The day after the Sabbath following the Feast of Unleavened Bread is the day when Jesus Christ resurrected, breaking the power of death. In the Old Testament times, the Israelites brought a sheaf of the firstfruits of their harvest to the priest, and he waved it as an offering before God on the day after the Sabbath following the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Feast of Firstfruits was a shadow of the Resurrection Day, on which Jesus was raised from the dead as the firstfruits of those who had fallen asleep (Lev 23:6-11; 1 Cor 15:20).

ⓒ 2007 WATV

On April 8 (Sunday), the people of Zion celebrated the Day of Resurrection and commemorated the grace of Christ, according to the regulations prescribed in the Bible. On this day, Mother prayed in thanksgiving to Father for suffering on the cross for His children who were dying without hope, chained to sin and death, and for giving them the hope of resurrection by overcoming the power of death. Mother prayed for Her children to quickly find their lost brothers and sisters and lead them to Zion where they would be safe from disasters and to participate in resurrection and transfiguration, and also prayed for the souls of the martyrs who were waiting for the day of resurrection in the paradise and for the souls who were eagerly waiting for the good news of life, still wandering aimlessly in this sinful world.

ⓒ 2007 WATV

Chief Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim preached a sermon on the origin and meaning of the Day of Resurrection. At the time of the Exodus, the Israelites safely crossed the Red Sea, while the Egyptian army was drowned and buried in the sea. And in the New Testament times, on this day Jesus resurrected by defeating all the power of darkness. The Chief Pastor urged the members to always win a victory against the power of darkness as Christ did, saying, “Let us give hope for resurrection and for the eternal kingdom of heaven to those who live without hope because they think that everything ends with death.” He emphasized that the children of God would participate in the blessing of resurrection and transfiguration, as the worm-like larvae transform into beautiful winged adults.

The bread for the Day of Resurrection has a Biblical basis: Christ, after His resurrection, took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to His disciples; then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. The members celebrated the Day of Resurrection through worship, breaking bread together and sharing it with their neighbors. In thanksgiving to God for all the blessings they received, they prayed that they would find all of their lost brothers and sisters around the world and share the hope and joy of heaven with them.