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Former President Barack Obama welcomes guests to the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House in Washington, D.C., Apr. 25, 2011. Reuters

Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the third day after he was crucified. It's the most important religious celebration in the Christian faith. The day is a symbol of hope and eternal life for those who celebrate the holiday. The quotes and Bible verses below capture the spirit of the holiday and what it means for the millions who recognize it.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25-26

“The great gift of Easter is hope – Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love, which nothing can shake.” Basil Hume

“Easter is a time when God turned the inevitability of death into the invincibility of life.” Craig D. Lounsbrough

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the richest of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:7-10

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Romans 6:5

“Easter may seem boring to children, and it is blessedly unencumbered by the silly fun that plagues Christmas. Yet it contains the one thing needful for every human life: the good news of resurrection.” Frederica Mathewes-Green

“According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

“Here is the amazing thing about Easter; the Resurrection Sunday for Christians is this, that Christ in the dying moments on the cross gives us the greatest illustration of forgiveness possible.” T.D. Jakes

“The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name.” Luke 24:46-47

“Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal and new life.” Janine di Giovanni

“For as by a man came death, by a man has come the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

“Easter was when Hope in person surprised the whole world by coming forward from the future into the present.” N.T. Wright

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Former President Barack Obama welcomes guests to the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House in Washington, D.C., Apr. 25, 2011. Reuters