Each year Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is observed by billions of people around the world. It’s a celebration of love, life, and redemption. Read on to learn more about Easter along with names associated with the holiday.
In the Beginning
Before time began, God was.
He set the moon and stars in place1 and by His power He made the earth. He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens2 —and He sits above the circle of the earth.3
The Origin of Evil
And God came to earth, which was a place of darkness and without form7 and spoke light into existence. He created morning and night, the sky, the land, the seas, grass, plants, the sun, moon, stars, and all living creatures. Then God created humankind according to His image, male and female was created in the image of God.8
Evil’s Plot Against Humanity
God blessed humanity to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it—and gave them dominion over the fish, birds, and every living thing.9 He planted a garden in Eden and there was a river to water the garden. Trees were good for food. In the middle of the garden was the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil—and He put man in the garden to tend and keep it.10
Everything was beautifully prepared.
And God commanded man, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die.”11
Evil then came to oppose what was commanded knowing disobedience would separate humankind from God. So, he deceived them. In the form of a serpent, he convinced them that they would not die but be like God. And they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.12
Disobedience caused humanity to be separated from God and like the Devil and his angels, the world had fallen. But God had a plan.
God’s Rescue Plan
It was a special plan—just for humanity. A way for God to redeem the world.
A virgin would become pregnant and give birth to a son without being intimate with a man. The Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of God—the Highest—would overshadow her. She would bring forth a Son and call Him Jesus—and He would also be called the Son of the Highest, the Son of God.13
Redemption for humanity would come through Jesus and, at the appointed time, He would be an offering for sin, bearing the sins14 of humanity.
As a sin offering, Jesus was wounded, bruised,15 pierced,16 oppressed and afflicted.17 He willingly poured out His soul to death—to save the world.
The Scriptures were fulfilled. Jesus died, was buried, and He rose on the third day—and was seen by many people.18
He reconciled humanity to God—and for those who believe in Jesus, there is justification, help,19 peace,20 abundance of grace, and the gift of righteousness—to reign in life.21
This is the beauty and essence of the Easter holiday. Resurrection Sunday is a celebration of Jesus Christ.
Names Meaning Gift of God
- Dora is a female name of Greek origin and means gift of God. Other forms of the name include Dorathea, Dorothy, Dodie, and Dolly.
- Jonathan is a male name of Hebrew origin and is defined as Yahweh has given.
- Matthew is a male name of Hebrew origin and means gift of Yahweh. Other versions of the name include Mathew, Mateo, Matheo, and Matteo.
- Nathaniel is a male name of Hebrew origin and can be defined as God has given; given by God. Other forms of the name include Nathanael, Nathan, and Nate.
- Theodore is a male name of Greek origin and is defined as gift of God. A diminutive form of the name is Theo. The female form of the name is Theodora.
Names of Salvation
- Elisha is a male name of Hebrew origin and means God is salvation.
- Isaiah is a male name of Hebrew origin and can be defined as Yahweh is salvation; salvation of God.
- Joshua is a male name of Hebrew origin and means Yahweh saves; Yahweh is salvation. Jesús is its Spanish form. Another version of the name is Josué.
Names Associated with Life
- Anastasius is a male name from Latin and Greek origins and means resurrection. Other versions of the name include Anastasios, Anastas, and the feminine form, Anastasia.
- Eve is a female name of Hebrew origin and can be defined as to breathe; to live; source of life. Other forms of the name include Eva, Eveleen, and Ava.
- Jehiel is a male name of Hebrew origin that means God lives.
- Renée is a female name of French and Latin origins and means reborn, born again. René is the male version of the name.
- Zoe is a female name of Greek origin and is defined as life.
Names of Strength and Increase
- Ezekiel is a male name of Hebrew origin that means God strengthens.
- Joseph is a male name of Hebrew origin and is defined as: increase; may God add. Other versions include Yosef and Yousef. The Spanish form of the name is José.
Names of Reverence
- Daniel is a male name of Hebrew origin and means God is my judge.
- Elijah is a male name of Hebrew origin that means Yahweh is my God.
- Emmanuel is a male name of Hebrew origin and is defined as God (is) with us. Other forms of the name include Emanuel and Manual.
- Gabriel is a male name of Hebrew origin and can be defined as: man of God; God is my strength, my leader, my hero, the most powerful. Feminine forms of the name include Gabriella, Gabrielle, Gaby, and Briella.
- Joel is a male name of Hebrew origin and is defined as Yahweh is God. Other forms of the name include Yoel and, the feminine form, Joella.
- John is a male name of Hebrew origin and means Yahweh has been gracious. Other versions of the name include Johan and Johnny. Irish forms of the name include Seán and Sean. Female forms of the name include Jane, Janae, and Joanna.
- Michael is a male name of Hebrew origin and can be defined as: who is like God; what is God like; who can compare to the sovereignty of God.
- Samuel is a male name of Hebrew origin that can be defined as: name of God; heard of God.
- Timothy is a male name of Greek origin and can be defined as revere God, to honor God.
More Names of Faith
- Christian is a male name of Latin and English origins and can be defined as one who believes and is devoted to Christianity. Other forms of the name include Cristian and Kristian, and the feminine forms Christina, Kristina, and Kirsten.
- Christopher is a male name of Greek origin and can be defined as a bearer, carrier, or conveyor of Christ (Jesus). Other forms of the name include Chris and Christophe.
- Noah is a male name of Hebrew origin and is defined as rest.
- Tiffany is a female name of Greek origin and can be defined as the manifestation of God.
Scriptures from The Holy Bible:
- Psalm 8:3 ↩︎
- Jeremiah 10:12 ↩︎
- Isaiah 40:22 ↩︎
- Isaiah 14:12-13 ↩︎
- Revelation 12:4 ↩︎
- Revelation 12:7-9 ↩︎
- Genesis 1:2 ↩︎
- Genesis 1:3-27 ↩︎
- Genesis 1:28 ↩︎
- Genesis 2:8-17 ↩︎
- Genesis 2:16-17 ↩︎
- Genesis 3:1-6 ↩︎
- Luke 1:31-35 ↩︎
- Isaiah 53:10-11 ↩︎
- Isaiah 53:5 ↩︎
- John 19:34 ↩︎
- Isaiah 53:7 ↩︎
- Matthew 28:9-20; Mark 16:9-18; Luke 24:15-53; John 20:14-30; John 21:1-25 ; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 ↩︎
- John 14:26 ↩︎
- John 14:27 ↩︎
- Romans 5:15-17 ↩︎