For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.’ (Jesus Christ, John, 3:16RSV).
That is the concise good news of easter: the gospel of salvation believed, shared and preached by Christians for two millennia. No one can be objectively sure that the biblical account of events in Jerusalem circa 29AD is untrue.
If true, the Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God, the Christ, who by his death paid atonement for all sins past, present and future; and by his resurrection revoked the death penalty for original sin, for as many as would believe in him.
Belief in him is more heartfelt attitude that state of minor code of behaviour; the latter naturally follow. Steps of faith are required, over rational historical doubts and to grasp the transcendent promise of everlasting life.
With great yearning love he suffered rejection and hatred in life, injustice and cruelty in death – so that his eternal Holy Spirit (who convinces persons to believe) could be reconciled to ours and be physically released into the world.
To be born again of the Holy Spirit involved a short, sincere prayer. To stay faithful through adversity involved commitment to know and believe more of him. If he is the Lord God almighty as he claimed, then it seems sensible to accept his gracious offer!
Greg Davies, Byron Bay
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
