The Resurrection

Introduction

Is the resurrection of Jesus Christ the greatest event in the history of mankind or the biggest hoax ever concocted?

There are many reactions to the resurrection. Some reject it because it doesn’t fit within human reason. Others reject it due to indifference. Still others are honest doubters who question the resurrection as they sincerely seek the truth.

Then there are those who reject the resurrection of Jesus Christ because they stubbornly refuse to believe and make it their business to discredit it.

There’s no question that critics of Christianity spend a great deal of time and effort attacking this belief. And well they should. It is hard to imagine a more important doctrine to Bible-believing Christians. The resurrection IS Christianity.

It’s not hyperbole to say that eternal life in heaven depends on one’s belief in Jesus’ resurrection. Even though an estimated 11 percent of professing evangelical scholars do not believe in a physical resurrection, the Bible is very clear on its importance to saving faith:

1Cor. 15:14 …if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

Rom. 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

The implications of the resurrection are enormous. Paul Little says this:

“Either He did or He didn’t rise from the dead. If He did, it was the most sensational event in all of history, and we have conclusive answers to the profound questions of our existence: Where have we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going? If Christ rose, we know with certainty that God exists, what He is like, and how we may know Him in personal experience; the universe takes on meaning and purpose, and it is possible to experience the living God in contemporary life. These and many other wonderful things are true if Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead.”

The early church certainly believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A common greeting among believers was “He is risen!”

But did Jesus really rise from the dead? Let’s examine the evidence.

The Death And Burial Of Jesus

It’s obvious that in order to rise from the dead one must first die and be buried.

It’s important to note that the Old Testament predicted both messianic events:

Isa. 53:5,7-9: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

It’s also important to note that Jesus predicted his own death, as well as his resurrection.

Matt. 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Mark 8:31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of he law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.

Mark 10:33-34 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

Finally, the New Testament thoroughly documents the death of the messiah, Jesus.

Matt. 27:50, 57-60 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

John 19:31-35 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.

Despite the Bible’s clear teaching on Jesus’ death and burial, a handful of unbelievers theorize that Christ did not actually die but instead collapsed from exhaustion and injuries sustained from being beaten and crucified. The “swoon theory” goes on to say that Jesus recovered from his ordeal while in his tomb and then walked out.

This theory is hard to believe for several reasons:

Medical experts and historians agree that crucifixion is one of the most brutal and gruesome forms of execution ever devised. On top of that, Jesus also suffered a piercing wound from the spear of a Roman soldier. Even if he had survived all of his injuries, would he be able to survive three days in a weakened condition with no food and water and wrapped like a mummy in 70 pounds of spices?

The Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side to ensure that he was dead would have been hard to fool. The Roman army was well-trained, and it is quite possible the soldier was a veteran of many crucifixions. Pilate, too, was convinced that Jesus was dead.

The women, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus would certainly have noticed if Jesus was still alive as they prepared him for burial. What’s more, they surely would have spoken up if that had been the case—they wanted Jesus alive, not dead, and didn’t understand about or expect the resurrection.

Christ would have had to deliberately deceive others into thinking he had come back to life, something totally against his character up to that time.

Another theory is that Jesus was never really buried, but that doesn’t pan out either. If Christ’s body had been disposed of in a pit with “other” criminals as the theory says, why was Jesus’ tomb sealed with a guard? And why didn’t the Romans and religious leaders of the time produce Christ’s body at the first talk of resurrection?

Except for the few who advocate the “swoon” and “no-burial” theories, Jesus’ death and burial are widely accepted as fact. The Bible and secular historians generally agree on these points. But then the real disagreements begin as both believers and unbelievers must explain the empty tomb and the alleged appearances of a resurrected Jesus Christ.

The Empty Tomb

The New Testament has much to say about Jesus’ empty tomb.

Matt. 28:2-7 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Luke 24:1-7 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”

The Bible teaches that Jesus was dead, buried and rose from the dead. It teaches that Christ literally and physically came back to life.

Despite what the New Testament has to say about Jesus’ resurrection, however, skeptics have proposed several alternative scenarios, including ones about the empty tomb.

The wrong tomb theory

This theory says that the disciples and women went to the wrong tomb. Is it likely, however, that Mary Magdalene and the mother of Jesus went to Jesus’ tomb prior to burial but couldn’t find their way back later? Is it likely that Joseph of Arimathea forgot where the tomb, which he himself provided for Jesus, was located? Is it likely that the Roman soldiers were guarding the wrong tomb? Finally, if the disciples went to the wrong tomb, one that was empty, why didn’t the Jewish leaders and Romans nip the resurrection talk in the bud by producing Jesus’ body?

The authorities moved the body theory

Some skeptics believe either the Romans or Jewish leaders moved Jesus’ body. But why would they do that? Wouldn’t a well-armed, well-trained guard do the trick? Regardless, and most importantly, if the body was indeed moved why didn’t the authorities produce it and squash the talk of resurrection once and for all?

The disciples stole the body theory

Advocates of this view say the disciples created the illusion of a resurrection by stealing Jesus’ body. In fact, Scripture says that the Jewish leaders adopted this story in order to account for the missing body. This kind of hoax, however, would not have been consistent with the character of the disciples up until that time. The disciples were also a frightened and disjointed group after Jesus was arrested. They were so scared the majority of them fled after Jesus’s arrest. What’s more, the Bible says repeatedly that his followers didn’t even understand that Jesus was to be resurrected. The disciples would also have had to take on a well-trained Roman guard at Jesus’ tomb. Finally, one has to question whether the disciples would later allow themselves to be martyred and die on behalf of what they knew was a lie, a lie they themselves had masterminded.

The Eyewitnesses

In addition to numerous details about Jesus’ death, burial and empty tomb, the New Testament cites numerous eyewitness accounts of the resurrected Jesus Christ.

Matt. 28:8-10 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Luke 24:13-16,28-31 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

1Cor. 15:5 …he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

Luke 24:36,39,44,46-48 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” He told them, “This is what is written: 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 to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

Contradicting these eyewitness accounts, skeptics of Jesus’ resurrection have proposed numerous alternative explanations.

The hallucination theory

Supporters of this view says the disciples didn’t really see the resurrected Christ—they were hallucinating because they were expecting him to rise from the dead. In reality, the disciples weren’t expecting a resurrection at all. Also, it’s hard to believe 500 people would have the same hallucination at the same time. Regardless of all this, the theory does not account for the empty tomb.

The mistaken-identity theory

People who believe in this theory say that someone impersonated the resurrected Jesus. But would an impostor wound himself to simulate a crucifixion, complete with large, gaping wounds? And could an impostor do such things as walk through walls, appear and vanish at will, and ascend into heaven? Once again, the whereabouts of Jesus’ body is still unaccounted for.

The hypnosis theory

This theory says the disciples were hypnotized every time the name of Jesus was mentioned so they thought they could see him. While hypnosis is certainly possible, even for a group as large as 500, it requires a professional hypnotist, a controlled environment and almost certainly advanced technology (i.e., PA system, radio, television). None of these requirements could have been met at that time in history. For instance, hypnosis wasn’t even discovered until much later. Like previous theories, the fact of the empty tomb is still not addressed.

The nostalgia theory

These skeptics say the resurrection only occurred in the hearts of the disciples. They missed him so much they got nostalgic. This theory ignores numerous eyewitness accounts that included such things as long conversations and a meal. Adopting this view would be akin to a jury ignoring the testimonies of witness after witness describing the same thing. Above and beyond spiritualizing what should logically be taken literally, this theory cannot account for the Lord’s missing body.

The telepathy theory

Believers of this view say that God, via telepathy, sent mental images of the resurrected Christ into the minds of the disciples. In addition to making the creator of the universe a deceiver and untrustworthy, it’s hard to imagine the two disciples on the road to Emmaus carrying on a seven-mile conversation with a telepathic image. And, once again, what happened to Jesus’ body?

The deluded-woman theory

Advocates of this theory say that Mary Magdalene, who was cleansed of seven demons by Jesus, was out of her mind and only imagined she saw a resurrected Christ. This theory isn’t very convincing, however, since Mary was only one of 500 eyewitnesses to see Jesus alive after his death. Also, where’s the body?

The seance theory

In this theory the spirit of Jesus was conjured up by a medium. Could Jesus’ disciples touch a spirit, however? Could Thomas have reached out and examine the holes in Jesus’ hands, feet and side? Could a spirit eat fish as the Lord did? Like the others before it, this theory neglects to account for Jesus’ missing body.

The Message Of The Apostles

There’s no question that Jesus’ apostles believed in the resurrection. It was the central theme of their message throughout the New Testament.

Rom. 6:4 …Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father…

1Cor. 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

2Cor. 4:14 …we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus…

Gal. 1:1 Paul, an apostle -sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead -

Eph. 1:20 which he (God) exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead…

Col. 2:12 …God…raised him from the dead.

1Ths. 1:10 …his Son from heaven, whom he (God) raised from the dead…

1Pet. 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Conclusion

Believers in a physical and literal resurrection of Jesus aren’t just limited to several hundred eyewitnesses, however. The Christian church has thrived for 2000 years, full of those who once were honest doubters. The evidence of Jesus’ resurrection has changed the lives of countless people from different cultures, backgrounds and education levels. Here are a few testimonies of some of those who were once skeptical.

Conclusion of an attorney general

“No intelligent jury in the world could fail to bring in a verdict that the resurrection story is true.” John Singleton Copley

Conclusion of a lawyer

“As a lawyer I have made a prolonged study of the evidences for the events of the first Easter Day. To me the evidence is conclusive, and over and over again in the High Court I have secured the verdict on evidence not nearly so compelling. Inference follows on evidence, and a truthful witness is always artless and disdains effect. The Gospel evidence for the resurrection is of this class, and as a lawyer I accept it unreservedly as the testimony of truthful men to facts they were able to substantiate.” Sir Edward Clarke

Conclusion of a Harvard professor

“All that Christianity asks of men…is, that they would be consistent with themselves; that they would treat its evidences as they treat the evidence of other things; and that they would try and judge its actors and witnesses, as they deal with their fellow men, when testifying to human affairs and actions, in human tribunals…The result, it is confidently believed, will be an undoubting conviction of their integrity, ability and truth.” Simon Greenleaf

Conclusion of a Cambridge scholar

“Indeed, taking all the evidence together, it is not too much to say that there is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Christ.” Canon Westcott

Conclusion of an author

“The evidence for our Lord’s life and death and resurrection may be, and often has been, shown to be satisfactory; it is good according to the common rules for distinguishing good evidence from bad. Thousands and tens of thousands of persons have gone through it piece by piece as carefully as every judge summing up on a most important case. I have myself done it many times over, not to persuade others but to satisfy myself. I have been used for many years to study the histories of other times, and to examine and weigh the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than the great sign which God hath given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead.” Professor Thomas Arnold

Conclusion of a skeptical apostle

John 20:24-29 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus Christ was, indeed, resurrected. It’s the greatest event in the history of mankind. He is risen!

Resurrection and life after death also awaits those who place their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

John 14:19 …Because I (Jesus) live, you also will live.

If you believe in Jesus’ resurrection and want to become a Christian you can do that right now by going to I want to make a commitment. If you would like more information on what it means to be a Christian, please read Christianity.

If you’ve read this and aren’t convinced, please go to I’m not convinced. Or you can e-mail me at info@krcconline.org with your questions and doubts. God doesn’t want people to make uninformed decisions.