Resurrection Proof by Gerald Van Horn
Text. John 2:19 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
In our text everyone thought that Jesus was talking about the Herod’s temple. But the Scripture goes on to say that he was talking about himself.
Vrs. 21. “But He spake of the temple of the body.”
His listeners were amazed. They felt they were looking at a mad man.
Jesus was either insane or suffering hallucinations. We know He was none of these and we offer three areas in which there is proof of His resurrection.
1. Scripture Proof:
The Bible lists 12 places in Scripture where people witnessed the resurrection:
1) Mary Magdalene, Matthew 28:9, Mark 16:19.
2) Other women, Matthew 28:9, Mark 16:1.
3) Peter, Luke 24:34, I Corinthians 15:5.
4) To two on Emmaus Road, Luke 24:13, 31.
5) The Eleven Disciples, John 20:24-25.
6) The Twelve Disciples, John 20:26-28.
7) Galilee Seashore, John 21:14.
8) Galilee Mountains, Matthew 28:16.
9) James, I Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:19.
10) At the Ascension, Acts 1:19.
11) Stephen, Acts 7:55.
12) Paul on the Damascus Road, I Corinthians 15:8.
The Resurrection of Jesus accomplished three things:
1. The work of atonement was compete.
2. It revealed Jesus to be Lord of all.
3. It gave all believers hope of our own resurrection.
2. Martyrdom Proof :
The Apostles were willing to give their lives for the Lord Jesus
Christ.
James- (Acts 12:2) He was the first of the twelve. He was beheaded
in 44 A.D.
Matthew- He was pinned to the ground and beheaded in the city of
Nadabah. 60 A.D.
Peter- He was crucified upside down for he felt unworthy to be hung
the Lord was.
Jude- He was crucified at Edessa.
Barthalomew- He was cruelly beaten and crucified.
Thomas-He was tortured and run through with spears. He was
then thrown into the flames of an oven.
Luke- He was hung from an Olive tree. 93 A.D.
James-(the less) He was thrown off the temple and then his head
was bashed in by clubs.
Mark-He was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria.
Andrew- He was crucified on a X shaped cross.
John- He was cast into a pit off hot oil and did not die and was
exiled to Patmos where he died of old age.
What prompted these to give their lives for Christ. It was because
they believed what Jesus said about life after death.
*You will find all this information in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.
3. The Greatest Proof Of all:
The transformation of soul from a sinner to a child of God. A life that
has drastically changed is proof that there is a living Savior. Old
things are passed away and all things become new. I think of myself
who was miserable and hopeless. Living a life of self gratification.
No purpose and direction in life. He is a living Savior. Then Jesus
came into my life and I was changed. I was born anew. Now I have a peace in my heart that I never had before. Because Jesus gave hope in the Resurrected life. I know for a certainty if I were to die tonight that when I next open my eyes I would be in heaven. Blessed assurance.
I am not the only one who can testify of the Resurrection power
effecting their lives in miraculous way. Jesus said. “Because I live
you shall live also.”
May you may experience this wonderful Jesus in your life today and
find life and happiness.
