Chapter Twenty One - The Resurrection of Christ

For nearly 2000 years there has been the historical phenomena of Christianity. In spite of the fact that the church throughout its early years suffered intense persecution at the hands of both the Jews and the Romans, it flourished. Many of the first missionaries of the Christian faith died a martyr's death because of their belief in Jesus Christ.

Why were these early Christians willing to face death for their belief in Jesus Christ? It was because they were convinced of the historical fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that this proved without a doubt that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and the one and only Savior of the world. And, so for them, death was not the end. The resurrection is a historical fact - not just some philosophical ideal or idea.

Our faith, our entire system of beliefs, rests on the fact that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. This is the hinge upon which our faith hangs! This chapter, divided into six major divisions, is a careful study of the doctrine of the resurrection of Christ:

1. We will provide the secular sources of information relating to the life of Christ;

2. We will rebuke the false theories against the resurrection of Christ;

3. We will provide the objective evidences for the resurrection of Christ;

4. We will provide the expert evidences for the resurrection of Christ; and

5. We will examine the theological significance of the resurrection of Christ.

The below table provides the chronological order of events of the post-resurrection appearances of Christ as recorded in the four gospels.

(References: Merrill C. Tenney, Revised by Walter M. Dunnett, New Testament Survey, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Inter-Varsity Press, 1985 Edition, pp. 206-210; Irving L. Jensen, Lesson 10, The Life of Christ, Moody Bible Institute, 1993 Edition; James Stalker, The Life of Jesus Christ, Rev. Ed., Old Tappan, N.J. Revell, 1891, p. 146)

The Gospels: The Chronological Order of Events of the Post-Resurrection Appearances of Christ

1. SECULAR SOURCES OF INFORMATION RELATING TO THE LIFE OF CHRIST

One would naturally expect that the Lord Jesus Christ would be sufficiently important to receive ample notice in the literature of His time, and that extensive biographical material would be available. He was observed by multitudes of people, and His own followers numbered into the hundreds (1 Corinthians 15:6), whose witness was still living in the middle of the first century. As a matter of fact, the amount of information concerning Him is comparatively meager. There are a few references to Christ or Christianity recorded in secular history that can be cited:

1. Josephus, a Jewish historian;

2. Tacitus, a Roman historian;

3. Suetonius;

4. Pliny, a correspondent of Trajan; and

5. Lucian, the satirist.

1.1 Josephus

Josephus, a Jewish historian, in his Antiquities, made the following statement:

"Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day" (Josephus, Antiquities XVIII.iii.3.; see also Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1950, I, 92ff.).

1.2 Tacitus

Tacitus, a Roman historian of the second century, in writing of the reign of Nero, alluded to the death of Christ and to the existence of Christians in Romans:

"But not all the relief that could come from man, not all the bounties that the prince could bestow, nor all the atonements which could be presented to the gods, availed to relieve Nero from the infamy of being believed to have ordered the conflagration. Hence, to suppress the rumor, he falsely charged with the guilt, and punished with the most exquisite tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who were hated for their enormities. Christus, the founder of the name, was put to death as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea, in the reign of Tiberius: but the pernicious superstition, repressed for a time, broke out again, not only through Judea, where the mischief originated, but through the city of Rome also ..." (Tacitus, Annals XV.44. The Oxford Translation, Revised, New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1858, p. 423).

1.3 Suetonius

Suetonius' testimony is brief:

"Punishment [by Nero] was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition" (Suetonius, The Lives of the Caesars, Nero XVI. Loeb Classical Library. English translation by J.C. Rolfe, London: William Heinemann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, II, 111.).

1.4 Pliny

The younger Pliny, who was a correspondent of Trajan, spoke in one of his letters of the Christians as he had met them in Asia:

"They affirmed, however, the whole of their guilt, or their error, was, that they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor to deny a trust when they should be called on to deliver it up ..." (Pliny, Letters X.xcvi. Loeb Classical Library. English translation by William Melmoth, revised by W.M.L. Hutchinson, London: William Heinemann; Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1935, II, 403.).

1.5 Lucian

Lucian, the satirist of the second century, spoke scornfully of Christ and of the Christians. He connected them with the synagogues of Palestine, and alluded to Christ as:

"The man who was crucified in Palestine because he introduced this new cult into the world ... Futhermore, their first lawgiver persuaded them that they are all brothers one of another after they have transgressed once for all by denying the Greek gods and by worshipping that crucified sophist himself and living under his laws" (Lucian, the Passing of Peregrinus 12-13. Loeb Classical Library. English translation by A.M. Harmon, London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1936, pp. 13, 15).

1.6 Conclusion

These brief notices of Christ and of Christianity were penned by men who were ignorant of the history of the movement and hostile to its doctrines. They show that Christianity was already widespread by the second century and that the historic evidence of Christ was generally acknowledged even by his foes. The nature of these references proves that he was regarded as an obscure fanatic whose cult had attained a prominence far greater than might rightfully have been expected. Up to the time of Nero, and in the circle of the court, Christianity was looked on by Romans in much the same way that Americans would appraise an importation of Japanese Shintoism.

2. FALSE THEORIES AGAINST THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

From the beginning there have been those who have rejected the resurrection as a hoax, a tale, a lie or fiction. A number of theories have been advance to disprove the resurrection, but all of these have been solidly discredited by one historical scholar after another. So interestingly, not one shred of solid evidence has ever been given to support these claims. Then why do men make these claims?

It would appear that attempts to explain away the physical resurrection of Christ or to deny its factuality have their rise more in unbelief of the supernatural than in an objective examination of the evidence for it. In this connection, W. Graham Scroggie wrote:

"The resurrection is not denied because the evidence is regarded as insufficient, but the evidence is rejected and repudiated because the resurrection is denied. A resurrection is regarded as impossible and little attempt is made to explain away the evidence on which it rests. But the improbability of supernaturalism is one of the most arrogant assumptions ever made. It takes for granted what still needs to be proved. Such a method is utterly unscientific. The true scientific method is to examine the facts and then form a theory; not first to form a theory and then flout and repudiate and deny the facts."

This study will cover only a few of the most popular theoretical explanations that have been set forth, generally by unbelievers or liberal theologians who very often operate out of a moral twist to explain away the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They reject the evidence not because it is insufficient, but because of its moral implications on their lives. It is only to be expected that the archenemy of God and man would do all in his power to discredit this event, which inflicted such disastrous defeat on him. The denials began the very day He rose and have recurred periodically ever since. The plain fact was that the tomb was empty. How could such a damning piece of evidence be explained away?

In summary, men make false theories against the resurrection of Christ because of :

1. unbelief of the supernatural;

2. their prejudice;

3. their philosophical bias;

4. they have never examined the evidence carefully;

5. its moral implications on their lives; and

6. the attack of Satan.

The most popular false theories against the resurrection of Christ are as follows:

1. flattly denies the fact;

2. the theft theory;

3. the swoon theory;

4. the mistaken tomb theory;

5. the unknown tomb theory;

6. the hallucination theory;

7. the impersonation theory;

8. the spiritual resurrection theory;

9. the mythical theory;

10. the subjective vision theory; and

11. the objective vision theory.

2.1 Flattly Denies the Fact

The infidel's attitude is at least honest and simple. He just flatly denies the fact and possibility of resurrection. Ernest Renan declared,

"I would not believe Jesus rose, even if I saw it."

This statement accords perfectly with our Lord's words: "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead" (Luke 16:31). And yet those who cavil at the miracle of resurrection receive without question the mysteries of nature, compared with which, Huxley says, "the mysteries of the Bible are child's play."

2.2 The Theft Theory

2.2.1 The theory defined

The chief priests' explanation was simple. The disciples themselves removed the body and then pretended He had risen.

"Now while they were on their way, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. And when they had assembled with the elders and counseled together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.' ^"And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble." And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day"" (Matthew 28:11-15).

2.2.2 The refutation

Such theory is unreliable due to the following reasons:

1. it ignores the evidence of the linen wrappings and the empty tomb.

2. the testimony of sleeping witnesses is unreliable.

3. the probability of who could and would steal the body is extremely low.

2.2.2.1 The linen wrappings and empty tomb

It ignores the evidence of the linen wrappings and the empty tomb. If someone had stolen the body, they would have either taken the body and left the wrappings scattered or piled in a heap, but only resurrection could account for the position of the linen wrappings with the body absent (John 20:5-8; Luke 24:12).

2.2.2.2 The testimony of sleeping witnesses is unreliable

The Roman soldiers testified, "they stole Him away while we were asleep" (Matthew 28:13). But the testimony of sleeping witnesses to what took place during their slumbers is hardly acceptable:

1. If a man is sleeping, then it is impossible for him to know what is happening during his sleeping period because he is unconscious. 

2. Even had the soldiers been asleep, think of the noise the disciples would have made trying to removed the huge stone covering the entrance to the tomb (Matthew 27:66)!

2.2.2.3 The probability of who could and would steal the body is extremely low

Further, there is the question of the probability of who could and would steal the body under the circumstances:

1. The Romans would not; they were there to guard it with their lives by Roman law. They had sealed the tomb and were there to protect it against theft (Matthew 27:65-66). The religious leaders had provided their own refutation against such a theory (Matthew 28:11-14).
   
   

2. The women could not for they could not have removed the stone and were wondering who would remove it for them when they went early Sunday morning to finish burial preparations (cf. Mark16:3-4).
   
   

3. The disciples would not because they did not grasp the full import of His predictions of resurrection (John 20:9). They were perplexed and scattered, huddled together in hidden rooms (John 20:19). Two had even left town and were on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13).
   
   

4. If the disciples had indeed stolen the body, why would they be willing to experience torture and death for what they knew was a lie?
   
   

5. The Jewish crowd would not and had actually requested a Roman guard to protect the tomb against theft (Matthew 27:63-66). This last point is very significant because the presence of the Roman soldiers and the Roman seal over the door made the possibility of the religious leaders claims of theft a thousand times more difficult if not impossible.

2.2.3 Comments

The likelihood of these timid, scared Galilean disciples stealing the body of Jesus out from under the noses of a guard of highly disciplined and skilled Roman soldiers while they all slept (an offense punishable by death) is ridiculous.

2.3 The Swoon Theory

2.3.1 The theory defined

Crucifixion is a slow death, and victims have been known to live three days on the Cross, whereas Jesus hung there for only a few hours. Jesus did not really die, He only swooned, therefore the disciples saw only a revived or resuscitated Christ. Christ was nailed to a Cross and suffered from shock, pain and loss of blood. But instead of actually dying, He only fainted (swooned) from exhaustion. When He was placed in the tomb, He was still alive and the disciples, mistaking Him for dead, buried Him alive. After several hours, He recovered when placed in the cool air of the tomb, amid the fragrant spices, arose, and departed.

2.3.2 The refutation

This theory completely ignores the evidences of His death and would require a greater miracle than the resurrection. According to this theory, the cool damp air of the tomb, instead of killing Him, healed Him, He split out of His garments, pushed the stone away, fought off the guards and shortly thereafter appeared to His disciples as the Lord of life. Do you believe such ridiculous theory?

This theory is unreliable due to the following reasons:

1. the linen wrappings;

2. the circumstances of the Cross;

3. the obstacles to His escape from the tomb; and

4. the physical condition of Christ after crucifixion.

2.3.2.1 The linen wrapping

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying" (Matthew 28:6).

"And he said to them, 'Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him'" (Mark 16:6).

"But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at that which had happened" (Luke 24:12).

"stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. Simon Peter therefore also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he beheld the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb entered then also, and he saw and believed" (John 20:5-8).

The swoon theory cannot answer the problem of the linen wrappings lying undisturbed, exactly as they had been when around the body of Christ. Christ would have had to perform a miracle of wiggling out of the wrappings which were wound tightly about the body with over a hundred pounds of spices in the wrappings without someone to help unwrap Him, as in the case of Lazarus in John 11:41-44.

2.3.2.2 The circumstance of the Cross

"The Jews therefore, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not remain on the Cross on the Sabbath for that Sabbath was a high day, asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came, and broke the legs of the first man, and of the other man who was crucified with Him; but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs; but one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water. And he who has seen has borne witness, and his witness is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe" (John 19:31-35).

"Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead. And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph" (Mark 15:43-45).

These circumstances proved Christ died. Christ's body was pierced by the soldier's spear, and blood and water had gushed out. The centurion, experienced in crucifixions, gave a death certificate (John 19:33). He was dead in the judgment of the soldiers, in the judgment of Pilate, in the judgment of the Jews who requested the guard for the tomb, and in the judgment of the women who went to the tomb to further prepare the body by heaping spices over the body.

2.3.2.3 The obstacles to His escape from the tomb

If Christ had only swooned, He still would have still been half dead. Even though it is difficult for a healthy man to escape from the tomb under these conditions. Think of the obstacles to His escape from the tomb:

1. split out of His garments;

2. the sealed door;

3. pushed the huge stone away; and

4. fought off the Roman guards over the tomb.

2.3.2.4 The physical condition of Christ after crucifixion

His crucifixion had been preceded by the agony in the garden Gethsemane and the merciless scourging that had so exhausted Him that He staggered under the weight of the Cross. As the Lord Jesus Christ endured with the beatings and crucifixion, a great deal of time would have been needed for recuperation. It is impossible that one who had just come forth from the grave half-dead, who crept about weak and ill, who stood in need of medical treatment and bandaging, strengthening and tender care, could do the following things:

1. in His weakened condition He could not have walked the seven miles on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13); and

2. shortly thereafter He could not have appeared to His disciples as the conqueror over death and the Prince of Life.

2.3.3 Comments

It would have been impossible for someone, who had only resuscitated from the agonies, to so quickly give the impression that He was the Conqueror of death and the Prince of Life. In fact it was this belief which turned the disciples around and became the foundation of the rest of their ministries. It is obvious that this theory is wrong.

2.4 The Mistaken Tomb Theory

2.4.1 The theory defined

It has been suggested that the women went to the wrong tomb because their eyes were blinded with tears.

2.4.2 The refutation

This is most unlikely due to the following reasons:

1. the women had been present at the entombment on Friday and had observed the tomb (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47; Luke 23:55-56);

2. if the women mistook the tomb, then Peter and John must also have mistaken it (Luke 24:12; John 20:3-8); and

3. Jesus was buried in a private tomb (Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42), not in a public burial ground where such a mistake might be easy.

2.5 The Unknown Tomb Theory

2.5.1 The theory defined

The disciples did not know where the tomb was located and could not have found the empty grave. This theory depends on the belief that those who were crucified were tossed into a common pit and were not allowed to be buried.

2.5.2 The refutation

This theory also disregards totally the straightforward historical narrative about the events surrounding Christ’s burial and the post-resurrection scene:

1. Joseph of Arimathea took the body to his own private tomb (Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42);

2. the body of Christ was prepared for burial according to the burial customs of the Jews (John 19:40);

3. the women sat opposite the tomb and watched (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47; Luke 23:55-56); and

4. not only did Joseph of Arimathea and the women know where the tomb was, so did the Romans as they placed a guard there (Matthew 27:66).

2.6 The Hallucination Theory

2.6.1 The theory defined

This theory says all of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances were really only supposed appearances because actually the people only had hallucinations. In this way, all the post-resurrection appearances can be dismissed. Did the excitement of the disciples induce hallucinations? Did they only think they saw Jesus because they were already persuaded He was alive?

2.6.2 The refutation

This theory is not plausible due to the following reasons:

1. Jesus appeared at least ten times in forty days;

2. the disciples were slow to believe in the resurrection; and

3. it contradicts laws and principles which psychiatrists say are essential to hallucinations.

2.6.2.1 Jesus appeared at least ten times in forty days

According to the Bible, Jesus appeared at least ten times in forty days, including:

1. to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18);

2. to other women (Matthew 28:9-10);

3. to the Roman guards (Matthew 28:11-15);

4. to Peter (Luke 24:33-35; 1 Corinthians 15:5);

5. to the two disciples on the Emmaus road (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32);

6. to the ten apostles excluding Thomas (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25);

7. to the eleven apostles including Thomas (Mark 16:14; John 20:26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5);

8. to the seven apostles besides the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14);

9. conversation with Peter (John 21:15-25);

10. to the disciples on the Galilee mountain (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:6);

11. to the five hundred brethren (1 Corinthians 15:6);

12. to James, the Lord's half brother (1 Corinthians 15:7);

13. to the eleven apostles at Olivet in Jerusalem (Luke 24:44-49);

14. at the Ascension (Luke 24:50-53; Mark 16:19-20; Acts 1:6-11);

15. to Stephen (Acts 7:56); and

16. to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8).

How could so many people have the same hallucination at one time, especially the five hundred brethren (1 Corinthians 15:6)? Furthermore, the appearances happened under different conditions and were spread out over different times.

2.6.2.2 The disciples were slow to believe in the resurrection

And, don’t forget, the disciples were reluctant to believe in the resurrection in the first place! This involves a miracle of blindness to reason away the resurrection.

"And when they heard that He was alive, and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it. And after that, He appeared in a different form to two of them, while they were walking along on their way to the country. And they went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either. And afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned" (Mark 16:11-14).

"And these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at that which had happened" (Luke 24:11-12).

"But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.  The other disciples therefore were saying to him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.' " (John 20:24-25).

2.6.2.3 It contradicts laws and principles which psychiatrists say are essential to hallucinations

This theory contradicts laws and principles which psychiatrists say are essential to hallucinations. Psychiatrists claim:

1. Only certain kinds of people have hallucinations. These are usually high-strung, highly imaginative, and very nervous people. In fact, usually only paranoid or schizophrenic individuals have hallucinations. But Christ appeared to many different types of people. His appearances were not restricted to people of any particular psychological make up.
   
   

2. Hallucinations are linked in an individual’s subconscious - to his particular past experiences and this was certainly not a part of any past experience.
   
   

3. Hallucinations are usually restricted to when and where they occur. They usually occur in a nostalgic atmosphere or in a place of familiar surroundings which places the person to a reminiscing mood.
   
   

4. They occur in people when there is a spirit of anticipation or hopeful expectation. The historical record shows no such anticipation existed. They were prone to disbelieve even after they were told of the resurrection.
   
   

5. Hallucinations increase in frequency and intensity, but in this case they decreased and shortly ceased entirely. Jesus appeared at least ten times in forty days, and then His appearances ceased as abruptly as they had begun.

2.7 The Impersonation Theory

2.7.1 The theory defined

This is the view that the appearances were not really Christ at all, but someone impersonating Him. This, the opponents say, is evident because in some cases they did not recognize Him at first (or at all).

2.7.2 The refutation

This theory is unsatisfactory due to the following reasons:

1. The disciples were reluctant to believe in the resurrection, were doubtful and would have been hard to convince unless it was really Him, as was the case with Thomas (Mark 16:11-14; Luke 24:11-12; John 20:24-25).
   
   

2. It would have been impossible to impersonate Christ’s wounds. This was Christ’s proof to Thomas that it was really Him (cf. John 20:24f).
   
   

3. At times their inability to recognize Him was a phenomenon of His glorified body brought about by His own purposes as in Luke 24:16, "But their eyes were restricted that they should not recognize Him."
   
   

4. These men had traveled with the Lord for three years and it is incredible that anyone could have gotten away with an impersonation particularly due to their reluctance to believe.
   
   

5. They were meeting in locked chambers in some instances, and He suddenly appeared in His glorified body. No one could impersonate such a miraculous act other than the resurrected Christ.

2.8 The Spiritual Resurrection Theory

2.8.1 The theory defined

This is the view that Christ’s resurrection was not a real physical resurrection. Proponents of this theory assert that Christ’s body remained in the grave and His real resurrection was spiritual in nature. It was only told this way to illustrate the truth of spiritual resurrection.

2.8.2 The refutation

This theory is unsatisfactory due to the following reasons:

1. A physical body did disappear from the tomb. If it was only a spiritual resurrection, then what happened to the body? History shows there was a body there and it disappeared. The enemies of Christ were never able to produce the body nor disprove the resurrection.
   
   

2. The resurrection accounts are not presented in parabolic or symbolic language, but as hard fact. John 20 is full of what Greek grammarians call vivid historical present tenses to stress the historical reality of the Gospel message.
   
   

3. Christ not only arose, but that He arose bodily. He possessed a glorified body which had unique capacities. The Scripture calls it a spiritual body, but it was nevertheless a physical body as well.(1 Corinthians 15:44).
   
   

4. His body was glorious and unique, but nevertheless, still a body according to which our bodies will one day be fashioned. So, it was spiritual, glorified, and yet a physical body of flesh and bone (Philippians 3:21).
   
   

5. The record states He was touched and handled, He could appear in different forms (Mark 16:12), He could pass through solid objects (John 20:19, 26), He could pass in a moment from one place to another (Luke 24:31), and He even ate with the disciples (Luke 24:30, 41f; John 21:12f).

2.9 The Mythical Theory

2.9.1 The theory defined

This view asserts that Jesus' resurrection was a myth created by the early church to maintain and grow the significance of Jesus' teaching and death.

2.9.2 The refutation

This was not just a theological myth which began circulating 20 or 30 years later among the followers of Jesus Christ. It was a message proclaimed immediately beginning with the morning of the third day. It was a message based upon the following incontrovertible evidences:

1. It was clearly recorded in secular history (see Section 1 of this Chapter).
   
   

2. It was clearly recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 28:9-20; Mark 16:9-20; Luke 24:9-53; John 20:11-31; 21:1-25; Acts 1:6-11; 21-22; 2:23-24; 31-32; 3:14-15; 7:56; 10:39-41; 13:29-39; 17:30-31; 26:22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8).
   
   

3. Dr. Luke, who lived in the time of Jesus Christ and who had personally talked to many eye witnesses, tells us that he had carefully examined the evidence (cf. Luke 1:1-2). 
   
   

4. Notice how the book of Acts begins, "The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive, after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God" (Acts 1:1-3). "Convincing proofs" in verse 3 is the Greek tekmerion means "a fixed and sure sign, evidence, or proof." The word was used of demonstrable proof and evidence in contrast to mere philosophical superstition or in contrast to fallible signs. Here Dr. Luke, the historical physician, chooses this special word for sure historical proof, the strongest type of legal evidence. In addition to this Luke adds to this word "many." Dr. Luke tells us that there were many demonstrable and incontrovertible proofs, not merely one or two, but many.
   
   

5. Jesus appeared at least ten times in forty days, the presence of a lot of eyewitnesses mitigates against such an interpretation (see Section 2.6.2.1 of this Chapter).
   
   

6. If the disciples had indeed invented such myth, why would they be willing to experience torture and death for what they knew was a lie?
   
   

7. The disciples, as portrayed in the Gospel records, appear to be less than able to spawn a movement based upon a myth (cf. Matthew 4:18; Acts 4:13).
   
   

8. This so-called "myth" began early in the church (1 Corinthians 15:3). If it began early in the church, and had no real basis in history whatsoever, it is difficult to see how it could have been propagated for any length of time.

2.10 The Subjective Vision Theory

2.10.1 The theory defined

This view asserts that Jesus appeared to the disciples in dreams. From this, it is thought, the resurrection narratives developed.

2.10.2 The refutation

The problems with this view are as follows:

1. There is no evidence that they had any dreams along these lines.
   
   

2. The disciples do not ever understand anything Jesus is supposed to have said about the resurrection during his ministry. It is unlikely, given the disciples lack of spiritual understanding during Jesus' life, that they would all of a sudden postulate a resurrection.
   
   

3. Their condition was one of defeat and discouragement and it is therefore difficult to think that they would have become such great preachers of the faith on the basis of dreams.
   
   

4. It is difficult to believe that they would have dreamed of Jesus' personal resurrection when all they really had to go on was the general resurrection at the time of judgment spoken of in Daniel 12:2 (cf. John 5:28, 29).
   
   

5. Based upon the criterion of Palestinian environment and their religious knowledge and heritage, it seems unlikely that they would have dreamed such things.

2.11 The Objective Vision Theory

2.11.1 The theory defined

This proposal claims that the resurrection appearances of Jesus were simply visions given by God to authenticate Jesus' spiritual resurrection. Some attempt to base this interpretation upon the use of the word "appeared" in 1 Corinthians 15:5 to refer to a vision, not a historical, bodily person. 

2.11.2 The refutation

This appears unlikely, given the context and argument of the passage:

1. It is the same Jesus who died (i.e. the literal man), who is said to have been buried and then risen (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).
   
   

2. The hope of the believer's resurrection body is the resurrection of Jesus' body. This is clearly the argument of the passage (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:12, 15, 20 and especially v. 21) and rests upon the presupposition of a literal, bodily resurrection, not just a spiritual resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-22).

2.12 Comments

It is noteworthy that none of these supposed explanations is accepted generally today by those who deny the resurrection. No single one has ever gained general and lasting approval. None of these natural theories adequately deals with the evidence of the known facts that surrounded the resurrection of our Lord. We are forced back to the simple conclusion that fits all the facts and agrees with all the records - the body of Christ was actually raised from the dead. His was no mere "spiritual resurrection," nor were His appearances mere spiritual manifestations (Luke 24:36-43).

2.13 The True Explanation

He appeared in His resurrection body, not in the dusk but in lighted rooms in the light of day, visible and tangible. He appeared in the same body in which He had been entombed, but possessed new characteristics. It was easily recognizable, but could become unrecognizable or invisible at will (John 20:14-15; 21:4, 12). It transcended doors (John 20:26). Unlike that of Lazarus, who was raised to die again, the body of Jesus was immortal (Romans 6:9-10).

The evidence says He arose and this resurrection marks Him out as the Son of God (Romans 1:4), as the Savior of the world and the means of justification and peace with God through personal faith in Christ (Romans 4:25-5:1). With Paul we can cry with glad assurance, "Now is Christ risen from the dead" (1 Corinthians 15:20).

3. OBJECTIVE EVIDENCES FOR THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

There are always those who say the historical fact of a physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is not important. Others have advocated "you do not need to believe in the resurrection, just accept Jesus as a great leader and as an example of love, kindness and peace."

This kind of thinking is pure non-sense, illogical, and contrary to the facts of the life of Christ. If we take away the resurrection, then Jesus Christ was not even a good human leader, but a human monstrosity who was on the level with a man who thinks he is Captain Marvel. Either he was the world's greatest deceiver and deserved to die, or He was who He claimed to be, the God-Man Savior of the world. And it is the resurrection which makes the difference.

I will concentrate on the following remarkable and important evidences:

1. the manner in which the event is recorded bears evidence of its truth;

2. the life of Christ demands such a climax;

3. the evidence of the empty tomb;

4. the evidence of the grave clothes;

5. the evidence of Christ's Appearances;

6. the evidence of the transformed disciples;

7. the evidence of Pentecost;

8. the transformation and witness of Paul;

9. the existence of the church;

10. the observance of the Lord's day (i.e. Sunday);

11. the New Testament itself;

12. the Old Testament prophecies; and

13. the prophecies of Christ Himself.

3.1 The Manner in Which the Event is Recorded Bears Evidence of its Truth

The manner in which the event is recorded bears evidence of its truth. Exaggeration is avoided, and the blindness and ignorance of the disciples are artlessly recorded. Referring to the records, H.C.G. Moule wrote,

"These unexplained details, just because they are unexplained, coming one after another as they do, set down so simply and without anxiety, yet minutely, carry the very tone and accent of eyewitnesses. We seem to stand there watching; the whole motion of the scene is before us. All is near, real, natural, visible."

3.2 The Life of Christ Demands Such a Climax

If we believe He was supernaturally conceived, lived without sin, died a voluntary, atoning death, then the resurrection is easy to believe. Without it, a perfect life would end in a shameful death, surely an inappropriate close. The resurrection cannot be isolated from all that preceded it.

3.3 The Evidence of Empty Tomb

"Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his garment as white as snow; and the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men" (Matthew 28:1-4).

"And when the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, 'Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?' And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large" (Mark 16:1-4).

"And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb" (Luke 24:2).

"Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. And so she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, 'They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.' Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple, and they were going to the tomb. And the two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. Simon Peter therefore also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he beheld the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb entered then also, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead" (John 20:1-9).

3.3.1 The seal on the stone

The seal set on the stone (Matthew 27:62-66). As claimed by the Pharisees, this was requested of Pilate to guard against any kind of fraud or lies by the disciples of Jesus Christ. In doing this, however, they provided two more excellent evidences for Christ's resurrection. Unwittingly, they prepared an unanswerable refutation to their own claims in their attempt to discredit the account of the resurrection (cf. Matthew 28:11-15).

The seal included two things:

1. a Roman guard; and

2. a seal consisting of a cord set in wax around the stone where it was connected to the tomb.

"You have a guard: go, make it as secure as you know how" (Matthew 27:65).

Some have claimed that Pilate was refusing the request for a Roman guard and telling them to use their own temple guard. But the verb used can be an imperative, "take a guard, make it as sure as you know how." It can also mean he was giving them permission to have a Roman guard.

The word "guard" is the Greek word kustodia, from the Latin or Roman custodia. The use of this particular word would indicate a Roman guard and not the Jewish temple guard. This is further verified by the fact they ask Pilate for a guard. If they could have used their own guards why go to Pilate? Also, if only the temple guards were involved, the statements of verse 14 would have been unnecessary. No one would have to talk to the governor nor bribe anyone.

Why was this important? Because the presence of Roman soldiers at the tomb and the Roman seal over the stone door made the possibility of the religious leaders' claims many times more difficult, if not impossible. The likelihood that these timid, fearful Galilean disciples could or would steal the body of Jesus out from under the noses of a guard of highly disciplined and skilled Roman soldiers is not only ridiculous, but impossible. Even had the soldiers been asleep, think of the noise the disciples would have made trying to removed the huge stone covering the entrance to the tomb!

3.3.2 The stone rolled away

The tombs in Palestine were somewhat like a cave hewn out of the rocky side of a mountain or hill. They consisted of a rectangular opening into a main room or central chamber with a niche carved into the side of one of the inner walls where the body was placed. At one end was a special elevated place for the head.

The opening of the central chamber was covered by a large circular stone or heavy disc of rock set in a slanting groove so that when the stone was released it would roll by its own weight and cover the entrance. Because of its enormous weight (possibly several tons) it would require the combined efforts of several men to move the stone back up the groove and block it. But who would roll away the stone?

It has been pointed out that there are only two alternatives. The body was either removed by:

1. human; or

2. superhuman hands.

The former must have been the hands of enemies or of friends. The enemies (i.e. the Jewish religious leaders) would not, and the friends (i.e. the disciples and the women) could not remove it:

1. The Jewish religious leaders would not remove it for it was their purpose to keep His body there and the door sealed (Matthew 27:62-66).
   
   

2. The Jewish religious leaders could not remove it because of the Roman guards and the huge stone.
   
   

3. If the Jewish religious leaders had removed the body, then why did they not produce the body if it was not raised, and thus silence His disciples forever? To produce the body would be the end of Christianity, for "the church of Christ is built on an empty tomb."
   
   

4. The disciples would not remove it for they did not expect Him to rise (Mark 16:11-14; Luke 24:11-12; John 20:24-25).
   
   

5. The disciples could not remove it because of the Roman guards and the huge stone.
   
   

6. If the disciples had removed the body they did so without the knowledge of the women, why they came back to the tomb (John 20:2-4)? Please tell me why they did not escape? Since the Roman guards were present, the guards would arrest the disciples if they had stolen the body.
   
   

7. The women would not remove it. Upon seeing the stone removed, Mary's immediate reaction is that thieves, perhaps the Jews, have taken the body (John 20:1-2). Without entering as the other women did, she returns to Peter and John. Her conclusion - "they have taken the Lord" (probably referring to the Jews).
   
   

8. The women could not remove the huge stone. As they came to the tomb the morning of the resurrection, they were wondering, who would role away the stone for them (Mark 16:2-8).

According to the above reasons, the only possible option is by superhuman hands. Matthew 28:2-4 tells us the stone was removed by an angel of the Lord. This shows divine intention. It was not rolled away so Christ could leave because he could pass through the walls in His glorified body (cf. John 20:19-20). By divine purpose it was removed to call attention to the testimony of the empty tomb. The tomb had been opened not to let Jesus out - but to let people in.

Why did people need to get in? Because within the tomb itself lay some astounding evidence to the fact of the resurrection of Jesus, the witness of the grave cloths.

3.4 The Evidence of the Grave Clothes

"Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple, and they were going to the tomb. And the two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in.   Simon Peter therefore also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he beheld the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb entered then also, and he saw and believed.  For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead" (John 20:3-9).

3.4.1 John's observations

John arrived first and saw the linen wrappings. The verb used (the Greek blepo) describes the simple exercise of sight, a single look or glance. At just a casual glance what caught John's eye were the undisturbed wrappings, lying in their natural position as when around the body. The word order makes this evident, "lying" is first. Even a casual glance caught this.

When John enters the tomb, what he sees brings immediate understanding, intelligent comprehension of the facts. The word for sight in this verse denotes mental perception resulting principally from the vision.

Peter is pondering all he has observed, but not John. Having now seen the witness of the empty tomb, he understands that His Lord has risen from the dead. In verse 9 we are told he understands and believes. Now he understands the Old Testament Scripture and Christ's own words concerning Messiah being cut off, but returning and reigning by means of the resurrection. (cf. Psalm 16:10; Daniel 2; Daniel 7) Before they had not understood the Scripture or Christ's words. But now sight comes to John (cf. Luke 24:25-27, 44-47).

3.4.2 Peter's observation

Then Peter arrived and, in his impetuous way, entered immediately. The word "Beheld" is theoreo. This word denotes a purposeful and careful look, one which observes details, not just a casual look. What Peter observed were:

1. the linen wrappings lying undisturbed; and

2. the face napkin rolled up separately, as it had been when the body was prepared, suggesting that the head wrapping had partially retained its annular form.

Had a thief stolen the body he would have taken the body - linen wrappings and all.

Had the wrappings been removed from the body they would not have been in an undisturbed fashion. As previously described, there was a place for the body with an elevated ledge for the head. The head was wrapped separately from the body. If someone had removed these from the body, they would not have been lying as originally placed - the napkin separate in the place where the head had been and the other wrappings where the body had been - undisturbed.

Peter continued to ponder in his heart all he had observed.

3.5 The Evidence of Christ's Appearances

The personal appearances of Christ following His resurrection are another overwhelming historical proof. The women and the disciples saw, heard, and even touched the Lord. In fact, Jesus appeared at least ten times in forty days and at least 500 brethren saw him at one time, including:

1. to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18);

2. to other women (Matthew 28:9-10);

3. to the Roman guards (Matthew 28:11-15);

4. to Peter (Luke 24:33-35; 1 Corinthians 15:5);

5. to the two disciples on the Emmaus road (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32);

6. to the ten apostles excluding Thomas (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25);

7. to the eleven apostles including Thomas (Mark 16:14; John 20:26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5);

8. to the seven apostles besides the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14);

9. conversation with Peter (John 21:15-25);

10. to the disciples on the Galilee mountain (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:6);

11. to the five hundred brethren (1 Corinthians 15:6);

12. to James, the Lord's half brother (1 Corinthians 15:7);

13. to the eleven apostles at Olivet in Jerusalem (Luke 24:44-49);

14. at the Ascension (Luke 24:50-53; Mark 16:19-20; Acts 1:6-11);

15. to Stephen (Acts 7:56); and

16. to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8).

3.6 The Evidence of the Transformed Disciples

A sudden change in people is a psychological fact that demands explanation. How can the radical change in the disciples be accounted for?

The disciples had seen their master die. And because of this, they had lost all hope. They were a demoralized band of men, plunged in despair. Yet they were down-trodden, utterly disheartened, and meeting in obscure places. They had lost faith in their cause.

But after the resurrection, shortly afterward, we find the disciples were joyous, fearless, again a united band, zealous for their cause, bearing public testimony, willing to suffer imprisonment and even death for it. It is unlikely they would be willing to die for a lie.

Peter who denied the Lord when confronted by a young girl (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:56-62; John 18:17, 25-27), boldly proclaimed the word at Pentecost in front of the same religious leaders who crucified Christ (Acts 2:14-42).

What produced this dramatic change? Overnight incredulous skeptics became ardent witnesses who never again yielded to doubt. Why, if not because Jesus did really appear to them?

When we consider the transformation of the disciples in connection with the silence of the Jews and their inability to produce the body of Christ or any evidence to the contrary, the events of Pentecost become another proof of Christ's resurrection.

3.7 The Evidence of Pentecost

Only 50 days following the death and resurrection, Peter preached the doctrine of the resurrection and thousands gathered to hear him. But the important point is he was preaching to people who had access to the tomb. The resurrection was not a new fact, and he was preaching its meaning from the Old Testament Scriptures (Psalm 16:8-10).

No one offered him a rebuttal. The Jews were silent - a silence which is as significant as the boldness of the speech of the disciples. Three thousand people who were in a position to know the facts about the resurrection of Christ believed and were saved. (Acts 2:41; 4:2-14).

3.8 The Transformation and Witness of Paul

Is it credible that a man of Paul's mentality and education, a man who had been a virulent persecutor of the church (Acts 7:57-60; 9:1-2, 21), should have come to believe the resurrection absolutely irrefutable if in reality it was not a fact? It was the fact that he had actually seen the Lord in His risen body (Acts 9:3-6) that provided the inspiration and motivation of his service (Acts 9:22, 28).

3.9 The Existence of the Church

The very existence of the church is tangible evidence. What brought into existence the first Christian community? It has been well said that Christianity died with Christ and was laid with Him in the tomb. The resurrection was accompanied by the indisputable resurrection of Christianity.

Great was the impression made upon the disciples by the life of Christ among them, but all their hopes were blasted when He was crucified. Nothing could have inspired these discouraged disciples to assemble themselves together for meditation and the worship of a master whom they regarded as dead. Their assemblies were the beginnings of the Christian church. Certainly nothing could have induced them to proclaim His name to their fellow Jews in the face of persecution but the absolute assurance that Christ had risen from the dead.

Within fifty days of its occurrence, Peter was preaching the resurrection with great power and effect, and thereafter it became the most prominent theme of apostolic witness. If the risen Christ had not appeared to them, there would never have been a Christian church. This primitive belief is inexplicable if the resurrection is not a fact. Within twenty-five years of the event it was accepted as a fact by the whole church and in places as far removed from one another as Jerusalem and Rome.

The early church did not manufacture the resurrection belief, the resurrection created the church. Thus the Christian church can be accounted for only on the assumption of the physical resurrection of our Lord. 

3.10 The Observance of the Lord's Day (i.e. Sunday)

The Lord's Day is another effect of the resurrection. Whence did this revolutionary idea derive? It is a remarkable thing that the apostles who were Jews should turn from the observance of their time-honored Sabbath Day, which had been given in Eden and been made a sign of their covenant relation with God (Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12, 20), to Sunday worship. How came the day to be changed, not by decree, but by common consent? The origin of the Lord's Day can be accounted for only on the ground that the apostles changed it in honor of Christ's physical resurrection and with His approval. The event that achieved this revolutionary change was the resurrection of our Lord from the dead. The Lord's Day is the effect. The resurrection is the cause.

As early as AD 70, Barnabas, one of the early Fathers wrote:

"We keep the Lord's Day with joyfulness, the day also on which Jesus rose from the dead."

3.11 The New Testament Itself

The New Testament itself is an effect of the resurrection. How could this book ever have been written if there had been no resurrection? If Jesus had remained buried in the grave, the story of His life and death would have remained buried with Him. The New Testament is obviously an effect of Christ's resurrection.

3.12 The Old Testament Prophecies

The manner of His death, burial and resurrection, had been clearly foretold in the Old Testament and were fulfilled in the following New Testament Scripture:

1. He was to die for others (compare Isaiah 53:5, 10-11 with Matthew 20:17-19; Luke 18:31-33);

2. He was to die with transgressors (compare Isaiah 53:12 with Matthew 27:38; Luke 23:32-33);

3. His enemies were to cast lots for His clothing (compare Psalm 22:18 with Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23-24);

4. His hands and feet were to be pierced (compare Psalm 22:16 with Luke 23:33; John 19:23);

5. His side was to be pierced (compare Zechariah 12:10 with John 19:34);

6. vinegar and gall were to be given to Him (compare Psalm 69:21 with Matthew 27:34; Mark 15:36; Luke 23:36; John 19:28-30);

7. none of His bones was to be broken (compare Psalm 34:20 with John 19:33-36);

8. His burial in a rich man's tomb (compare Isaiah 53:9 with Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-53); and

9. His resurrection (compare Psalm 16:8-10 with Matthew 28:1-6; Mark 16:9; Luke 24:1-7; Acts 2:25-32; 13:35-37).

3.13 The Prophecies of Christ Himself

The Lord Jesus Christ Himself predicted that He would be killed and be raised up on the third day (Matthew 12:39-40; 16:4, 21; 26:32; Mark 9:31; 10:32-34; 14:28; Luke 9:22, 44; 11:29-30; 18:31-33; John 2:19-22).

3.14 Conclusion

The evidences we've mentioned in this study are more than sufficient to show the validity of the resurrection. To deny it, in view of the evidence, one must not only deny his rational processes, but he must deny Christianity and the Scripture as valid and providing Salvation for mankind.

4. EXPERT EVIDENCES FOR THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Let’s consider the testimony of a few outstanding historians. These are testimonies of men who are some of the greatest minds of history - men who were specialists in gathering and evaluating historical evidence. Note the following six testimonies from the book The Resurrection Factor, pages 10-12:

1. Roman history scholar;

2. textual critic;

3. professor of ancient history;

4. legal authority;

5. attorney general; and

6. rationalistic lawyer.

4.1 Roman History Scholar

I have been used for many years to study the histories of other times, and to examine and weigh the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than the great sign which God hath given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead.

4.2 Textual Critic

Brooke Foss Wescott, an English scholar, said,

"Taking all the evidence together, it is not too much to say that there is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Christ. Nothing but the antecedent assumption that it must be false could have suggested the idea of deficiency in the proof of it."

4.3 Professor of Ancient History

Dr. Paul L. Maier, professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University, concluded that,

"If all the evidence is weighed carefully and fairly, it is indeed justifiable, according to the canons of historical research, to conclude that the tomb in which Jesus was buried was actually empty on the morning of the first Easter. And no shred of evidence has yet been discovered in literary sources, epigraphy or archaeology that would disprove this statement."

4.4 Legal Authority

One man who was highly skilled at dealing with evidence was Dr. Simon Greenleaf. He was the famous Royal Professor of Law at Harvard University and succeeded Justice Joseph Story as the Dane Professor of Law in the same university. The rise of Harvard law School to its eminent position among the legal schools of the United States is to be ascribed to the efforts of these two men. Greenleaf produced his famous three-volume work, A Treatise on the Law of Evidence, which still is considered one of the greatest single authorities on this subject in the entire literature of legal procedure.

Greenleaf examined the value of the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ to ascertain the truth. He applied the principles contained in his three-volume treatise on evidence. His findings were recorded in his book, An Examination of the Testimony of the Four Evangelists by the Rules of Evidence Administered in the Courts of Justice.

Greenleaf came to the conclusion that,

"according to the laws of legal evidence used in courts of law, there is more evidence for the historical fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ than for just about any other event in history."

4.5 Attorney General

An Englishman, John Singleton Copley, better known as Lord Lyndhurst, is recognized as one of the greatest legal minds in British history. Upon Copley’s death, among his personal papers were found his comments concerning the resurrection in the light of legal evidence and why he became a Christian:

"I know pretty well what evidence is; and I tell you, such evidence as that for the resurrection has never broken down yet."

Lord Chief Justice of England, Lord Darling, once said that:

"no intelligent jury in the world could fail to bring in a verdict that the resurrection story is true."

4.6 Rationalistic Lawyer

Dr. Frank Morrison, a lawyer who had been brought up in a rationalistic environment, had come to the opinion that the resurrection was nothing but a fairy-tale happy ending which spoiled the matchless story of Jesus. He felt that he owed it to himself and others to write a book that would present the truth about Jesus and dispel the mythical story of the resurrection.

Upon studying the facts, however, he, too, came to a different conclusion. The sheer weight of the evidence compelled him to conclude that Jesus actually did rise from the dead. Morrison wrote his book - but not the one he had planned. It is titled, Who Moved the Stone? The first chapter, very significantly, is, "The Book That Refused to Be Written."

4.7 Conclusion

All this wonderful evidence exists in spite of the security precautions taken by both the Jews and the Romans to make sure Jesus was dead and remained in the tomb. These included things like the Roman seal that was broken, the heavy stone that covered the door but was removed, and the Roman guard of soldiers who were there to guard the tomb. All this makes the evidence that much more remarkable.

5. THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Does it matter very much whether or not Christ rose from the dead? To read Paul's letters will leave us in no doubt as to the centrality and importance of this article of our faith.

"If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God ... ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (1 Corinthians 15:14-15, 17-19).

The doctrine of the resurrection is central in the Christian faith, not peripheral. To deny it is to remove the keystone of the arch of Christianity. Without it, the crucifixion of our Lord would have been in vain, for it was the resurrection that validated and gave saving value to the atoning death.

Of all the great religious, Christianity alone bases its claim to acceptance on the resurrection of its Founder. If it is not a fact, our preaching is emptied of content. Instead of being a dynamic message, it merely enshrines a fragrant memory. Our faith is without a factual basis and is therefore empty. The Scripture writers become suppliers of intentional lies, and the Scriptures themselves unreliable. Deliverance from the penalty and power of sin is no more than a mirage, and the future life still shrouded in midnight darkness. Thus Paul makes Christianity answer with its life for the truth of the resurrection.

If this doctrine means much to the believer, it is no less important to the Lord Himself. If the resurrection can be disproved, He is for ever discredited as Redeemer and Son of God, for He frequently appealed to His future resurrection as evidence of the truth of His claims:

"As Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40).

5.1 The Importance of Christ's Resurrection

The resurrection of Christ is of paramount importance for the several reasons:

1. It is the central truth of the Gospel.

2. It is the central truth of Christianity.

3. It has an important part in the application of Salvation.

4. It is important as an exhibition of divine power.

5.1.1 It is the central truth of the Gospel

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Paul includes the resurrection as one of two essential truths of the gospel message; that He died and was buried, and that He was raised and appeared to many. Further, a casual glance at the preaching of the apostles in the book of Acts reveals the fact that the resurrection was not only a vital element, but was usually the emphasis of each message. This is not surprising, for only a living Jesus can save men from the penalty and the power of sin!

5.1.2 It is the central truth of Christianity

"... if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain ... and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins ..." (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).

The resurrection is essential to the gospel message because it is the central truth of the Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Paul shows that everything stands or falls with Christ's bodily resurrection:

1. if Christ has not risen, preaching is vain (v. 14);

2. the Corinthians' faith was vain (v. 14);

3. the apostles were false witnesses (v. 15);

4. the Corinthians were yet in their sins (v. 17);

5. those fallen asleep in Jesus have perished (v. 18); and

6. Christians are of all men most to be pitied (v. 19).

All through the book of Acts the emphasis of the apostolic preaching was upon the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15, 26; 4:10; 10:40; 13:30-37; 17:31). This can be noted in Paul's Epistles as well (Romans 4:24f.; 6:4, 9; 7:4; 8:11; 10:9; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:4; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Timothy 2:8), and other New Testament Epistles (1 Peter 1:21; 3:21; Revelation 1:5; 2:8). The resurrection is clearly the central truth of Christianity.

5.1.3 It has an important part in the application of Salvation

God raised Him up and exalted Him to His own right hand that He might be the head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1:20-22). It was necessary for Him to rise because He could baptize the believer in the Holy Spirit (John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 2:32f.; 11:15-17; 1 Corinthians 12:13; cf. John 14:16-19; 15:26; 16:7). His death, resurrection, and ascension are preparatory to His bestowing gifts on men (Ephesians 4:7-13). And He must rise to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel (Acts 5:31). Paul sums it all up when he says that while Christ's death reconciled us to God, His present life perfects our Salvation (Romans 5:8-10). The resurrection is essential to the application of the Salvation provided for in the death of Christ.

5.1.4 It is important as an exhibition of divine power

The standard of divine power often expressed in the Old Testament was the power with which the Lord brought Israel out of the land of Egypt. The annual Passover was a reminder of God's mighty hand (Exodus 12). In the New Testament the standard power is the power God exhibited in the resurrection of Christ. It was impossible for Christ to be held in death's power (Acts 2:24). This same power which raised Christ from the dead is available to Christians. Paul prayed that the believers might know "what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe ... in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the Heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:18-20).

5.2 The Nature of Christ's Resurrection

The nature of Christ's resurrection was as follows:

1. It was an actual resurrection.

2. It was a bodily resurrection.

3. It was a unique resurrection.

5.2.1 It was an actual resurrection

Christ actually died, is evident from the fact that:

1. the centurion and the soldiers declared Him to be dead (Mark 15:45; John 19:33);

2. blood and water flowed from His opened side (John 19:34);

3. the women came with the expectation of anointing a dead body (Mark 16:1);

4. the disciples assumed He was dead and His resurrection greatly surprised them (Matthew 28:17; Luke 24:37f.; John 20:3-9);

5. He did not appear to His disciples on the third day in a weakened condition, but as a mighty conqueror of death; and

6. Christ Himself declared that He was dead but now is alive forevermore (Revelation 1:18).

5.2.2 It was a bodily resurrection

Several things prove that Christ arose bodily:

1. Jesus Himself declared after His resurrection that He had flesh and bones (Luke 24:39).

2. Matthew declared that the women who met Christ on the resurrection morning held Him by the feet (Matthew 28:9).

3. David prophesied by the Spirit that Christ's flesh would not see corruption (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31).

4. The tomb was empty and the grave-clothes were in order when the disciples examined the tomb (Mark 16:6; John 20:5-7).

5. Christ partook of food in the presence of His disciples after He had arisen (Luke 24:41-43).

6. Jesus was recognized by His own after the resurrection, even to the imprint of the nails (Luke 24:34-39; John 20:25-28).

7. Jesus predicted that He would rise bodily (Matthew 12:40; John 2:19-21).

8. The angels in the tomb declared that He had arisen as He had said (Luke 24:6-8).

9. Many Scriptures would be unintelligible on the theory that His was a spiritual resurrection (John 5:28f.; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Ephesians 1:19f.).

5.2.3 It was a unique resurrection

The son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24), the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:18-37), Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:22-43), the young man of Nain (Luke 7:11-17), Lazarus (John 11:1-44), Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43), and Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12) undoubtedly all died again. Surely, they did not receive the resurrection body as Christ did. Concerning Christ's resurrection body, several things must be mentioned:

1. It was a real body. It could be and was touched (Matthew 28:9); it had flesh and bones (Luke 24:39).
   
   

2. It was recognized as the same body, not another. Christ Himself mentioned His opened side (John 20:27). It appears that these marks of His passion will be visible even at His second coming (Zechariah 12:10; Revelation 1:7). At different times we are told that His own recognized Him after the resurrection (Luke 24:41-43; John 20:16, 20; 21:7).
   
   

3. Yet His body was in some respects different after the resurrection. He passed through closed doors (John 20:19), and undoubtedly He did not need to eat and sleep after that time.
   
   

4. He is now alive forevermore (Romans 6:9f.; 2 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 1:18).

5.3 The Results of Christ's Resurrection

The results of Christ's resurrection are as follows:

1. It proves the deity of Christ.

2. It assures the acceptance of Christ's work.

3. It has made Christ our high priest.

4. It provides a basis for justification.

5. It provides the basis for a new life for the believer.

6. It guarantees the resurrection of all believers.

7. It provides men with a living hope.

8. It prepares the way for Christ to sit on the throne of David.

9. It provides assurance of judgment.

5.3.1 It proves the deity of Christ

Jesus demonstrated His deity in the miracles He performed, in His authoritative teaching, and in His display of knowledge. But none of these demonstrations of deity would be remembered today if death had defeated Him. Paul teaches that Christ "was declared with power to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:4). Christ had pointed forward to His resurrection as a sign that would be given the people of Israel (Matthew 12:38-40; John 2:18-22), and Paul declares that it was a sign of His deity.

5.3.2 It assures the acceptance of Christ's work

Paul writes that Christ "was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification" (Romans 4:25). We can have the confidence that God has accepted Christ's sacrifice because He has risen from the dead.

5.3.3 It has made Christ our high priest

Through His resurrection from the dead, He became the intercessor, executive, and protector of His people (Romans 5:9f.; 8:34; Ephesians 1:20-22; 1 Timothy 2:5f.). He not only delivers from bondage, but He also intercedes for His people in times of need.

5.3.4 It provides a basis for justification

The provision for justification was made when Jesus Christ died on the Cross. By paying the penalty (propitiation) for sin, He provided forgiveness for sinners. Thus, God can justly declare the one who repents righteous (justification) on the basis of his faith in Christ.

Romans 4:25 states that He was "delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification". His death was necessary to make payment for our sins, and according to this verse His resurrection was necessary for our justification.

5.3.5 It provides the basis for a new life for the believer

First, Jesus' resurrection and ascension make Him the new authority ("head") over the believer (Ephesians 1:20-22). The authority of evil which used to bind us is broken, and our rightful authority is Christ.

Second, the believer participates in Jesus' resurrection by faith (Romans 6:1-11). God, by our faith, considers us to have died and risen again with Christ; His "death" removes us from the realm of sin, and His "resurrection" places us into the realm of righteousness. The believer must put himself into a frame of thinking in which this transfer from death to life is considered a fact every time he makes a decision (Romans 6:11). When this occurs, the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit is released to energize his efforts to obey God (Romans 8:1-11).

5.3.6 It guarantees the resurrection of all believers

Paul actually argues in 1 Corinthians 15:12-18 that there is no point to the resurrection of Christ apart from the promise of the same kind of resurrection to those who belong to Christ.

Later, he declares, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

"First fruits" is an agricultural phrase for the early harvest which always served as a token and guarantee of the rest of the harvest. The first fruits indicated the quality and certainty of the rest of the harvest to follow.

5.3.7 It provides men with a living hope

In 1 Peter 1:3 Peter points out we are begotten unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Thus we can see that by the resurrection, man is provided with a living hope because it depends on a living Savior. All other religious leaders are dead, Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius. The founders of religious cults are all in their tombs, their bodies rotting in the dust. Their followers have a dead hope, but they also have something else.

5.3.8 It prepares the way for Christ to sit on the throne of David

The resurrection of Christ prepared the way for Him to sit on the throne of David in the coming kingdom (Acts 2:32-36; 3:19-25).

5.3.9 It provides assurance of judgment

". . . according as He hath appointed a day in which he shall judge the inhabited earth by One whom He hath marked out having provided conviction for all men because he hath raised Him from the grave" (Acts 17:31).

While the resurrection can provide assurance of salvation, a living hope, it also provides assurance of judgment because the resurrection marks Jesus Christ out as God's Son and God's provision of grace for our sin. The resurrection of Christ is God's concrete proof that there will be a judgment of the godly and ungodly (Acts 10:42; 17:31; cf. John 5:22). It assures the unbeliever of a second death just as it assures the believer of resurrection unto life. For those who reject Christ (God's manifested provision for Salvation) there is nothing left but to look fearfully for a day of judgment. The day of judgment has been appointed, and so has the judge.

The important question is, do you believe and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?

5.4 God's Solution for Man's Problem

God is perfect holiness (whose holy character we can never attain to by our own works of righteousness) but He is also perfect love and full of grace and mercy. Because of His love, grace and mercy He has not left us without hope and a solution.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

This is the good news of the Bible, the message of the gospel. It's the message of the gift of God's own Son who became man (the God-man), lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sin, and was raised from the grave proving both the fact He is God's Son and the value of His death for us as our substitute (Romans 1:4; 4:25).

"He made Him who knew no sin {to be} sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

"For Christ also died for sins once for all, {the} just for {the} unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit" (1 Peter 3:18).

5.5 The All-Important Question

How then do we receive God's Son that we may have the eternal life God has promised us? What becomes the issue for us today?

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, {even} to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:16-18).

Because of what Jesus Christ accomplished for us on the Cross, the Bible states that "He that has the Son has life." We can receive the Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior by trusting in the person of Christ and His death for our sins. This means we must each come to God the same way - as a sinner who recognizes his sinfulness, repudiates any form of human works for salvation, and relies totally on Christ alone by faith alone for our salvation.

Would you trust in Christ today as your personal Savior? Just tell God that you know you need the Savior, Jesus Christ, and that you want to receive His Son by faith.

6. REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATION FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. Lectures in Systematic Theology, Chapter XXVI, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1992 Edition, by Henry C. Thiessen.

2. The Resurrection Factor, by Josh McDowell.

3. The Incomparable Christ - The Person and Work of Jesus Christ, Chapter 32, Moody Press, 1971 Edition, by John Oswald Sanders.

4. The Life of Jesus Christ, p. 146, Rev. Ed., Old Tappan, N.J. Revell, 1891, by James Stalker.

5. The Life of Christ, Lesson 10, Moody Bible Institute, 1993 Edition, by Irving L. Jensen.

6. New Testament Survey, pp. 204-205, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Inter-Varsity Press, 1985 Edition, by Merrill C. Tenney, Revised by Walter M. Dunnett.

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