On Sunday, April 20, 2003, about 120,000 members of the Church of God in the whole world observed the Resurrection Day with hope of resurrection, centering the New Jerusalem Temple in Korea.
In the Old Testament times, this day was called the Feast of the firstfruits or the Feast of the wave offering, for the priest waved a sheat of the first grain before God. And Jesus fulfilled this feast by His rising from the dead as the firstfruits of those having fallen asleep. This feast was to be celebrated on the day after the Sabbath, so the Resurrection Day is Sunday in Today's week system.
At the morning commemorative service, the General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol preached: "On the day when Jesus was resurrected, His two disciples, going to Emmaus, recognized Jesus when they broke bread. Like them, today let's participate in the bread of the resurrection and recognize our Savior with our spiritual eyes open."
ⓒ 2003 WATV
- 부활절 떡 축사기도
In this Resurrection Day worship, foreign members in Korea and from the United States took part. Diana, who teaches at a university in Korea, showed serious attitude, saying, "This is my first observation of Resurrection Day in Zion. I've wanted to keep God's feasts in the New Jerusalem Temple with Mother." Especially the new song by the members from Los Angeles, reminded all the participants of the prophecy, "Nations will come to Jerusalem and praise Her." Jesus' rising from the dead as the firstfruits of those having fallen asleep represents our rising to life. The Bible prophesies that we will all be changed in a flash on the last day (1 Corinthians 15:51). May all the members of the Church of God be blessed with the resurrection and eternal life!