Reverend Emmanuel Titi-Lartey, Associate Pastor of Harvest International Ministries, on Good Friday asked Christians to use the commemoration of the event to reflect on what the Cross of Christ represents.
He said: “Jesus Christ laid down his life on the cross after accomplishing his mission on earth...nobody took his life...he gave up his life for mankind and created opportunity for the forgiveness of our transgression.”
Rev. Titi-Lartey said these at a church service to mark Good Friday at Harvest Chapel International, Tesano, Accra.
It was attended by a large congregation, including international worship leader Bob Fitts, who is in the country to participate in Harvest Praise 2012, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Rev Titi-Lartey said the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed on the Cross has the potency to clean sins and empower humankind to forgive others their sins.
He said Jesus Christ forgave all those who molested and mocked at him on the road to Calvary and those who nailed him to the Cross, and tasked christians to emulate Christ for his virtues.
Rev Titi-Lartey said on Good Friday: “all things were accomplished...Christ took the place of mankind, he suffered needs so that our needs will be supplied, and led us into the presence of the God.”
He said Christ through the death on the cross created a new family and opened a new door for humankind.
Rev Fitzgerald Odonkor, President of Harvest International Ministry, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), reminded Christians that the crucifixion of Christ symbolises God's power and dominion.
He said it also demonstrate the peaceful nature of God as well as the good plans he had for humankind.
Rev. Odonkor explained that, the curtain in the temple, which tore into two when Christ died, indicated God’s dominion on earth.
He said the death of Jesus Christ would be meaningless if people always retaliate no matter the amount of counselling and admonishing they had received.
Rev. Odonkor explained that retaliation always brought about a cycle of bitterness as generations to come would always want to retaliate for the pains that their forefathers went through.
He called on Ghanaians to unite and forgive one another and to "draw back their sword as Jesus ordered Peter to do", to facilitate peace and development in the country.
Easter is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance and the last week of Lent is called Holy Week, and it involves Maundy Thursday, commemorating Maundy and the Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
Easter is followed by a 50-day period called Eastertide or the Easter Season, ending with Pentecost Sunday.
The date of Easter varies between March 22 and April 25. Eastern Christianity based its calculations on the Julian Calendar whose March 21 corresponds, during the 21st century, to April 3 in the Gregorian Calendar, in which calendar their celebration of Easter therefore varies between April 4 and May 8.
Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism, as well as by its position in the calendar in many languages, the words for "Easter" and "Passover" are etymologically related or homonymous.
Easter customs vary across the Christian world, but decorating Easter eggs is a common motif.
In the Western world, customs such as egg hunting and the Easter Bunny extend from the domain of the church, and often have a secular character.**
