Monday, 10 June 2024

7 Reasons Why I Know that Jesus Rose From the Dead

Did Jesus really die and rise again? Paul tells us if He didn’t, our faith is worthless and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:14-17) so it is an important question to settle in our for our faith.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com. Subscribe and set notifications on YouTube at https://revtrev.com/tv and visit https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

Jesus Rose

Here are 7 Reasons Why I Know that Jesus Rose From the Dead

1. Eyewitness Accounts

Emphasizing the significance of eyewitness testimonies, various individuals and groups claimed to have seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion. These accounts are documented in the New Testament, with appearances to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and over 500 people at once. See John 20:11-18, Matthew 28:9-10, Luke 24:13-35, John 20:19-23, John 20:24-29, John 21:1-14, Matthew 28:16-20, 1 Corinthians 15:6-7

2. Empty Tomb

The discovery of Jesus' empty tomb is another critical point. The tomb was found empty by women, whose testimonies were not highly regarded at that time. This detail adds credibility to the story, as it would be unlikely to fabricate such information. See Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12 , John 20:1-10

3. Transformation of the Disciples

Initially fearful and in hiding after Jesus' death, his disciples became bold proclaimers of his resurrection after claiming to have seen him alive. This transformation from fear to courage, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom, supports the truth of their claims. See: John 20:19 vs Acts 4:13 and see below.

4. Early Christian Writings

Early Christian creeds and writings referencing the resurrection, some dating back to shortly after Jesus' death, suggest that belief in the resurrection was foundational to early Christian faith. This indicates that the belief was not a later development but an integral part of early Christianity. See: Justin Martyr "Dialogue with Trypho", Chapter 108. Tertullian "On the Resurrection of the Flesh", Chapter 48. Origen commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Book 2, Chapter 24.

5. Historical Impact

The rapid growth of Christianity from a small group to a major religious movement within a few centuries is used to argue for the authenticity of the resurrection. Such a significant impact is believed to be difficult to explain without an extraordinary event like the resurrection. There are reasons that Rome made it possible, but why Christianity and not the cult of Mithras? It had even more advantages in the same time period of Roman history.

6. Disciples Zeal

All (but maybe 1 - who was tortured and persecuted*) died because they told people Jesus rose from the dead.

  • Peter: Crucified upside down in Rome, around AD 64-68 during the persecution under Emperor Nero.
  • Andrew: Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece, around AD 60-70.
  • James, son of Zebedee: Beheaded in Jerusalem around AD 44 by Herod Agrippa I.
  • John*: Died of natural causes in Ephesus around AD 95-100, although there are some traditions that suggest he was martyred.
  • Philip: Martyred in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) by hanging or crucifixion around AD 80.
  • Bartholomew: Flayed alive and then either crucified or beheaded in Armenia or India.
  • Matthew: Killed by a sword in Ethiopia or Persia.
  • Thomas: Speared to death in Mylapore, India, around AD 72.
  • James, son of Alphaeus: Stoned and clubbed to death in Egypt or Jerusalem.
  • Thaddaeus (Jude): Martyred with arrows in Beirut or Edessa.
  • Simon the Zealot: Crucified in Persia or Samaria.
  • Matthias: Stoned and beheaded in Jerusalem.

Who dies for a good person or to sustain a lie? But this makes sense if they saw Jesus after his death.

7. The difference it’s made in my own life.

So far I’ve stuck with historical, researchable topics, but this reason is my most personal. I’ve confessed with my mouth “Jesus the Lord” and believed in my heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9) and I am saved… not only that I know one day I’ll be with Him forever, in a new glorious body and enjoy Him forever, but also from and through the crap that this life can be in the meantime.

Do you have another reason you believe Jesus rose from the dead? Tell me in the comments.

Check out other topics on Jesus

Who is Jesus? - Theology

What difference does Jesus mean to me?

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