“In this series of articles, we
plan
to provide evidence for the
resurrection so your skepticism
can be replaced by conviction.”
Note: The Webmaster is currently locating Articles 8 - 10 on The Resurrection of Jesus.
1. Its Significance
The key event distinguishing Christianity’s founder from the founder of any other world religion is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Without the resurrection, Christianity would have had only a limited, local following. Like water to a flame, a dead Jesus would have quenched the zeal of Christians. Yet, Jesus did rise and Christianity’s influence rose with Him.
Jesus did something no one else had done. Abraham, the father of Judaism, died and never experienced a bodily resurrection. Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, died and stayed dead. Mohammed, Islam’s revered prophet, died in 632 A.D. and his tomb can still be visited in Medina. Yet, Jesus died and was seen alive by hundreds of witnesses three days later. Why should the resurrection of Jesus be significant to you?
It is evidence for unbelief. Jesus, before His death declared, “...no sign will be given...except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:38-40). If a man claims he will die and come to life we can come to three basic conclusions. Either he is a raving lunatic, He is a liar or he is the Lord. If Jesus is still dead, He fits in the lunatic or liar category. Yet, if He arose, it is incredible evidence Jesus is who He claimed!
It answers the believer’s doubt. It is easy to doubt the likelihood of a man dying and coming back to an earthly existence. Jesus realized this and showed Himself to His doubting disciples on several occasions (Luke 24:38-43; John 20:24-29). It is okay to have doubts. However, like Thomas, when sufficient evidence has been shown to prove Jesus did truly die and was resurrected we should have the integrity to proclaim “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). In this series of articles, we plan to provide evidence, month by month, for the resurrection so your skepticism can be replaced by conviction.
The resurrection validates the teachings of Jesus. If Jesus was right about this unpredictable event, then Jesus is right in everything else He taught. Many want Jesus as Savior, but reject Him as Lord. Yet, if Jesus was resurrected it proves His Lordship over our lives. This was the ultimate conclusion of Peter’s first sermon in Acts 2:36 as he said, “...let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
It addresses our fear of death. For those who have no hope beyond this life, death is bound to be a grueling experience. Yet, the resurrection of Jesus is proof positive life exists beyond the grave. If God could grant it to Jesus, it can be given to us too. For this reason, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ O Death, where is your sting?” The tragedy of death will be a gut-wrenching blow to those who cannot see a life beyond. Through Jesus, we have a future.
It is a pattern for our own life. Jesus selflessly paid the ultimate price for our sins. He died, but rose to new life. The life of a Christian is one of selflessness. We do not live for our own pleasures, but to please God who created us and will save us. This philosophy is part of having “the mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:3-11). Such a life does require sacrifice. However, it also includes an eternal reward. The raising of Jesus from the dead guarantees a reward will follow those who make the sacrifice. Will you turn away from sin while trying to live a new life of devotion to God (Romans 6:3-14)? Sin’s pleasures will only last for so long…
July 2009
2. Old Testament Type and Prophecy
Jesus, in referring to the Old Testament, once said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). After the resurrection of Jesus He explained, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me” (Luke 24:44).
Thus, at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus He anticipated the future fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Yet, after His resurrection, Jesus felt He had fulfilled the law. This work included His resurrection, since Jesus says, “Thus it is written, and...was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day…” (Luke 24:46).
Establishing the resurrection as a part of prophecy is important for several reasons. First, because it is an internal evidence of the foreknowledge of God. If we find the resurrection foreshadowed prior to its occurrence, it establishes it as a part of God’s plan. Second, realizing it was part of God’s plan helps eliminate the possibility it was an apostolic conspiracy. Some might suggest the resurrection was merely a last-minute theory concocted by the disciples of Jesus. However, the fact we read of the resurrection being foreshadowed eliminates it from being considered a spontaneous fiction from the broken hearts of he disciples. Far from it. The resurrection of Jesus had been in God’s plan since before the disciples ever stepped foot on earth.
Consider a few ways we see the resurrection foreshadowed in the Old Testament.
First, we see the resurrection in Old Testament type. The word “type” is explained by Milton Terry in Biblical Hermeneutics, “In the technical and theological sense a type is a figure... of that which is to come. It is a person, institution, office, action, or event by means of which some truth of the Gospel was divinely foreshadowed under the Old Testament dispensations. Whatever was thus prefigured is the antitype.”
As we look to the Old Testament we find examples of this divine foreshadowing of the resurrection. Paul explains one such example of typology is found in a comparison of Adam and Jesus. Adam’s sin brought the curse of death to all men. Yet, in an opposite fashion, the resurrection of Jesus brought the hope of life to all men (see Romans 5:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
Further, we see the resurrection of Jesus foreshadowed at the curse. Genesis 3:15 reveals “the seed of woman” would “bruise His heel” but the serpent’s “head” would be bruised. Thus, Satan would be dealt a fatal wound, but Jesus, Mary’s “seed,” would be dealt a temporary wound. How is it temporary? Well, Jesus would die, but would be resurrected in three days! So, even at the curse God offers a glimmer of hope.
Another example of typology is seen in the “Feast of Firstfruits.” This feast was celebrated on the Jewish calendar’s 16th of Nisan for the “firstfruits” of the grain harvest. Interestingly, Jesus was resurrected on this same day being the “firstfruits” of the resurrection (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Perhaps the most well known example of resurrection typology is a comparison of Jonah to Jesus. Jesus declared in Matthew 12:39-40, “...no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Yet, cited more often by the apostles is the use of prophecy. Peter cited Psalm 16:8-11 as he sought to establish Christ’s resurrection. Such examples of type and prophecy help confirm God called His shot before it happened!
August 2009
3. New Testament Prophecy and Parable
It would be easier to discount the resurrection of Jesus as a mythological fluke if it had only occurred in hindsight. Yet, a close reading of Old and New Testament history will make one realize the resurrection was a subject of divine foresight.
Death is an easily predictable event. However, it would border on insanity for someone in the days of Jesus to proclaim a life after death.
Wilbur Smith writes, “That Jesus said He was going up to Jerusalem to die is not so remarkable, though all the details He gave about that death, weeks and months before He died, are together a prophetic phenomenon. But when He said that He Himself would rise again from the dead, the third day after He was crucified, He said something that only a fool would dare say, if he expected longer the devotion of any disciples—unless He was sure He was going to rise. No founder of any world religion known...ever dared say a thing like that!”
Examine the undeniable prophetic statements of Jesus in the New Testament which predict His death and resurrection.
The parable of the vinedressers is recorded in Mark 12:1-11. In this parable, Jesus not only condemns the Jews for rejecting and killing the prophets, but for rejecting the vineyard owner’s son (Jesus). It takes a small bit of perception to see this was the intended meaning. Yet, despite the murder of the son (referring to Jesus Christ) Jesus ends the parable with a prophecy from Psalm 118:22-23, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” (Mark 12:10-11).
How could the son (the rejected stone) become the “chief cornerstone” if he were dead? Every New Testament writer after the resurrection understood this to be a reference to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Acts 4:10-12; 1 Peter 2:4-7; Romans 9:32-33; Ephesians 1:20-23; 2:20). All the apostles who cited this passage understood Jesus to be referring to His rejection by the Jews but resurrection by God.
Jesus also revealed one validating sign as a proof of His claims to authority. Matthew 12:38-40 records, “Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.’ But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” In this passage, Jesus not only makes reference to His resurrection but notes the number of days He would be “in the heart of the earth.” Jesus saw Jonah’s experience as a form of typology and His reference confirms such an Old Testament interpretation and His own foreknowledge of the resurrection.
Though the parables and signs are convincing evidence, Jesus stated, in no uncertain terms, He would die and be raised again. These statements are preserved in the following passages of Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 16:21; 17:9, 22-23; 20:18-19; 26:32). Such statements were not a secret to unbelievers. After the death of Jesus, His enemies go to Pilate asking the governor to seal and guard the tomb. Their reasoning? “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise’” (Matthew 27:63).
The Jews knew Jesus had made predictions about His resurrection. This was the reason they asked for the tomb to be sealed and guarded. Yet, the strongest seal and most well-armed guard could not keep an Almighty God from doing what He said He would do on the resurrection morning!
September 2009
4. Prerequisites of the Resurrection
Before one can prove the resurrection of Jesus, there are a few prerequisites. For example, if someone is going to be raised from the dead, he must first be verifiably dead!
Various theories abound about the death of Jesus aiming to discount the resurrection. These theories are ardently proposed by false teachers and skeptics. After all, if unbelievers can cast doubt upon the factitious nature of His death they no longer must explain the resurrection. Therefore, Christians must arm themselves with the evidence proving the reality of the death of Jesus. Such evidence will only deepen our faith in the resurrection. So, consider…
...the Biblical evidence. The events surrounding the death of the Messiah were extensively prophesied and portrayed in the Scriptures. Over fifteen prophecies are all connected to the scene of Jesus’ death and verified in the gospel accounts (see Isaiah 50:6; 53:3,5,9,12; Psalm 22:1,7-8,14,18; 34:20; 38:11; 69:21; Zechariah 12:10). To confirm these Messianic prophecies, there are detailed eyewitness accounts often citing their fulfillment in the death of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:22-50, 55-56; Mark 15:12-47; Luke 23:13-55; John 19:1-42). Such eyewitness testimony led Paul to succinctly write, “...that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
The many passages about the death of Jesus offer substantial evidence. First, his sentence of death by Pontius Pilate and the angry Jews indicate this frenzied mob would have allowed no less than death. Second, his extreme physical, psychological and emotional abuse prior to the cross made a quick death more likely. Third, the evidence of being nailed to the cross refutes the possibility of an ascension. Fourth, the customary plaque above Jesus documenting his person and crime indicates the government believed this was Jesus. Fifth, his death was witnessed by both Romans and Jews, friends and foes and destroys the possibility of a Jesus “look-alike.” Sixth, his death was verified by a Roman soldier who regularly practiced capital punishment and reported to Pilate. Finally, the body and head of Jesus was wrapped in linen clothes and buried in Joseph’s new tomb. No eyewitness believed this was anyone but Jesus. No eyewitness believed he was anything but dead.
...the extra-Biblical evidence. In The Historical Jesus, Gary Habermas aims to prove the death of Jesus can be established even by sources outside of the Bible. He summarizes his findings from these sources saying, “Of all the events in Jesus’ life, more ancient sources specifically mention his death than any other single occurrence. Of the 45 ancient sources, 28 relate to this fact, often with details. Twelve of these sources are non-Christian, which exhibits an incredible amount of interest in this event. Not only is Jesus’ death by crucifixion of major concern to these authors, but 14 of the 28 sources give various details about the crucifixion, from medical observations to political information concerning the current rulers, to historical specifications of the times in which Jesus died, to religious details about the reason for his death. These data witness to the facticity of Jesus’ death by crucifixion, regarding both the reality of the event itself, as well as numerous details surrounding it. It is fair to assert that this is one of the best-attested facts in ancient history.”
...the medical evidence. Based on the evidence, a doctor would conclude Jesus was indeed dead after His crucifixion. In fact, an article from the Journal of the American Medical Association stated, “Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to His side was inflicted and supports the traditional view that the spear, thrust between His right ribs, probably perforated not only the right lung but also the pericardium and heart and thereby ensured His death. Accordingly, interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern medical knowledge.”
October 2009
5. The Empty Tomb
On the third day after Jesus was buried, several women came to his tomb to anoint His body with spices (Mark 16:1). Yet, upon their arrival they found the stone removed, the tomb empty and were told, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him” (Mark 16:6). These women immediately went and told Peter and John who also witnessed the empty tomb (John 20:1-8).
As Peter preached the first gospel sermon after the resurrection, the empty tomb was a primary piece of evidence. Peter contrasted King David’soccupied tomb with the empty tomb of the resurrected Jesus Christ (Acts 2:29-32). He said of David, “...he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day” (2:29). Yet, of Christ, “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses” (2:32).
There is no way to deny the fact of the empty tomb. It is established by too many witnesses and denied by none. So, how did the tomb come to be empty? The Scriptures teach the empty tomb was proof of the resurrection. Yet, skeptics, who do not want to believe in Jesus, often propose and offer alternative theories. Despite their attempts, the Bible has a response. Consider a few of the conspiracy theories and the Bible’s answer.
The Secret Passageway Theory. Could Jesus have been secretly escorted out of the tomb through a secret passageway? The Bible tells us Joseph of Arimathea had the “new” tomb “hewn out of the rock” (Matthew 27:59-60). This precludes any possibility of a secret back entrance to the tomb.
Wrong Body Theory. Many ancient tombs have been unearthed in Palestine. Often, these tombs were filled with several bodies. Could the Jews have just mistaken his body was gone or misidentified it with other bodies? Referring back to the Matthew passage, we realize this was a “new” tomb (27:59-60). Jesus was the first body to have been placed in the tomb. This theory is not a possibility.
Stolen Body Theory. Could it be the tomb was empty because his body was stolen by Joseph, the women or the disciples? Pontius Pilate commanded soldiers to “guard” and “secure” the tomb (Matthew 27:65). The punishment for a Roman soldier sleeping while on duty was death (Polybius). The punishment for a Jewish soldier sleeping on the job was a severe flogging. These soldiers would take their jobs seriously. Besides, it would take more than one person to move a large stone, carry out a dead body and haul it away. Some skeptics hope beyond probability these soldiers were not only negligent, but very deep sleepers! Further, the stone on the door of the tomb was so large the women were asking before they arrived, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb or us?” (Mark 16:3). If merely rolling the stone away seemed too big a task, what about carrying around a body through the busy streets of Jerusalem?
The Swoon Theory. One theory of Jesus suggested he was merely unconscious when placed in the tomb and awoke after the tomb was closed. The text is very specific about the details surrounding the death of Jesus. As a sword is struck into a man’s heart to the point “blood and water” flow out of the wound, he is not merely unconscious (John 19:34). He is dead. Further, if he was unconscious, what are the chances he got up on his own, moved a stone, ran past the guards and convinced others in such a state he was the Almighty Conqueror of the grave? This is not plausible.
Disciples Lied Theory. Some would simply “write off” the empty tomb as an untrue deception foisted upon the world. For those who would believe that, consider a few questions. First, if the empty tomb was a lie, why were the Jews trying to come up with an excuse to explain it (see Matthew 28:11-15)? Second, if it was a lie why could the Jews never come up with a body? Wouldn’t this be the easiest way to dilute a religion based upon a resurrected Jesus? If it was a lie, and the disciples knew it, then why did they die for it? Some will die for a lie they believe due to a lack of knowledge or evidence. Yet, the disciples had all the knowledge about the resurrection available to them first-hand. If the tomb of Jesus was still occupied, why do we see such a change of heart from even the most skeptical of disciples? Why waste their time preaching it was empty? Why were they dying for it? The easiest answer to these questions is explained by the empty tomb.
Everett F. Harrison wrote in The Short Life of Christ, “Without the certification of the empty tomb early Christian preaching would have been lame and halting. But it proceeded in the serene confidence that no one could contest this fact.”
November 2009
6. The Witnesses
It should not be considered unusual to be skeptical when faced with unusual claims. It is hard enough to believe stories about men and women who have died for seconds or minutes at a time only to be brought back to life with the jolt of hospital paddles. Yet, even more difficult to grasp are the claims of Jesus Christ’s apostles who speak of a dead man living again three days after a public crucifixion!
Despite our skepticism, God has not left us without proof. Some outlandish claims are easy to disbelieve because they lack sufficient proof. However, the weight of eyewitness testimony always lends credibility to a claim. The power of eyewitness testimony is the reason we believe in the history of our state, nation and world. The power of eyewitness testimony is the reason we can sit on a jury and either release or convict a man as a criminal in our government courtrooms. Likewise, the power of eyewitness testimony can either cause us to believe Jesus was a mere criminal deserving of death or the King of Kings worthy of worship! Consider the eyewitnesses…
The Gospel records along with 1 Corinthians 15:4-8 provide us with a listing of eight different appearances of Jesus after His resurrection from the dead. These appearances to His apostles were one of the very reasons these men were chosen to proclaim the message of Christ—they were eyewitnesses of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:22). Following the Biblical accounts, we find several occasions when Jesus showed Himself to His disciples and others.
1. The “first” witness of the resurrection was Mary Magdalene. As soon as she sees Jesus, she goes to tell others (Mark 16:9-11).
2. Matthew’s account notes the “other Mary” was also with Mary Magdalene (28:9-10).
3. On the “road to Emmaus” Jesus appears to Cleopas and another disciple (Luke 24:13-25; Mark 16:12-13).
4. After these three visits, He finally appears to all eleven of the skeptical disciples (Mark 16:14; John 20:19-29).
5. There are at least seven listed by the seaside where Jesus again appears (John 21:1-22).
6. On a hill in Galilee, Jesus appears again to the eleven (Matthew 28:16-20).
7. At His ascension, Jesus is seen on the Mt. of Olives (Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:6-12).
8. As Paul notes, Jesus finally appears to Saul so he might bring the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8).
In a courtroom, how many eyewitness accounts would a prosecutor need to convict a criminal? In your mind, how much more eyewitness evidence does God need to provide to prove Jesus was raised from the dead?
Not only do we see proof by the number of eyewitness accounts, but by the change evidenced in each eyewitness. There is a distinct difference in Peter, James, Thomas and Saul before the resurrection and after the resurrection. The only logical explanation is the absolute faith these men had, after the resurrection, Jesus was Lord!
December 2009
7. The Conversion of Saul
The apostle Paul lists the witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 15. Verses 8 and 9 indicate he was the last witness. “Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:8-9).
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus is the most well-documented fact in the book of Acts. It is recorded three times (Acts 9, 22, 26). The apostleship of Paul—one qualification being an eyewitness of the resurrection—is confirmed by Peter (2 Peter 1:16; 3:15). It is cited by Ananias and Barnabas too in Luke’s book of Acts (Acts 9:7, 17, 27; 22:9,14; 26:14).
Not only is Paul a witness of Jesus Christ his change is an astonishing historic phenomenon. In Josh McDowell’s More Than a Carpenter he notes four major changes in the life of Paul. He writes,
“First, Paul’s character was drastically transformed... Second, Paul’s relationship with the followers of Jesus was transformed (Acts 9:19)...Third, Paul’s message was transformed. Though he still loved his Jewish heritage, he had changed from a bitter antagonist to a determined protagonist of the Christian faith...Fourth, Paul’s mission was transformed. He was changed from a Gentile-hater to a missionary to Gentiles” (pp. 83-85).
Clearly, Paul was truly converted. But, why? Of course, the skeptics must make up their reasons to try and deflect the fact a rabid, foaming at the mouth, persecuting Jew turned into a loving, persecuted Christian. Three common “scholarly” theories include…
The Psychological Meltdown Theory. Some skeptics argue Saul’s conversion was the result of a psychological meltdown. They believe the phrase “kick against the goads” in Acts 9:5 indicates Saul was conflicted and double-minded in his religious beliefs. Some even suggest his psychological instability led to a hallucination experience.
There are a few problems with this theory. First, what about all of the others who were witnesses to the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)? Did they all have a group hallucination? Second, Paul denies ever being psychologically conflicted (Acts 23:1; 26:9; 1 Timothy 1:12-13). Third, would someone who was unsure of his faith in Judaism go around asking for letters from the high priest so he could imprison Christians? This sounds like a man who was quite sure of himself (Acts 7:58-8:3; 9:1-2). Fourth, the reaction of the Jews to the conversion of Saul indicates they never viewed him as wishy-washy prior to his conversion (Acts 9:19-22). This theory fails as we really study the Scriptures.
The Selfish Motives Theory. Some ignorant Bible scholars may claim Saul converted out of selfish motives. After all, some may convert today for those very reasons—to better a family relationship, make friends, hope for money or fame. Yet, every selfish motive man could possibly have is denied Paul after conversion.
The following checklist will force us to realize Paul was much better off pre-conversion than post-conversion with regard to…
• Personal safety (Acts 9:23-25)
• Wealth
(Philippians 3:8; 4:12)
• Education (Acts 22:3)
• Family tradition (Phil
3:3-6)
• Reputation (2 Cor 11:23-28)
The “Resurrection of Love” Theory. Some modernists actually claim Jesus was “resurrected in the hearts” of men, but not literally and bodily. Saul of Tarsus throws a kink into any such theory. After all, Saul did not love Jesus; he absolutely hated Him! How could his experience with the Lord been borne out of love when he was fully opposed?
Frank Morison writes in Who Moved the Stone?
“How can we account for this incident...why should a man of this tough breed and of this admittedly sane and virile mental caliber be uprooted in an instant from his cherished beliefs and swept like chaff before the wind into the dogmatic camp of his most hated enemies?...The facts that led to Saul’s conversion were the same facts that so profoundly modified the behavior of Peter and Matthias and James...when Saul was really convinced that he had seen the risen Jesus the immense and overpowering significance of the empty tomb swept for the first time into his mind” (pp. 142- 45).
Will you honestly weigh the evidence of the risen Lord?
January 2010
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February 2010
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March 2010
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April 2010
11. Evidence of Life After Death
Without solid proof of the resurrection of Jesus, any projection of life beyond the grave is merely a wish. Yet, with the resurrection of Jesus we find real hope. The term “hope” is defined as “favorable and confident expectation” (Vine’s). Paul begins his first letter to Timothy calling “the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope.” As the Apostle writes to Colosse he writes of Jesus “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
What is it about Jesus that gives us favorable and confident expectation of some future reward? For starters, the resurrection of Jesus guarantees the ability of God to raise anyone from the dead. Colossians 1:18 says, “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” In this passage, Jesus is referred to as “the firstborn from the dead.” Jesus was never spiritually dead. Thus, being “born” after death must refer to His resurrection.
The term “firstborn” implies others will follow Jesus in being raised from the dead. Jesus states such in John 5, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (5:28-29). All will be resurrected, but only those in Christ will be resurrected to life.
The disciples of Jesus preached the resurrection of the dead with incredible consistency. The supporting evidence was always found in the undeniable resurrection of Jesus Christ. A few more points about our resurrection from the dead are also found in Scripture.
Our resurrection will occur at Christ’s coming.
1 Corinthians 15 is the most indepth theological discourse on the resurrection found within the Scriptures. Verse 23 speaks to the timing of our resurrection saying, “...each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end…” (15:23-24; see also 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Our resurrection will include a physical body.
Jesus made special efforts to prove His body was not a mere hologram or hallucination. He let Thomas touch the nail-scarred hands and inspect His sword-torn side (John 20:25-29). Jesus ate food proving he was not some ghostly presence, but still possessed a physical body (Luke 24:39-43).
Though Jesus possessed a body capable of being seen, touched and handled our resurrection bodies will be different than our earthly bodies.
As Paul writes, “For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:52-53). It should not be hard to fathom the idea of our bodies being physical, yet immortal and incorruptible. Adam’s body was physical and immortal so long as he had access to “the tree of life” (Genesis 2:9). After his sin, Adam was cursed with physical death and the “tree of life” was removed from his presence (Genesis 3:19, 24). In both instances, Adam has a physical body. By God’s power and decree, our bodies can be made mortal or immortal.
Though we may not know all of the particulars of our resurrection body, we will be like Jesus.
Philippians 3:20- 21 says, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” John adds, “...it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).
One of the saddest days was the day Jesus, an innocent man, was put to death for our sins. Yet, three days later, sorrow was replaced by joy as Jesus was raised from the dead. With our hope of resurrection, death does not need to be a sorrowful event. It is merely the first step into our new, resurrected bodies.
May 2010