The resurrection of Jesus: Hoax or historical fact?

Christians around the world are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, western churches today. Indeed, the resurrection of Jesus is the key doctrine of the Christian Faith upon which all depends.

Jesus Himself foretold His own death and resurrection numerous times, saying, “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him and the third day He shall rise again” (Matthew 20:18-19). He also said, “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19).

Thus, if Jesus did not rise bodily from the dead on the third day, He is nothing but a liar and Christianity a hoax! What hope could any have of everlasting life if Jesus Himself did not rise from the dead on the third day? If Jesus did not rise from the dead, as some (even within the outward pale of churches) have said, Christianity is an empty and worthless religion. It is as St. Paul writes to the church in Corinth: “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Cor. 15:17-19).

But, in spite of the skepticism of some, there is solid evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. Not only was the resurrection of Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures, it is attested to by the New Testament apostles and evangelists with claims of seeing, touching, and talking to the risen Christ Jesus. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, the Apostle Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and the writer of Hebrews all attest to the resurrection of Jesus. Not only did Jesus appear alive to Mary Magdalene and the other women, He appeared to Peter, to the two disciples on the road to Emaus, to the eleven on numerous occasions, to James, to the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus, and to over 500 believers at once. At the time when Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church, most of these eyewitnesses were still alive and could be questioned by any with doubts.

Now some have said that Jesus did not actually die but swooned on the cross and later revived in the tomb – a foolish hypothesis since the Roman soldiers were well experienced with death and with death by crucifixion since they regularly crucified both criminals and rebels. Crucifixion victims had to lift themselves up to breath. Hanging motionlessly meant breathing also stopped and life ended. The spear thrust into Jesus’ side left no doubt. Jesus indeed died upon the cross (John 19:32-34). And, even if it were somehow possible for one to be crucified and not yet be dead after having a spear thrust into his side, would laying in a tomb, wrapped in burial cloths and receiving no medical attention enable one to survive scourging, crucifixion, and a spear wound to the chest?

Some have said – indeed, right from the beginning (Matthew 28:11ff.) – that Jesus’ disciples came and stole the body and moved it to another tomb where it probably still lies to this day. This too makes no sense at all. It’s entirely unlikely that followers of Jesus who fled when Jesus was arrested and then hid behind locked doors would risk death at the hands of the Roman soldiers who guarded the tomb in order to steal a dead body and advance a fake religion. And, while people may risk all and suffer death for something they mistakenly believe to be true, would all of Jesus’ apostles willingly face death and persecution for something they knew was a lie? Not likely! Not only did they suffer persecution and agonizing deaths, they gave up the comforts and pleasures of this life as well. They had nothing to gain by preaching the resurrection of Jesus if indeed He did not rise.

And what of those who spread the stories of Jesus’ body being stolen away? They could easily have put a stop to the spread of Christianity if they produced the body of Jesus. Did they? No! There is no record of any attempt or claim to produce the body of Jesus. Why? Because the tomb was empty and they could not refute the resurrection of Jesus!

So, what does the resurrection of Jesus mean for us today? Well, it proves that Jesus is He who He claimed to be, God the Son and the Messiah and Savior of the world! It proves that His teaching is true. His resurrection proves that He did indeed take the punishment for the sins of the world that we might have pardon and peace though faith in Him. His resurrection proves that those who fall asleep in Him – those who die trusting in Him for forgiveness of sins and life everlasting – will be raised up on the Last Day to the eternal joys of heaven!

Of course, it also proves that he will return to judge the living and the dead as He has said, and that those who have not relied upon Him for forgiveness and life will be condemned to everlasting punishment in the eternal fires of hell.

The resurrection of Jesus is an historical event which affects every human being in this world. Those who consider it and place their hope in Jesus and His resurrection shall receive, as Jesus says, life everlasting. Those who neglect or spurn it face a most miserable eternity with no hope, no blessing, and no joy!