Bishop Odedeji lists victory, others as benefits of Easter

The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, has described Easter as a symbol of victory for Christians.

According to Odedeji, one major benefit of Easter is that beyond establishing the triumph of Jesus Christ over death, it also guarantees victory over death for Christians.

The cleric said this at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Making reference to a statement by Jesus Christ, Bishop Odedeji noted that Christ’s resurrection from death guaranteed resurrection from death for Christians.

Another benefit or implication of Christ’s resurrection, according to Odedeji, is that it brought redemption and salvation to mankind.

Easter: Be God-conscious in your actions, Bishop Odedeji urges Christians

He said Christ’s resurrection strengthened the faith of the world, particularly Christians, “as stated in Acts of the Apostles that there is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The hope of eternity and immortality for man, the bishop added, is another benefit that Easter or the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings to mankind.

Odedeji added that Christians would have been most “miserable and hopeless” if Christ had not risen from the dead.

The cleric identified the laying of the foundation of the Christian faith as another benefit of the resurrection of Christ, saying the resurrection laid a strong foundation for the spread of the good news, which he said the church is all about.

“Christ’s resurrection implies the fulfilment of the Old Testament,” Bishop Odedeji added.

He, therefore, enjoined the congregation not just to celebrate Easter but to ensure they appreciate the benefits of Easter.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord,” Odedeji said.

The Star