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To: Dr. Crane [eaglechristianchurch.com]

Subject: Did Jesus Really Rise Again?

---Original Message---

What is the evidence regarding the resurrection of Jesus?

Reply:

Christianity lives or dies with the resurrection. Understanding this, opponents of Christianity have tried to explain away the resurrection by every possible means—to no avail. Here are twelve obstacles critics must overcome in order to deny the resurrection.

1. There was an empty tomb.

2. There were grave clothes lying on the shelf of the tomb, neatly wrapped and folded.

3. Jesus’ body could not have been stolen—the tomb was sealed with an official seal and guarded by Roman soldiers.

4. The Jews and Roman authorities had no desire to steal the body, in fact, they wanted it kept in the tomb. Even if they did remove the body, they would have produced it when the disciples began to preach the resurrection.

5. Three women visited the empty tomb. Peter and John also ran to the empty tomb. Even if you suggest they all went to the wrong tomb, why didn’t the Roman authorities correct them when they proclaimed the resurrection?

6. Jesus did not merely “swoon” or come out of a coma. If he did, how could he find the strength to unwrap himself, push away the stone, overpower the Roman guards, walk to Jerusalem on wounded feet, and then convince the world he was “resurrected with power”?

7. The resurrection was evidenced by twelve different post-resurrection appearances by more than 500 people: Mary Magdalene (John 20:11); other women (Matthew 28:9–10); Peter (Luke 24:34); two disciples (Luke 24:13–32); to ten apostles without Thomas (Luke 24:33–49); to the apostles with Thomas (John 20:26–30); to seven apostles in Galilee (John 21); to all the apostles (Mattthew 28:16–20); to all the apostles again (Acts 1:4–9); to 500 people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6); to James (1 Corinthians 15:7); and to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:7).

8. Thomas was encouraged to touch his hands and feet and to place his fingers in the nail holes and his sword-pierced side.

9. The changed lives of the apostles are proof they saw the resurrected Christ.

10. The apostles’ willingness to die for their belief in the resurrection evidences its reality.

11. The growth of the church in Jerusalem immediately following the resurrection.

12. The continued growth of the church throughout the centuries.

The historical evidence is overwhelming in favor of the resurrection—Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and he was resurrected on the third day. His life and teachings have influenced and shaped the world as no other. The evidence validates his claims. He is more than just a great man or a moral teacher; he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.