THE RESURRECTION


THE RESURRECTION

Steven F. Deaton

The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is at the very heart of Christianity. Without the bodily resurrection of the Savior, there is no hope. “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Cor. 15:14). However, we have reliable testimony that Jesus was raised from the dead to sit at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2).
First, the resurrection was prophesied not only by the prophets of old, but also by Jesus. Isaiah said, “He was cut off from the land of the living...He shall prolong His days” (Isa. 53:8, 10). Jesus said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt. 12:40).
Second, the resurrection was unexpected by the disciples of our Lord. They had visions, as many do today, of a Messiah who would rule and reign as an earthly king. Their hopes were dashed and their spirits destroyed when Jesus was crucified (Lk. 24:13-24). Thomas had such strong doubt that he said, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (Jn. 20:25). Yet, when Jesus appeared to him, he said, “My Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:28).
Third, the resurrection of Jesus was denied by one who later believed--the apostle Paul. Saul, as he was formerly known, denied the deity of Christ and persecuted those who confessed such (Acts 7:58; 8:1, 3; 9:1-2). Yet, the Lord chose him “to bear [His] name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Never has there been a more staunch advocate of the resurrection of Jesus than the one who formerly denied it (1 Cor. 15:10).
The question must be asked, if the resurrection of Jesus was a hoax, then why did the disciples who witnessed it, and the apostles, endure such great persecution--even death--for a fraud (Acts 5:40; 12:2-3; 14:19)?
Jesus of Nazareth was bodily resurrected from the grave and now reigns in heaven. As Lord of lords and King of kings He has commanded all men to believe in Him, repent of their sins, confess His name, and be baptized (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; 12:8-9; Mk. 16:16).

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