Easter is the most sacred and significant time for Christians around the world. It is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the foundational event in Christianity that guarantees victory over death and sin for all those who believe in Him. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Easter holds a profound spiritual significance as it not only commemorates the resurrection but also highlights the centrality of Jesus Christ in their faith.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a momentous occasion described throughout the scriptures, not just in the Bible, but also in the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint texts. These sacred writings provide numerous teachings about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, giving us greater understanding of the magnitude of His atoning sacrifice and victory over death. The doctrine of the Resurrection is foundational to the teachings of the LDS Church, and every Easter season provides an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and worship.
In this article, we will explore 21 key scriptures from the LDS canon (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price) that help us understand the significance of Easter. These scriptures will illuminate the importance of Christ’s resurrection and its impact on humanity, providing members of the LDS Church—and all Christians—a deeper understanding of the hope and joy that come from His victory over death.
21 LDS Scriptures About Easter
1. John 11:25-26 – The Promise of Eternal Life Through Jesus Christ
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
In this passage, Jesus Himself declares that He is the Resurrection and the Life. His words are a clear promise to all who believe in Him: even though they may die physically, they will live eternally. This scripture reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event but a profound spiritual truth that offers us eternal life.
2. Alma 11:42-43 – The Resurrection in the Book of Mormon
“And now, there is no resurrection of the dead; and this shall be the restoration of the dead, and it shall come to pass that the spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; and they shall be restored to his perfect frame… And now, behold, this is the restoration of the soul.”
This passage from the Book of Mormon teaches about the physical resurrection. It emphasizes the reunification of body and spirit in their perfect, immortal state. Through the resurrection of Christ, we are promised that we, too, will be resurrected and restored to our perfect form—an event that will occur for all people, both the righteous and the wicked.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 – Christ’s Resurrection as the Firstfruits
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Paul teaches that Christ is the “firstfruits” of the resurrection. He is the first to be resurrected, and His resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all who follow Him. This scripture illustrates the universality of Christ’s resurrection—it is not just for Him, but for all mankind. His victory over death allows us all to partake in this glorious gift.
4. Mosiah 16:7-9 – Christ’s Power Over Death
“O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing… because of the resurrection of Christ.”
In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Abinadi speaks of the beauty of the message of salvation through the resurrection of Christ. His death and resurrection are the fulfillment of the prophets’ teachings and the source of peace and hope for all the faithful.
5. Matthew 28:5-7 – The Angel’s Declaration at Christ’s Tomb
“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
This moment in the Gospel of Matthew marks the profound declaration of Christ’s resurrection. The angel confirms that Jesus has indeed risen, just as He had prophesied. This pivotal event is the foundation of Easter, the ultimate fulfillment of Christ’s mission and promises.
6. Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24 – The Resurrection and Glory of the Redeemed
“And they who are the church of the Firstborn are they who have come to the general assembly and church of Enoch, and of the church of the Firstborn, and of the Father and of the Son. And they are the spirits of just men made perfect through Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant.”
In the Doctrine and Covenants, this scripture emphasizes the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ. His resurrection not only secures the resurrection for all but also makes it possible for individuals to attain eternal life and live in the presence of God. Christ’s resurrection ensures that those who follow Him and live according to His teachings will receive glory and eternal life.
7. 1 Peter 1:3-4 – A Living Hope Through the Resurrection
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”
Peter reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ offers us a “lively hope”—a hope that is alive and active, rooted in the fact that Christ conquered death. Through His resurrection, we have an inheritance that is imperishable, free from decay, and eternal. This is the hope that sustains us through life’s challenges and trials.
8. John 20:19-22 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples After His Resurrection
“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”
After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and offers them peace. This moment is powerful, as it confirms His victory over death and the reality of His resurrection. The appearance of Jesus to His followers brings them comfort and joy, as they see Him with their own eyes, alive and resurrected.
9. Mosiah 15:20 – Christ’s Role as the Redeemer
“And now behold, the Lord Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto those who shall be heirs of salvation, who are born of God; for they shall be redeemed through the blood of the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ.”
In this passage, Mosiah teaches about the central role of Christ as the Redeemer. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, He offers salvation to all who will repent and believe in His name. Christ’s resurrection is the key to this redemption, making eternal life possible for all.
10. Romans 6:4-5 – Baptism and the Resurrection
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
Paul teaches that baptism symbolizes both the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as Christ was resurrected, so too can we rise to new life through baptism. This act of faith is both a symbolic and literal participation in the resurrection of Christ.
11. Alma 40:23 – The Resurrection and the Restoration of the Body
“The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; and they shall be restored to his perfect frame.”
This scripture teaches about the physical nature of the resurrection. The spirit and body will be reunited in a perfect, immortal state. This restoration is a key aspect of the doctrine of the resurrection, and it affirms the completeness of Christ’s victory over death.
12. Matthew 27:52-53 – The Resurrection of the Saints
“And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”
This scripture describes a powerful moment following Christ’s resurrection. Many of the righteous who had passed away were resurrected and appeared to the living in Jerusalem. This serves as a witness that Christ’s resurrection brought not only His victory over death but also the resurrection of others, demonstrating the scope of His power.
13. John 5:28-29 – The Resurrection and Judgment
“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
Jesus teaches about the universal resurrection, where all will be resurrected. The resurrection is followed by judgment, with the righteous receiving eternal life and the wicked facing damnation. Christ’s resurrection is the first step in this grand restoration.
14. Doctrine and Covenants 88:14-16 – The Resurrection of the Just
“And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul; and the resurrection of the dead is the redemption of the body; And the resurrection of the dead is the redemption of the spirit, and it is the redemption of the soul, that they may be partakers of the glory of God.”
In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord teaches that the resurrection is both a spiritual and physical redemption. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, all who are faithful will be restored to God’s glory.
15. Luke 24:36-40 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples
“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
In this passage, Jesus comforts His disciples after His resurrection, proving that He is not a ghost but has been resurrected in a tangible, physical body. His invitation to touch His wounds demonstrates the reality of His resurrection and serves as a witness of His physical return from death.
16. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – The Gospel of Christ’s Resurrection
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Paul succinctly outlines the core message of the gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the central truth that defines Christianity and gives hope to all believers.
17. 3 Nephi 11:10-11 – Christ’s Invitation to Come Unto Him
“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.”
In the Book of Mormon, Christ declares Himself as the light and life of the world, having suffered for the sins of mankind. His resurrection confirms this claim and invites all to come unto Him for salvation and peace.
18. 1 Nephi 10:11-14 – The Coming of the Messiah
“And after the Messiah cometh there shall be signs given unto my people, of his coming; and also in Bethlehem, there shall be a new star, and a new star shall arise… And behold, the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father.”
The Book of Mormon prophets testify of the coming of the Messiah and His role in bringing salvation and resurrection to the world. The resurrection of Christ fulfills these prophecies, ensuring that His mission was completed according to God’s plan.
19. Doctrine and Covenants 76:50-53 – The Glory of the Resurrection
“And again, we saw the present state of the souls of the righteous, who are in the paradise of God… They are filled with joy and gladness, because of the resurrection of the dead.”
This scripture emphasizes the joy and peace that accompany the resurrection. It also highlights that the faithful will experience glory and happiness in the presence of God, a direct result of Christ’s resurrection.
20. 2 Nephi 2:8-9 – The Redemption Through Christ
“Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that they are of God. And that they may also know that their Redeemer lives.”
In the Book of Mormon, Lehi teaches about the importance of knowing the Redeemer lives. Christ’s resurrection provides the ultimate confirmation of this truth and is the foundation of our faith.
21. Hebrews 9:28 – Christ’s Final Sacrifice
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
This scripture looks forward to Christ’s second coming. Just as His first coming included His death and resurrection for the salvation of humanity, His return will complete the work He began, bringing final redemption to those who follow Him.
Conclusion
Easter is a time of deep reflection on the Savior’s Atonement, death, and resurrection. The scriptures from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants provide profound insight into the significance of Christ’s triumph over death. These scriptures offer hope, promise, and peace to all believers, reminding us that through Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity for eternal life. As we celebrate Easter, we are invited to look to Him as the source of our joy, resurrection, and salvation.
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