Was Jesus REALLY Resurrected?

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that he was raised on the third day.”
– I Corinthians 15:3-4

Back in the First Century, some of the Greek Christians struggled to believe in their own future resurrection.

 

They were confused because most Greek scholars taught that the doctrine of the resurrection was ridiculous. None of their major philosophers believed in the resurrection of the dead: Not Plato, not Socrates, not Aristotle. These days, we have a similar problem: Many American scientists, doctors and philosophers believe the doctrine of the resurrection is ludicrous.

 

But make no mistake. Jesus’ resurrection is a historical fact that makes everything in a Christian’s life matter. Everything we believe, teach and do in Christ’s Church hinges on this core belief: the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ. Without this essential belief, we cannot be called “Christians.”

 

In the first 11 verses of 1 Corinthians 15, Paul offers these 3 proofs of Jesus’ resurrection:

 

Proof #1: Our SALVATION (vs. 1-2). How does our salvation prove that Jesus rose from the grave? Pastor Warren Wiersbe writes: “An integral part of the gospel message was the fact of Christ’s resurrection. After all, a dead Savior cannot save anybody…. The fact that they were standing firm [in their salvation] was proof that their faith was genuine and not empty.” John MacArthur puts it this way: “Our holding onto Him is evidence that He is holding onto us.” If you’re a Christian, you are a walking miracle! You are living proof that Jesus is alive.

 

Proof #2: The Old Testament SCRIPTURES (vs. 3-4). The Old Testament provides further proof that Jesus conquered death. Here are just a couple of examples from the Old Testament: “You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay” (Psalm 16:10). “After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied, by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many and he will bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:11).

 

Proof #3: Multiple EYEWITNESS testimonies (vs. 5-11). In these verses, Paul lists six times Jesus appeared to His followers after his resurrection. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s compelling evidence that Jesus was very much alive in the days following His crucifixion. Paul lists Jesus’ appearances to Cephas and Peter; the twelve apostles; more than 500 brothers at the same time; the Apostles; and to Paul on the road to Damascus.

 

Many respected historians and investigators have said that the resurrection of Jesus Christ has more proof to support it than any other fact in human history. And because of His resurrection, you and I can enjoy a beautiful, personal relationship with Jesus today. It is a relationship that matters more than any other relationship in the world.

 

Dane Davis is the pastor of Impact Christian Church in Victorville. Join us at Impact for Sunday services at 9am: at 17746 George Blvd. in Victorville, or at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live or YouTube. For more information, visit www.GreaterImpact.cc.