(April 01, 2021) Honouring the memory of the late missionary statesman Dr George Forbes, we run one of his Easter blogs, a reminder that the real message of Easter is a precious goldmine treasure:

Easter is an annual holiday celebrated by many millions around the world.

• For devout followers of Christ it is a highlight of the year; a time to give thanks to God for his great gift of the Saviour. 
• For many others it may be the one-day they attend or think about attending a church, because it seems the right thing to do. They hope it might help when the day of accounting comes.
• For a vast number of people it has no meaning… so they simply treat this time as a holiday break from normal routines.

Easter’s great truth
Millions of Christians commemorate the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus, especially at Easter, though most also celebrate the great victory of Calvary every time they take communion.  Many Christians say that they regard Easter as the most important celebration of the year.

Many years ago I came across a great alliteration of the best-known verse in the Bible. To many this verse is not only well known and loved but they believe it is the greatest truth people can ever read or hear. I believe that John 3:16 is the most translated verse of the entire Bible.

This one Bible verse wraps up all the most important dimensions of God and us. It clearly shows the way to God, the extent of the love of God and the simple yet profound step we each must take to experience his forgiveness.

Easter’s great treasure
This verse wraps up the gospel and the purpose of missions in clear terms.  No one need miss this vital message from the heart of God the creator about his Son Jesus our Saviour.  This Easter I share this alliteration of unknown origin, as it needs to be considered by men, women and children everywhere. 

I invite every reader to think on these 12 precious goldmine treasures: Easter is about the greatest…

1. Giver – God
2. Motive – so loved
3. Need – the world
4. Act – that he gave
5. Gift – his one and only Son
6. Invitation – that whoever
7. Decision – believes
8. Person – in him
9. Deliverance – shall not perish
10. Difference – but
11. Certainty – have
12. Possession – everlasting life.                              

Easter’s great triumph
Easter is far more than a holiday based on Christian tradition. It is much more than a religious festival. Easter is the celebration of eternal life made possible by the gift of Jesus Christ the Son of God. He purchased for all people of all nations redemption from the bondage and penalty of sin. He alone is the Saviour of the world.

And it is indeed the message of missionaries, both overseas and local witnessing church members at home.The words of Jesus himself, found in this best-known verse in John’s gospel, begin with God and end with eternal life.

• Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God is the one whom God has freely given to make the bridge between humankind and our creator.
• It is his death and resurrection that missionaries declare around the world – as must Bible-believing and salvation-minded churches at home.
• Jesus’ resurrection is the proof of his atoning sacrifice on the cross.
• John 3:16 is a precious ‘goldmine’ of great truth. 

If you have not previously considered the vital truth embodied in these verses, I encourage you to do so this Easter.

And, like the faithful missionaries who share the truths of the gospel, may you too pass this greatest discovery onto others!

_________________________________
Dr George Forbes was former director World Missions, AoG Australia. Widely known for his heart for the lost of the nations, he had a wealth of missionary knowledge, and a unique ability to communicate the global picture.
___________________________________________________________________