Christians in Rapid City celebrate Easter Sunday

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Christians sang praises, gave thanks, and even danced to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the faith, Jesus is the son of God, who was sinless. According to the Bible, he was beaten, mocked, crucified and rose from death three days later. The resurrection is the base of the entire faith and symbolizes love through sacrifice. 

 “Everything hinges on if the tomb is empty or not. So it’s a big deal that we celebrate that the tomb is empty, that Jesus died on the cross, that he didn’t stay dead but that he’s out of the grave, ” said lead pastor Gerad Strong.

Before Jesus Christ was crucified salvation came through following religious law and sin was forgiven through the sacrifice of animals. Christians believe that Jesus was the ultimate and final sacrifice and all who have faith in him will be saved from sin and have eternal life in heaven. Christians seek to have a personal relationship with God.

“He is not only like my friend but he is my father in heaven and he’s everything to me and I think without him I probably wouldn’t be here today honestly,” said church attendee Kayla Williams.

Christians say while the faith doesn’t guarantee an easy life on earth, it does guarantee a life after death that is free of pain, tears, or shame.

Many who believe, find purpose in hardships, and trust that God is with them through it all.

One church attendee,  Abraham Morland said: “Just through my whole life he has always been there, getting me through trials and trials and i have been able to use that as a witness just to share with other people and without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”