22 April 2011

Is the Resurrection a Myth?

How can we know beyond any doubt that Jesus really rose from the dead - that this singular event is not some queer predilection on the part of the Christian but is rather faith founded on irrefutable fact?

 As Christians, we must be prepared to demonstrate that Christ's resurrection was an event that occurred in time and space - that it was, in reality, historical and not mythological (cf. 2 Peter 1:16). The importance of this event cannot be minimized, for Jesus Himself proclaimed that His resurrection would prove His power over death, and thus His deity (John 2:18-22). Not only that, but Christ's resurrection is the very heart of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

 When I first began examining the evidences for Christianity, I discovered that belief in the Resurrection does not constitute a blind leap into a dark chasm but rather a step into the light. Indeed, the evidence for Christ's resurrection is so overwhelming that no one can examine it with an open mind desiring to know the truth without becoming convinced of its truth.

 Of the many evidences available, none is more compelling than the fact that the resurrected Christ appeared to over five hundred individuals at a single time (1 Corinthians 15:6). Christ appeared to numerous other individuals as well, providing "many convincing proofs" of His resurrection (Acts 1:3). Christ in His resurrection body was even touched on two occasions (Matthew 28:9; John 20:17), and challenged the disciples (Luke 24:39) and Thomas (John 20:27) to feel His wounds.

 For those who continue to harbor doubts about the veracity of the biblical evidence, one need only point to Dr. Simon Greenleaf, the greatest authority on legal evidences in the 19th century. It is noteworthy that after examining the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Greenleaf suggested that any cross-examination of the eyewitness testimonies recorded in Scripture would result in "an undoubting conviction of their integrity, ability, and truth."
By Hank Hanegraaff

10 comments:

  1. Great post! i always find it hard to believe that some people really think Resurrection didn't happen. There is so much evidence in the Bible, and really otherwise Easter would be a holiday based on giant bunnies. Come On! It did happen.

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  2. What a wonderful post! Although I have zero doubt in my mind that the resurrection did occur, it would be interesting to see if there are any secular documentations on this blessed event!

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  3. What a blessing to find your blog through someone else that I follow. May the Lord richly bless you and your husbands efforts as you share our Lord and Savior with the lost of this world. May your Easter be blessed.

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  4. It always amazes me that people don't believe the Resurrection occurred. Of course, a lot of the time-worn excuses people use not to believe amaze me!

    Great post!

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  5. To me, the most compelling evidence of all is the thought that all but one of the remaining disciples after the resurrection were eventually martyred for their faith. People don't give their life for something unless they believe it with all of their heart and, if the resurrection was indeed a myth, these are the men who would know the truth. I don't know about you, but if my life was on the line for a lie that I'd decided to make up one day, I would certainly come forward and admit my error.

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  6. Awesome Afsoon! Keep contending for the faith my sister in Christ!

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  7. Such a powerful account. I just read this TRUTH by Hank - last night online.

    JESUS was MORE than 'just a Man'!

    Thank you so much for visiting my page - I am so honored that you took the time. Blessed am I to know that you are a fellow follower of Christ.

    Your diligence is precious to the Lord. Prov. 12:27

    Blessed Resurrection Day
    Patrina <")>><

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  8. My dear sister-in-Christ,
    I was sooo blessed by your post on my blog at www.writing4littleones.blogspot.com. Isn't it something how when we belong to Jesus, we are part of HIS FAMILY.... GOD IS SOOO GOOD. I look forward to getting to know you better.
    Your Iowa sister,
    Dixie

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  9. Amen! He is risen. Thanks for your encouragement. And I agree with the other comments. What a joy to know that we will live forever together with the Lord. Blessing to you and the work that the Lord has for you to do. Praying for you and your family for God's wondrous grace and blessings.

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  10. Thanks for sharing! I gave a lesson on this very subject last Saturday. I could have talked for hours about the historical evidence available that verifies the resurrection.

    If you feel like reading more on the subject, here's a list of helpful links I found while researching: http://flathillfaith.blogspot.com/2011/04/empty-tomb.html

    In Christ,
    daniel

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