Is Easter Biblical?

The majority of professing Christians consider Easter to be the most sacred holiday of the year, believing that it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But perhaps a simple, seldom-asked question is of vital importance: Is Easter biblical?

Consider a few quotes from well-known and reputable sources.

According to LearnReligions.com, “The word ‘Easter’ does not appear in the Bible and no early church celebrations of Christ’s resurrection are mentioned in Scripture. Easter, like Christmas, is a tradition that developed later in church history” (“What Easter Means to Christians,” March 2, 2021).

Similarly, Encyclopedia Britannica reports, “The earliest recorded observance of an Easter celebration comes from the 2nd century, though the commemoration of Jesus’ Resurrection probably occurred earlier.”

History.com states in its “History of Easter” article, “Despite its significance as a Christian holy day, many of the traditions and symbols that play a key role in Easter observances actually have roots in pagan celebrations—particularly the pagan goddess Eostre—and in the Jewish holiday of Passover.”

The New Illustrated Bible Dictionary states, “Easter was originally a pagan festival honoring Eostre, a Teutonic goddess of light and spring. At the time of the vernal equinox… sacrifices were offered in her honor” (p. 373).

Using this very small sample of quotes, along with scriptural evidence from the Bible, we can lay out a few simple but very important facts that cannot be disputed:

1. Easter is not in the Bible.
2. Jesus Christ did not keep Easter.
3. The Apostles and other disciples did not keep Easter.
4. Therefore, Easter comes from something outside the Bible and the life and teachings of Jesus and His Apostles.
5. Easter is related to paganism (association with many gods and idols).

Back to our simple question: Is Easter biblical? No. Easter is not biblical. That is an indisputable, factual, and biblical answer.

On the other hand, there is a feast that is biblical and was kept by Jesus and His Apostles: Passover. Consider these clear verses in the New Testament, scriptures that are based upon many scriptures from the Old:

Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:15–20).

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7).

In the King James Version, the word “Easter” is found in Acts 12:4, but that is a well-known mistranslation of the Greek word pascha, which means “Passover.” Most modern translations correct this error.

These scriptures show that Jesus Christ instituted the “New Testament Passover,” which included the New Covenant symbols of the bread and wine. These represent His broken body and shed blood. Many other scriptures give many details regarding when, why, and how to celebrate Passover to “proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” Christ and the Apostle Paul told the Church to keep a memorial to His death, not His resurrection. There are zero verses that show how to celebrate Easter—no eggs, no bunnies, no bonnets.

We don’t “bash” Easter with the intent to offend, but to simply preach the truth as contained in the Bible and proclaim God’s admonitions to His people (Deuteronomy 12:29–31). Perhaps millions of people around the world will take their Bible to the Easter service. For those who do, and open it up, it is certain what they won’t find written there: Easter.

To learn more about the amazing truth regarding Easter, please order our free booklet Easter: The Untold Story.