:19 (CEV)

One of the best and simplest explanations of Easter I have found is in a song, written by Gloria and William Gaither:

“God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!”

(Gloria and William J. Gaither ©1971 Gaither Music Publishing / WJG Inc / Kingsway’s Thankyou Music)

Happy Passover and Happy Easter!