Proof of the Resurrection of Christ
The word resurrection is used 41 times, all in the New testament according to Strong’s Concordance of the Bible.
Before I write about the different proofs of Jesus’ resurrection, I believe that one must fully understand the bible, it’s foundation, and its facts we believers rely on for truth.
a) 2 Timothy 3: 16, 17 says, “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Note it says ALL scripture, not some or a part of it. The scriptures are God’s original message to humanity and the only infallible revelation of himself and his saving grace for all people. Infallible can be construed as NEVER WRONG & COMPLETELY TRUE!
b) We must have faith in what we read. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Remember what Jesus said to Thomas, the disciple in John 20:29, “…Thomas because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Faith is what we believe is necessary when it comes to scripture and our acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
c) In Luke 24:6, he writes, “He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spoke with you when he was with you in Galilee.” I use this verse in Luke to convey an important fact about Luke. Luke is not a Jew he was a Gentile. In fact, he is the only non-Jew author of a Book in the Bible. Brethren, Luke’s writings both n the Book of Luke and Acts, contain more than ¼ of the writings in the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke gives us an account of Jesus’ birth, life and ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. Why do I mention all this about Luke? AN UNBELIEVER named Sir William Ramsey, tested and investigated the writings of Luke. After his intensive, critical, investigation of Luke’s writings, Sir Ramsey BECAME A BELIEVER. Sir Ramsey declared that Luke was the most accurate and greatest historian, ancient and modern. He could not dispute any of Luke’s writings. In keeping with that, Chapter 24 of Luke discusses Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, in detail, in 53 verses. A writing that is infallible and inspired by God which was tested and found to be totally true and accurate.
Now let’s take a look at what Jesus says in John 11:25, “…I am the resurrection, and the life…” In order for us to be resurrected, Jesus first had to be resurrected. Look at what the Bible says:
1. Matthew 28:6 says, “He is not here, for he is risen as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
2. Acts 17:31 says, “Because He [God] hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Jesus] whom He hath ordained whereof He hat given assurance unto all men, in that He [God] hath raised Him [Jesus] from the dead.”
3. Yet again in 1 Corinthians 15:12, it says, “Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how some say among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?” I understand that verse to say that of there is no resurrection of Christ, there is no salvation. (See 1 Corinthians 15: 12-19) Our bodily resurrection is guaranteed by the fact that Christ was resurrected from the dead. The believer’s resurrection is guaranteed because of Christ’s as shown in 1 Corinthians 15: 20-23.
What the aforementioned shows us is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is definitely one of the central truths of the Bible and Gospels (i.e. the good news of forgiveness and eternal life is through Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-8). Apart from the resurrection, we believers would have no hope and our faith in God coupled with our testimony about Christ would be absolutely useless. (See 1 Corinthians 15: 12-19)
Why do you think that Jesus’ enemies, who had him crucified to begin with, recognized the potential effect that the message of his resurrection could have? Let’s look at that:
a) To great lengths they went to prevent Jesus’ followers/believers/disciples from being able to respond or spread such a message that Christ is risen. They did all they could to secure the tomb where Jesus lay. (See Matthew 27: 62 – 66)
b) The fact remains, however, that no man can stop a miracle from God. Once Jesus was resurrected, is enemies came up with a plan to suppress the message of the resurrection by deceit and lies. (See Matthew 28: 11-15)
We believers now know that this plan failed! We know of Jesus’ resurrection and fully believe in it. What is the importance of Christ’s resurrection to us that believe in him? Several Reasons:
a) It proves to us that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4 and John 10: 17-18)
b) It guarantees the effectiveness of his death for our sins. In other words, we are forgiven of our sins and our relationship/fellowship with God the father has been fully restored. (Romans 6:4, 1 Corinthians 15:17)
c) It verifies the truth of God’s word. (Psalm 16:10, Luke 24: 44-47, Acts 2:31)
d) Its proof of future judgment of the wicked (Acts 17: 30-31)
e) It’s the foundation for Christ’s gift of the Holy Spirit and a renewal of spiritual life to us, and for Jesus to be our intercessor/mediator with God and us. (John 20:22, Romans 5:10, Hebrews 7: 23-28)
f) It assures us of our future inheritance in heaven when Jesus returns for us. (John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
g) It gives us Christ’s presence and power over sin in our everyday life. (Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 1: 18-20)
Back in the Old Testament Father God tells us the importance of the resurrection. In the Book of Hosea 13:14 it says, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave: I will redeem them from death: O death I will be thy plagues: O grave I will be thy destruction, repentance shall be hid from my eyes.” God’s promise to Israel was that he would rescue and restore them from death. (i.e. a remnant will be saved) God’s purpose has not changed. Jesus, God’s own son redeemed us on the cross, saved us from eternal hell by his resurrection and ascension. The New Testament points to Christ’s resurrection as the guarantee of God’s victory. (1 Corinthians 15: 54-55)
In the New Testament, the importance of Christ’s resurrection is shown in Matthew 28:6; Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:17 and Colossians 1:18.
Then, we have Christ’s appearance after his death to further prove his resurrection.
1) Appearance to Mary Magdalene (John 20: 11-18)
2) The women returning from the tomb (Matthew 28: 9-10)
3) To Peter (Luke 24:34)
4) To the two travelers on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-32)
5) The disciples minus Thomas and others with him (Luke 24: 36-43)
6) All of the disciples a week later (John 20: 26-31)
7) Seven of the disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21: 1-25)
8) 500 people in Galilee (1 Corinthians 15:6)
9) To James (1 Corinthians 15:7)
10) To the disciples receiving the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 16-20)
11) Those who were with him when he ascended into Heaven (Acts 1: 3-11)
12) His appearance to Saul of Tarsus, now known as the Apostle Paul who started many churches and wrote many of the New Testament Epistles and Letters. (1 Corinthians 15:8)
This essay is in no way a complete expose’ of Christ’s resurrection and the proof thereof. It is this writer’s intent to cover the high points in proof of his resurrection where the reader will want to go deeper. God cannot lie. His word is infallible. There is no option but to believe that Jesus was resurrected.
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