Good Friday: What exactly is Good Friday and why is it referred to as "good" despite the fact that it is a somber and gloomy celebration of Jesus' death and suffering on that fateful day?
The Christian holy day of Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, commemorates Jesus' crucifixion and death at Calvary. Christians consider Good Friday to be an important day of the year because it commemorates what they consider to be the most significant weekend in world history.
Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it to be, "of first importance" that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along in the Scriptures...(1 Corinthians 15:3).
On Good Friday, we commemorate the day that Jesus voluntarily suffered and died by crucifixion as the supreme sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10). It is trailed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding His victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to Him by faith (Romans 6:5).
