Did Jesus Rise of the Grave?
There are some who question the validity of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If Jesus Christ was not murdered and did not rise from the grave, then He is no different than any of the wise men or prophets of other religions. Jesus’ resurrection is what gives Him the authority to say He is God.
Some will argue that Jesus was never resurrected because He did not die on the cross. We have proved that Jesus not only suffered extreme pain, but died on the cross. See Crucifixion page.
Other than the Bible itself there are no historical writings confirming/proving that Jesus rose from the grave. On the surface it would seem that is very problematic. However, if there is evidence to point to the validity of the Bible, then the Bible as a source to prove there was a resurrection, would not be irrational or illogical.
Some will argue that you can’t trust the Bible because it was written by those who believed in Jesus. If you use this argument regarding biographies and history books (this is what the Four Gospels are like), you see how foolish it is. Many biographies are written by people who loved the person they are writing about, but we do not question their validity. There are those who write about history who have their prejudices but we do not deny the facts that are in their books. Click Here to read on the evidence of the Bible being valid literature.
Why the Lack of Historical Evidence of the Resurrection?
That is a legitimate question. Here are some possible explanations:
A. The Pharisee leaders of Jesus’ time certainly would not be promoting writings on the resurrection of Jesus. If the resurrection did occur they would have gone at great lengths to squelch any evidence of the resurrection. In the Book of Acts the rulers did all they could to restrain the doctrine that Jesus had risen from the dead:
1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.
Acts 4:1-3
B. Overall there are limited historical records of the lives and times of the Jews during the time of Jesus. Mainly the Bible and the Jewish historian Josephus, who as a Jew would not be desirous to promote the concept of a resurrection. (He does acknowledge that there was a man named Jesus that was crucified.)
The lack of historical records does not mean there was no Jewish race during Jesus’ time. Thus it does not mean there was no resurrection.
C. There may not have been many documents regarding the resurrection because at the time the writings of the scriptures were throughout the land. (Literally thousands of manuscripts.)
Lack of Evidence AGAINST the Resurrection and the Bible Accounts
A. If the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus is not true, why during the early centuries is there no documentation disproving these events other than some writings that Jesus body was stolen.
B. Why did those who were against Christianity make sure the body was not stolen from the grave?
C. Why did the opponents against Christianity produce Jesus body to prove the Christians were deceived?
D. Why was there not writings proving that those who claim to have seen Jesus in resurrected form were ‘off the wall’, mentally ill?
E. Why were there no documents by the opponents refuting the details that are documented in scripture? It isn’t until over a thousand years that the validity of the Bible is being questioned, when there is more archaeological proof every day proving the validity of the Bible.
F. If the disciples died horrific deaths for believing in the resurrection of Jesus when they actually hid his body, they were insane. If they were insane enough to die for a lie, there should be much documentation on how crazy the disciples were after Jesus death. There certainly is plenty of ‘dirt’ on other historical figures.
Did the Resurrection Happen? Logical Reasoning by Weighing the Evidence
Invalid Arguments Used Against the Resurrection
Other Resource on Jesus’ Resurrection
http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth22.html
It should be noted that Christianity is a religion ultimately based upon relationship, not knowledge. It is a religion of faith, not logic. The information provided is to help answer questions, but ultimately you must believe in the gospel accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ because you believe in the claims of Jesus that we are sinners and we need a savior.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
