Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev. (Dr) James Olusola Odedeji, has declared that Easter is the most important date in the Christian calendar, saying it is the foundation of Christianity.

Odedeji made the declaration yesterday in a sermon he preached to commemorate Easter Day, themed ‘The significance of Christ’s resurrection for Christians.’

He further said that Easter is the most important date for Christians with quotes from 1st Corinthians, chapter 15, verse 17, which reads: “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins;” and verse 19, which reads: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”

Odedeji, while describing Easter as the birthday of Christianity, said Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, also confirms that Jesus Christ is the messiah.

According to him, the resurrection proves that a new life is possible, as recorded in 2nd Corinthians, chapter 5, verse 17, which reads: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

He also identified hope beyond life on earth, the transition from defeat to victory, among others, as other significances of Easter.

“Christianity is all about Easter; Easter is all about Christianity.

“At Easter, we have the fulfilment of Christ coming to earth to conquer death. We have come together today to celebrate the foundation of Christianity, the foundation of our faith, called resurrection,” he said.

The bishop highlighted five important areas that Christians benefitted from Christ’s resurrection, which according to him, include assurance of God’s faithfulness, assurance of forgiveness, unity in the body of Christ, His resurrection the source of joy, jubilation and celebration, resurrection of Christ is an encouragement in suffering and He is an example of self-sacrificial love.