If we were to present the case for the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a court of law, we would have to first refute the notion or belief that this was nothing more than "faith" on the part of the apostles and all who have followed Him throughout history. I have pointed out in a recent post that historical research begins with the original source of information on a person or event in question, and that the evidence needs to be followed, even if the outcome is something that we do not want or expect. Facts are just that -facts. We rob ourselves of truth every day and we destroy ourselves as a society if we choose to ignore or thwart the obvious. Facts either confirm or deny any tale, legend, hearsay, or personal feelings and opinions about someone or something. We cannot "bend the rules" nor "twist the truth" to suit ourselves. With that shot of reality designed to wake some of you up, let us further proceed with what both Scripture and extra-biblical sources tell us about this event, that if true, changed history and the eternal destiny of every soul on earth. In referring back to the Scriptures (and the nearly 5,000 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament alone that are available, some dating back to as early as the Second century A.D.), we have to recognize them as a credible, if not the primary historical source for what we know about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scripture gives us the specific names and places where Jesus met with His followers after His resurrection.
Mary Magdalene, the woman who had been delivered from demonic possession was the first to see Him after He had risen (John 20:11-18). He also appeared to the women who were heading to His tomb to complete the ritual of anointing His body with burial spices (Matthew 28:5-10). He appeared to Peter as well as to the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-31, 34, 36-43). He appeared to His disciples when Thomas, the pessimistic skeptic of the bunch, had returned to join them. Thomas' encounter with the resurrected Christ gave birth to the great confession of faith and belief (John 20:24-29). Jesus appeared to the disciples when they had been fishing all night (John 21:1-13). Referring back to 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul recorded that over five hundred brethren saw Jesus in the flesh at one time (1 Corintians 15:6). According to the Law of Moses, only two or three witnesses were needed in order to verify any testimony (Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:5; 1 Timothy 5:19). Paul's testimony of transformation from a bitter enemy of Christians into one of His most faithful and active adherents is itself a legitimate piece of evidence to support the resurrection, something that even the most skeptical of Bible scholars will admit (Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8). Jesus also appeared to His brothers and sisters after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7). Prior to this, none of them believed in Him and even considered Him insane (Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21; John 7:5).
One of the most noted experts on the subject of the Resurrection living today is Dr. Gary Habermas, Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He collected over 1,400 of the most critically scholarly works dealing with the Resurrection that were written from 1975-2003, and discovered that across the theological spectrum from the most liberal to conservative, all agreed that the following issues concerning Jesus Christ and the Resurrection are actual historical facts:
1) Jesus died by Roman crucifixion and was buried in a private tomb.
2) Soon afterward, the disciples were discouraged, bereaved, and despondent, having lost all hope.
3) Then, Jesus' tomb was found empty shortly after His internment.
4) The disciples all had experiences that they believed were actual appearances of the risen Jesus.
5) Due to these experiences, the disciple's lives were thoroughly transformed, even willing to die for their belief.
6) The proclamation of the Resurrection took place early from the start of church history.
7) The public testimony of the disciples and preaching of the Resurrection took place in the city of Jerusalem where Jesus had been crucified and buried shortly before.
8) Sunday became the day of worship and gathering by the early Christians.
9) The conversions of Paul and James were cited as compelling evidence for the claims of the resurrection of Jesus.
10) Apostolic collaboration on the composition of the Gospels and the letters were all in agreement concerning the events of the Resurrection and the honesty of their testimonies. The Gospels present embarrassing details about their character and skepticism that would be missing if it were all a fabrication (Ex. Peter's denial, the testimony of the women, Paul's hatred of Christ prior to his conversion, etc.).
Sources:
1) Geisler, Norman, and Turek, Frank. "I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist" Wheaton, Ill., Crossway Books, 2004, pp. 288-300.
2) Geisler, Norman, and Holden, Joseph. "The Popular Handbook of Archaeology and the Bible", Eugene, OR., Harvest House, 2013, pp.295-305.
3) Caner, Ergun, and Hindson, Ed. "The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics", Eugene, OR., Harvest House, 2008, pp.135-138.
As with all historical research concerning the Scriptures and the claims of Jesus Christ, do your own homework and examination of the evidence. Hers is a "starter list" of websites that I invite you to use and check for yourself:
www.crossexamined.org
www.coldcasechristianity.com
www.getalifemedia1.com
www.biblearchaeology.org
www.worldofthebible.com
www.answersingenesis.org
www.blueletterbible.org
www.livingwaters.com
Here is the "main takeaway": For over two thousand years, lives have been transformed and renewed by the fact that Jesus Christ is LORD and that he has been raised from the dead. If you are unsure about who Jesus is and what the deal is concerning the gift of salvation that He freely offers to anyone who calls on Him, all you need to do is ask Him (Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10). He is alive and returning soon. I want you to be ready when that day arrives. The next post concerning the resurrection will deal with the hopelessness we all face if Jesus Christ had not risen from the dead and the consequences it would mean to all of us in terms of eternity (1 Corinthians 15:12-19, 32).
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