THE RESURRECTION

I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die – ever.  Do you believe this?  John 11:25-26

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the crowning doctrine of the Christian faith which separates it from all other faiths.  Every other religious founder has died and stayed dead.  If one were to refute and destroy Christianity, he would have to prove that the resurrection of Jesus is a hoax and a lie.  While many have tried, they have all failed.  What are some reasons for believing in Christ’s literal bodily resurrection?

The Old Testament prophets predicted it (Isaiah 52:10, 11, 13; Psalm 22:20-22).  A public execution assured death, defying the allegation that Jesus merely swooned from utter exhaustion, then revived.  He was clearly dead.  The soldiers did not need to break His legs (John 19:24).  Jesus had a securely guarded gravesite (16 Roman soldiers - shifts of 4 every four hours).  The penalty for falling asleep was being burned alive in their clothes.  The grave stone was heavy, possibly 1-2 tons. The tomb was found empty except for Jesus’ grave clothes lying where they had been.  The soldiers knew the truth (Matthew 28:1-4) despite being bribed to deny it (Matthew 28:11-15).  There were 500+ witnesses who saw Jesus alive after the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). There was dramatic change seen in the disciples’ lives.  Read the Book of Acts!  Sunday worship became the norm for Jewish believers in Christ.  At least 10,000 were willing to give up Sabbath worship to worship on the first day of the week.  Finally the transformed lives of believers even today when they trust Jesus as Savior.  Only Christ can do this (2 Corinthians 5:21)!

What about you?  What difference has Christ’s resurrection made in your life?  This is the ultimate life and game-changer!

Bob Kulp