The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the crux of the Christian faith.
Paul said if Christ did not rise from the dead, then Christians are of all people the most to be pitied because their faith is in vain (See 1 Corinthians 15:17).
Paul said if Christ did not rise from the dead, then Christians are of all people the most to be pitied because their faith is in vain (See 1 Corinthians 15:17).
The resurrection of Jesus Christ sets Him apart from any other belief system or deity. Saying someone rose from the dead seems like a preposterous statement! The logical, rational, intellectual person objects that saying someone rose from the dead is preposterous and cannot be accepted as true. False. Although some of the following information might seem overwhelming, it's purpose is to show that believing Christ rose from the dead does NOT indicate one must set aside common sense and reason.
Did Jesus bodily rise from the dead?
The resurrection of Christ is a verifiable event in history. His physical body, not just His spirit or a form of Him rose from the dead. His resurrection is not an analogy or myth, but a true occurrence. He bodily, visibly, literally, physically rose from the dead. (Acts 1)
The resurrection of Christ is a verifiable event in history. His physical body, not just His spirit or a form of Him rose from the dead. His resurrection is not an analogy or myth, but a true occurrence. He bodily, visibly, literally, physically rose from the dead. (Acts 1)
Skeptics have created different theories to explain the resurrection, such as:
1. Disciples stole the body of Jesus from the tomb while the soldiers (who were guarding the tomb) were sleeping.
Problems:
Problems:
Problems:
1. Disciples stole the body of Jesus from the tomb while the soldiers (who were guarding the tomb) were sleeping.
Problems:
- Roman guards would have lost their lives if it was discovered they “slept” on the job. Instead, the Pharisees paid the soldiers to be quiet and promised to keep them out of trouble if their commanders learned the truth. Matthew 28:11-15
- Disciples were cowardly after Jesus’ death. To steal the body, they would need to be united and bold. They were in hiding for fear of their lives.
- Easy to remedy—go and check the “correct” tomb.
Problems:
- The spear that pierced Jesus’ side actually pierced his heart (pericardium). Clear fluid and blood flowed together from the piercing. John 19:34
- Medically impossible to survive a crucifixion. The Romans were skilled crucifiers and knew well how to determine if a man was dead.
Problems:
- To hallucinate, an individual wants to see the image. The disciples were discouraged because they believed Jesus truly was dead. They doubted that His words regarding His resurrection would indeed come to pass.
- All the hallucinations were different. Each appearance was different from the others.
- Hallucinations continue indefinitely. All appearances stopped after 40 days (when He ascended into heaven).
- If only Jesus’ spirit or a different body/form rose, then He would not have been recognized as a person, or been able to be touched, nor eat or drink. Matthew 28:9; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:30, 34, 41-43; John 20:20, 25-29, 21:5-14
- Appearances of Christ after Resurrection:
1. Mary Magdalene-John 20:11-18; Mark 16:9
2. Other women- Matthew 28:8-10
3. Peter- Luke 24:34; I Corinthians 15:5
4. Emmaus Road- Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12
5. Ten disciples- Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-24
6. Eleven disciples- John 20:24-29
7. Seven disciples by sea- John 21:1-23
8. Five hundred people- I Corinthians 15:6
9. James- I Corinthians 15:7
10. Eleven disciples- Matthew 28:16-20
11. At ascension- Acts 1:3-12
12. Stephen- Acts 7:55
13. Paul- Acts 9:3-6, 22:17-21, 23:11; I Corinthians 15:8
In addition, the resurrection...
- Substantiates Jesus' claim to deity - Romans 1:4
- Validates Jesus' authority to forgive sins - Romans 4:25
- Verifies the truthfulness of Jesus' statements - Matthew 20:18-19
- Verifies the Old Testament by fulfilling prophecy - Psalm 16:10-11
- Gives us confidence that we also will be raised - John 14:19
- Gives proof that believers can lead holy lives - Romans 6:4
- Gives us assurance that Jesus is now in Heaven praying for us - Romans 8:34
- Shows that God will one day judge the world through Jesus - Acts 17:31
- Demonstrates that Jesus is Lord of all. Romans 14:9, "Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead."
In Summary:
Faith in Jesus is useless if Jesus did not rise from the dead
Faith is vital if Jesus did rise from the dead
Christ died, was buried, and bodily rose on the third day
Faith in Jesus is useless if Jesus did not rise from the dead
Faith is vital if Jesus did rise from the dead
Christ died, was buried, and bodily rose on the third day