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The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
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coram_deo
08-Aug-21, 15:54
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ varies in the four Gospels but the Gospel accounts are not contradictory - details may appear in one Gospel but not in another. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus appears to two disciples who are walking to Emmaus (one is Cleopas; the other is not named directly, but I believe the other is Simon Peter.)

During their walk, Jesus explains the Old Testament scriptures concerning Him, but they don’t recognize Jesus because He prevents them from doing so (“their eyes were holden that they should not know him.”) It was only when Jesus joined them for a meal and blessed and broke bread, as He did at the Last Supper, that the veil before their eyes was lifted “and they knew Him.”

“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

And they remembered his words,

And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

And he took it, and did eat before them.

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

And ye are witnesses of these things.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.“

(Luke 24)
coram_deo
01-Sep-21, 12:16
Here is the account of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection in the final two chapters of the Gospel of John:

“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

(John 20)

“After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”

(John 21)

coram_deo
02-Sep-21, 10:09
Here is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as told in the Gospel of Mark, which is believed to be the first of the four Gospels to be written.

“And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

(Mark 16)
coram_deo
02-Sep-21, 11:10
Thought I’d include some commentary on the Gospel of Mark’s account of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection because it’s believed to be the first account, includes a couple of thought-provoking verses, and controversy exists over whether the entire account is original or whether the last half of the account was written later (presumably by someone else.)

The first verse that’s interesting to me is the angel saying to the women in verse 7, “But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee:…” Was Peter not one of Jesus Christ’s disciples? The phrasing makes it sound like he no longer is, and this was after Peter denied knowing Jesus three times after Jesus was arrested.

But one commentary says Peter was singled out because he needed special forgiveness, not because he was no longer a disciple:

“b. His disciples; and Peter: We are amazed that Jesus wanted to meet with these men who failed Him so deeply, yet He made special notice of Peter. Some say He distinguished Peter because he was separate from the rest of the disciples in the sense that he was no longer among them. This was probably not the case. Instead, Jesus distinguished Peter because He had special hope, special forgiveness, special restoration for the one who denied Him the worst.

i. ‘If any of you have behaved worse to your Master than others, you are peculiarly called to come to him now. You have grieved him, and you have been grieving because you have grieved him. You have been brought to repentance after having slidden away from him, and now he seals your pardon by inviting you to himself.’ (Spurgeon)”

Another section I think is interesting is:

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

(Mark 16:17-18)

I don’t (obviously) think this section is meant as an encouragement to do harmful things to test God because Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew says,

“Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”

(Matthew 4:17)

When Jesus says, “It is written,” He’s referring to Deuteronomy, one of the books of the Old Testament.

“Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.”

(Deuteronomy 6:16)

I think those verses instead refer to harmful things that occur by accident or without knowledge of the intended victim:

“And if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; not that they were hereby warranted to drink poison, to show what power they had; but should they accidentally drink it, or rather should they be forced to it by their enemies in order to destroy them, they should find no hurt by it: and Papias (x) reports of Barsabas, surnamed Justus, who was put up with Matthias for the apostleship, Acts 1:23, that he drank a poisonous draught, and by the grace of the Lord, received no hurt: and the Jews themselves report (y), that

‘a son of R. Joshua ben Levi, swallowed something hurtful; and one came and whispered to him in the name of Jesus, the son of Pandira (so they call our Lord), and he did well.’ ”

biblehub.com

Then there’s the question of whether the latter half of this chapter in Mark (verses 9 through 20) was original or added later. Whichever it is, the preceding verses to the passage in question state that the boulder had been rolled away from the tomb and that an angel told the women that Jesus Christ was risen and to tell His disciples that He would meet them in Galilee.

Here is the passage (verses 9 through 20) whose date of writing is debated, along with a commentary listing reasons to believe and not believe it was part of Mark’s original Gospel:

“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

(Mark 16:9-20)

Here’s the commentary on this passage:

“B. Preface to Mark 16:9-20: Do these verses belong in our Bible?

1. In many Bibles, this last portion of the Gospel of Mark is footnoted in some way, indicating that it did not exist in the earliest Greek manuscripts of the gospel of Mark. This troubles some Christians regarding the reliability of God’s Word. They wonder if this passage belongs in our Bible.

2. The argument against including Mark 16:9-20 in our Bibles.

a. The two oldest existing Greek manuscripts (dated from 325 and 340 A.D.) do not contain this section and neither do about 100 other ancient manuscripts translated into other languages. A few ancient manuscripts put asterisks next to Mark 16:9-20 to indicate that it is an addition to the original text.

b. According to their writings, almost all the Greek manuscripts known to Eusebius (who died in 339) and Jerome (who died in 419) did not have these verses.

c. In a few other manuscripts there are two other endings – one shorter, one with some additions.

d. About one-third of the vocabulary is totally different from the rest of the Gospel of Mark and there is a very awkward grammatical transition between Mark 16:8 and 16:9.

e. Most contemporary scholars reject these verses as original.

3. The argument for including Mark 16:9-20 in our Bibles.

a. Many very early Christian writers refer to this passage in their writings. This shows that the early Christians knew about this passage in the Gospel of Mark and accepted it as genuine.

· Papias refers to Mark 16:18. He wrote around A.D. 100.

· Justin Martyr’s first Apology quoted Mark 16:20 (A.D. 151).

· Irenaus in Against Heresies quoted Mark 16:13 and remarked on it (A.D. 180).

· Hippolytus in Peri Charismaton quoted Mark 16:18 and 19. In his homily on the heresy of Noetus, he refers to Mark 16:19. He wrote while he was Bishop of Portus (A.D. 190-227).

· Vicentius, Bishop of Thibari, quoted from 2 of the verses in the 7th Council of Carthage held under Cyprian (A.D. 256). Augustine, a century and a half later, in his reply, recited the words again.

· The apocryphal Acts of Pilate contains Mark 16:15-18 (thought to be written in the somewhere around A.D. 200).

· The Apostolic Constitutions clearly allude to 16:15 in two places and quote Mark 16:16 outright (thought to be written somewhere in the late third century or the early fourth century).

b. The overwhelming majority of ancient manuscripts do include this passage.

4. Thoughts on the problem of including or not including this passage.

a. It is highly unlikely that the Gospel of Mark ended so abruptly at Mark 16:8, with the women simply being afraid but seeing no concrete evidence of the resurrected Jesus, only of an empty tomb. However, it is possible that the original ending of Mark’s gospel was lost rather early.

i. Noted Greek scholar A.T. Robertson wrote, ‘It is difficult to believe that Mark ended his Gospel with verse 8 unless he was interrupted. A leaf or column may have been torn off at the end of the papyrus roll.’

b. But importantly, the earliest testimony we presently have, from writers like Irenaeus and others, argues that the earliest Christians accepted Mark 16:9-20 as genuine.

enduringword.com

coram_deo
03-Sep-21, 09:41
And here is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew:

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

(Matthew 28)

Because the account of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection is not the same in all four Gospels (and I find that more credible than if they were the same: Eyewitness accounts often differ and if all four accounts were the same, it would lead me to believe the Gospel writers either copied each other or met to get their story straight before writing their accounts) I’m going to post an article that reconciles the differences in the Resurrection accounts.
coram_deo
03-Sep-21, 10:02
Here is an article that reconciles the differences in accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ by the four Gospel writers:

From answersingenesis.org:

“Christ’s Resurrection—Four Accounts, One Reality

Christ’s Resurrection led to a confusing day, as His followers raced around the city. Skeptics point to alleged contradictions to prove Scripture wrong. Can the four Gospels be reconciled?

The Gospels can’t keep their stories straight! How many women went to the tomb and when did they leave? How many angels visited the tomb? Did Jesus appear to all the women or just Mary Magdalene?

Actual contradictions in the Resurrection reports would raise serious concerns for Christianity. If these discrepancies are legitimate, they would be a strike against the preservation of Scripture, but errors would not prove anything against the truth of the Lord’s Resurrection or the infallible original records. Nevertheless, Christians need not worry. These accounts can be reconciled. Indeed, when we put all the pieces together, the wonder of the Resurrection shines out in even greater glory.

Early Morning

When did the women go to the tomb, and how many went?

The Gospels refer to different times and name different women who arrived at the tomb. Matthew states that ‘Mary Magdalene and the other Mary’ came to the tomb as it ‘began to dawn’ (Matthew 28:1). Mark adds Salome to the group and claims that they came ‘very early in the morning’ (Mark 16:1–2). Luke agrees that it was ‘very early in the morning’ and names ‘Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women’ as those who came to the tomb (Luke 24:1, 24:10). John wrote that ‘Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark’ (John 20:1).

Regarding the timing of the women’s trip, the sticky point is John’s claim that they went to the tomb ‘while it was still dark’ (John 20:1). Was it very early in the morning at dawn, or was it still dark? One plausible solution is that the phrases used in the Gospels all refer to the same general time. Much of the sky is still dark when the day begins to dawn very early in the morning.

Perhaps a better solution is that John may have described when the women initially left for the tomb, while the other Gospels described when the women arrived. If they lodged in Bethany, as they had done earlier in the week, then the women would need to travel about two miles to reach the burial site (John 11:18), plenty of time for the sun to rise.

Resolving the differences in the number of women listed is straightforward. At least five women went to the tomb, since Luke names three of them and then says ‘other women’ went too (at least two). Notice that Matthew does not say that only two women were there. Mark does not say only three women were there. They simply focus on the women they name. Although John names only Mary Magdalene, he is clearly aware that she was not alone. Reporting to Peter and John, she said, ‘They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him’ (John 20:2.)

Was the tomb already open, and how many angels appeared?

Mark 16:4, Luke 24:2, and John 20:1 state outright that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb prior to the women’s arrival. Matthew’s wording has caused some consternation. After writing about the women going to the tomb he writes, ‘And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it’ (Matthew 28:2). Although this description follows his mention of the women heading to the tomb, Matthew does not claim that this event occurred as the women arrived. Instead, he provides helpful details about what had already happened.

The angelic appearances have also drawn criticism. Was there one angel at the tomb, as described in Matthew 28:2–7 and Mark 16:5–7, or two angels, as stated in Luke 24:4–7 and John 20:12? This minor difficulty is easily explained. There were two angels. Neither Matthew nor Mark claims that only one angel was at the tomb. The complete number does not appear in their accounts. It is not a problem that Mark and Luke call the angels ‘men,’ since angels frequently appeared in the form of men and were identified as such elsewhere (Genesis 18:1–2; Daniel 9:21).

Order of Appearances

The alleged contradictions already mentioned are relatively easy to reconcile, but resolving the diverse accounts given in the four Gospels and 1 Corinthians 15:5–8 concerning the post-Resurrection appearances is more difficult. None of these accounts mentions all of the Lord’s appearances, so the information must be pieced together from all five sources.

When and where did each woman see Jesus?

This is the most complex issue concerning the reporting of appearances. Matthew asserts that the women visited the tomb and saw an angel. While they were on the way to tell the disciples, Jesus appeared to them. There would be no difficulty here except that John has Mary Magdalene individually returning from the tomb to report to Peter and John that the body had been taken away. Only after her return to the tomb with the two disciples is she granted the privilege of being the first to see the risen Savior. So how can both accounts of women seeing Jesus be accurate? Many Gospel harmonies have been written, and there are a handful of plausible solutions. I believe the following scenario makes the best sense of the available data (see map).

As mentioned above, at least five women set out for the tomb in the early morning, probably from Bethany. As they neared the tomb, they noticed the stone had been removed. Apparently, Mary Magdalene left the other women to alert Peter and John. Based on her comment about not knowing the location of the Lord’s body, it seems that she was not among the women who encountered the angels at the tomb.

Meanwhile, the other women entered the tomb and encountered the angels. One of the angels proclaimed that the Lord had risen, and then ‘the women went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word’ (Matthew 28:8–9).

So how could Jesus first appear to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9) and then to the other women? As they headed for the tomb, why didn’t Mary, Peter, and John cross paths with the other women who were going to tell the disciples?

The key to resolving these dilemmas is to understand that Peter and John were probably not staying in the same place as the other disciples. Remember, although all the disciples ‘forsook Him and fled’ at His arrest (Matthew 26:56), Peter and John were brave enough to enter Jerusalem to find out what would happen to Jesus (John 18:15). Of course, Peter fled in shame at the rooster’s crow (Matthew 26:75), but John was present at the Cross (John 19:26). At some point, John and Peter met up, and they were likely staying together in Jerusalem when Mary Magdalene came to the door on Sunday morning.

Where were the other disciples, then? We cannot be certain, but they may well have stayed in Bethany. After all, this is where Jesus often stayed on trips to Jerusalem, and Bethany was on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives (Mark 11:1), the location of Christ’s arrest.

If these suppositions are correct, then all of the difficulties are resolved nicely. Mary Magdalene first left the tomb and entered nearby Jerusalem to get Peter and John. During that time, the other women encountered the angels and then left the tomb to set out on the two-mile trip to Bethany to tell the other disciples. They may have stopped along the way to tell Clopas and an unnamed disciple about the morning’s events (Luke 24:22–24), or they may have split up so that a couple of them could inform these men. In all likelihood, ‘the wife of Clopas’ was among these women (John 19:25).

Meanwhile, Peter, John, and Mary raced to the tomb. The men entered the tomb, saw the grave clothes, and then left. Mary stayed behind, weeping outside the tomb. When she looked into the tomb, she saw two angels (John 20:12), and after explaining her grief to them, she turned around and saw the Savior (John 20:16). After Mary departed to tell Peter and John about seeing the risen Lord, Jesus appeared to the other women who were on their way to Bethany (Matthew 28:9).

Three More Appearances on Sunday

The remaining appearances of Christ on that day are much easier to follow. Luke wrote about Clopas and a companion meeting the Lord while they walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They did not recognize Him until He broke bread with them (Luke 24:30–31).

They immediately returned to Jerusalem to share the good news with the disciples, who were gathered together without Thomas (John 20:19–24). Upon their arrival, they were told by the disciples that Jesus had appeared to Simon Peter (Luke 24:34; see also 1 Corinthians 15:5). It is unclear whether Peter saw Jesus before the two disciples saw Him on the road to Emmaus.

As they shared exciting details about the day’s events, Jesus appeared to the whole group. At first they were frightened, but the Lord showed them His scars and then ate some broiled fish and honeycomb (Luke 24:40–43).

Remaining Appearances

Jesus continued to appear to people over a forty-day period (Acts 1:3). Eight days after His Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples again, and this time Thomas was present (John 20:24–29).

Over the next few weeks Jesus appeared to seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1–2). While still in Galilee, the disciples also saw Jesus on a hillside (Matthew 28:16–17). This may have been the event Paul mentioned where Jesus appeared to over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). After that, Jesus was seen by His half-brother James, the son of Mary and Joseph (1 Corinthians 15:7).

The disciples returned to Jerusalem, where Jesus appeared to them a final time. He delivered the Great Commission, led them out to Bethany at the Mount of Olives, and ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50–51; Acts 1:9–11).

Conclusion

Luke declared that after Jesus suffered and died on the Cross, He showed Himself alive ‘by many infallible proofs’ (Acts 1:3). Skeptics will surely continue to question Scripture and neglect reasonable solutions to the dilemmas they propose. It’s hard for them to be open-minded about sensible answers because Christ’s Resurrection, if true, is a miracle that demonstrates Jesus is Lord—a truth contrary to their secular worldview, which rejects miracles and the supernatural. No matter how many objections unbelievers raise, Christians can be confident there are no contradictions in the Word of God.”

answersingenesis.org
coram_deo
09-Sep-21, 19:20
I think the meaning of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is much more straightforward and easier to accept and comprehend, compared to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

From blueletterbible.org

What is the Meaning of the Resurrection?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ means a number of things for our world. They include the following.

1. It Validates Jesus' Claims As The Son Of God

First, the resurrection demonstrates that Jesus is the One whom He claimed to be. Paul wrote to the Romans:

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4).

The deity of Christ is proven by the fact that Jesus has risen.

2. It Demonstrates That He Is A Prophet

The resurrection validates Jesus' claims to be a prophet since Jesus predicted His resurrection.

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life (Matthew 16:21).

3. The Resurrection Shows That He Is The Promised Messiah

Jesus' claim to be the promised Messiah is proved by His resurrection.

Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).

Everything He claimed to be has been validated by the resurrection.

4. It Demonstrates The Truth Of The Christian Faith

The resurrection also proves the truth of the Christian faith as opposed to every other belief system that claims to be true. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead settles the matter as to which of these beliefs is true. It is the Christian faith! Therefore, there is only one God who exists, and only one way to reach the one God, through Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus demonstrates this to be true.

5. It Acknowledges The Acceptance Of Christ's Death For Sin

The fact that Jesus came back from the dead is an acknowledgement that His sacrifice for the sins of the world was accepted by God the Father.

He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification (Romans 4:25).

When Jesus came back from the dead it indicated that His death was satisfactory in God's eyes.

6. It Answers The Big Questions About Life

Therefore, the fact that Jesus rose from the dead, gives humanity the answers to the three basic questions about life, "Who am I? Why am I alive? What will happen to me when I die?"

It Provides An Identity For People

The resurrection of Jesus solves our identity problem. Humans need no longer wonder who they are. We now realize that we are created in the image of God. This means we have the ability to think, love and communicate. We have the chance to know the one true God because He has given us these abilities. We now know that human beings are special.

It Gives Purpose To Life

Along with identity comes a genuine purpose for living. Instead of living life without any real purpose, we can now know the reason we have been created - to love God and enjoy Him forever. Jesus Christ, and His resurrection from the dead, has provided the answer to what our purpose is here upon the earth. We not only know who we are, we know why we are here.

It Shows We Will Have A Destiny

Finally, the truth of the resurrection of Jesus provides us with an answer about our future destiny. We now know that this life is not all there is. We are beings made for eternity, and belief in Jesus allows us to spend eternity in the presence of God. Thus, the grave has no ultimate terror for us because we know there is a better existence beyond this life. Belief in Jesus gives us a destiny to which we can look forward.

7. It Is The Guarantee Of Everlasting Life For The Believer

The resurrection of Jesus is the factual basis for everlasting life for those who believe in Him If a person believes in Jesus Christ, then one of the provisions is eternal life. Jesus said,

Because I live, you will live also (John 14:19).

This everlasting life is based upon His resurrection. Jesus said:

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live (John 11:25).

Paul wrote.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

He Is The First Of Many

Christ's resurrection is the first in a long line of resurrections of those who believe upon Him.

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20).

The resurrection body of Jesus serves as the prototype of the resurrection body of believers.

He Is Firstborn, Or Preeminent Among The Dead

Jesus is referred to as the firstborn, or the preeminent one, over those who have died.

He is also head of the body, the church; and he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that he himself might come to have first place in everything (Colossians 1:18).

In the Book of Revelation it says:

Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5).

This means that He was the first to have an eternal resurrected body.

Our resurrection bodies, like His, will be different from our earthly bodies. Paul says our resurrection bodies will be related to our former ones (1 Corinthians 15:35-41).

In eternity we will be like Him:

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when he appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him just as he is (1 John 3:2).

8. It Is A Comfort For Those Who Have Died Or Face Death

The realization that Christ has risen provides comfort to the believer. After writing to the church at Thessalonica on the matter of the resurrection of Christ and the eventual resurrection of the believer, the Apostle Paul exhorted the church to "comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The knowledge that this life is not all that there is brings comfort to the believer.

Because of this, we do not fear death in the same way as unbelievers do. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church:

Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

9. There Is Genuine Hope For The Future

Because Christ has risen from the dead and granted eternal life to those who put their trust in Him, there is hope for the future.

One of the simplest prayers and earliest creeds of the church was the Aramaic word Maranatha "our Lord come" (1 Corinthians 16:22). The hope of the church is the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.

We All Need Hope

It has been said that a human being can live eight minutes without air, three days without water, and about thirty days without food, but a person cannot live one second without hope. We all need to hope for something better than what this life offers. The resurrection of Christ provides the basis for that hope.

10. It Gives Believers A High Priest

The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives the believer a High Priest who lives forever to make intercession for them with God the Father.

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25).

Paul wrote:

Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Romans 8:34).

John said:

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One (1 John 2:1).

The believer has continual access to Jesus the Great High Priest who pleads the case before God the Father for each believer.

11. It Provides A Satisfying Life Right Now

Another benefit of the resurrection is that it provides the believer with the basis to live a satisfying life. Paul wrote that believers could now experience:

What is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, which he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:19,20).

Abundant life is available right now because Christ has risen. The power of the resurrected Christ is experienced in the life of the believer.

Summary

The resurrection of Christ is more than a historical event for it does the following things. It validates Jesus' claims as the Son of God. The resurrection also shows Jesus is a true prophet. In addition, it demonstrates that He is the Messiah. The resurrection also proves the truth of the Christian faith - no other religious leader has yet come back from the dead. Furthermore, it acknowledges the acceptance of God the Father of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. The resurrection gives humanity a purpose for living. It also provides the basis for eternal life. The resurrection of Christ gives the believer comfort. The resurrection also offers a genuine hope for the future. The fact that Christ has risen provides the believer with a continual High Priest who can answer their prayers. The knowledge of all these things results in a satisfying life right now for those who have trusted him.

www.blueletterbible.org

coram_deo
11-Sep-21, 07:47
The Historical Facts Argument for the Resurrection - Dr. Gary Habermas

youtu.be

This video is 6:23 long.
coram_deo
12-Sep-21, 09:25
This is a great article but pretty long so I’m going to have to break it up into several posts.

From bibleorg:

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Introduction

Now, Something happened 2000 years ago, something that has changed the course of history from B.C. (Before Christ) to A.D. (the Latin Anno Domini--the year of our Lord).

That “something” was so dramatic it completely changed 11 men’s lives, so that all but one died a martyr’s death.

That something was an empty tomb? An empty tomb that a 15-minute walk from the center of Jerusalem would have confirmed or disproved. But even after 2,000 more years of history, a large portion of mankind hasn’t forgotten that empty tomb and the historical record of the resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ.

If you wish to rationalize away the events surrounding Christ and His resurrection, you must deal with certain imponderables.” (McDowell, The Resurrection Factor, p. 64)

By imponderables, McDowell is talking about historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The body of evidence is so great it has led millions throughout history to put their trust in Jesus Christ, many of whom were skilled in evaluating historical evidence. We make this emphasis because many theories have been advanced that attempt to show the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a fraud or nothing but a myth concocted many years later.

McDowell writes:

“I believe that many of the people who came up with these theories must have had two brains--one lost, and the other one out looking for it. Historians have to become anti-historical to invent some of their ideas. “ (p. 76)

With this in mind, let’s consider the testimony of a few outstanding historians. These are testimonies of men who are some of the greatest minds of history--men who were specialists in gathering and evaluating historical evidence. Note the following six testimonies from The Resurrection Factor, pages 10-12:

1. ROMAN HISTORY SCHOLAR

I have been used for many years to study the histories of other times, and to examine and weigh the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than the great sign which God hath given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead.

2. TEXTUAL CRITIC

Brooke Foss Wescott, an English scholar, said, “Taking all the evidence together, it is not too much to say that there is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Christ. Nothing but the antecedent assumption that it must be false could have suggested the idea of deficiency in the proof of it.

3. PROFESSOR OF ANCIENT HISTORY

Dr. Paul L. Maier, professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University, concluded that, “If all the evidence is weighed carefully and fairly, it is indeed justifiable, according to the canons of historical research, to conclude that the tomb in which Jesus was buried was actually empty on the morning of the first Easter. And no shred of evidence has yet been discovered in literary sources, epigraphy or archaeology that would disprove this statement.

4. LEGAL AUTHORITY

One man who was highly skilled at dealing with evidence was Dr. Simon Greenleaf. He was the famous Royall Professor of Law at Harvard University and succeeded Justice Joseph Story as the Dane Professor of Law in the same university. The rise of Harvard law School to its eminent position among the legal schools of the United States is to be ascribed to the efforts of these two men. Greenleaf produced his famous three-volume work, A Treatise on the Law of Evidence, which still is considered one of the greatest single authorities on this subject in the entire literature of legal procedure.

Greenleaf examined the value of the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ to ascertain the truth. He applied the principles contained in his three-volume treatise on evidence. His findings were recorded in his book, An Examination of the Testimony of the Four Evangelists by the Rules of Evidence Administered in the Courts of Justice.

Greenleaf came to the conclusion that, according to the laws of legal evidence used in courts of law, there is more evidence for the historical fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ than for just about any other event in history.

5. ATTORNEY GENERAL

An Englishman, John Singleton Copley, better known as Lord Lyndhurst, is recognized as one of the greatest legal minds in British history. . . .

Upon Copley’s death, among his personal papers were found his comments concerning the resurrection in the light of legal evidence and why he became a Christian: “I know pretty well what evidence is; and I tell you, such evidence as that for the resurrection has never broken down yet.

Lord Chief Justice of England, Lord Darling, once said that “no intelligent jury in the world could fail to bring in a verdict that the resurrection story is true.

6. RATIONALISTIC LAWYER

Dr. Frank Morison, a lawyer who had been brought up in a rationalistic environment, had come to the opinion that the resurrection was nothing but a fairy-tale happy ending which spoiled the matchless story of Jesus. He felt that he owed it to himself and others to write a book that would present the truth about Jesus and dispel the mythical story of the resurrection.

Upon studying the facts, however, he, too, came to a different conclusion. The sheer weight of the evidence compelled him to conclude that Jesus actually did rise from the dead. Morison wrote his book--but not the one he had planned. It is titled, Who Moved the Stone? The first chapter, very significantly, is, “The Book That Refused to Be Written.”

We covered some of the evidences for the resurrection in the lesson Evidences for the Resurrection, and this has been done by others in great detail. An outstanding book on this subject is Josh McDowell’s book, The Resurrection Factor. He also covers this in his book, Evidence Demand’s A Verdict. There are many others as well.

All this wonderful evidence exists in spite of the security precautions taken by both the Jews and the Romans to make sure Jesus was dead and remained in the tomb. These included things like the Roman seal that was broken, the heavy stone that covered the door but was removed, and the Roman guard of soldiers who were there to guard the tomb. All this makes the evidence that much more remarkable.

bible.org
coram_deo
12-Sep-21, 13:15
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (continued)

From bible.org

Ramifications of the Resurrection

What does all this mean to us? How should it affect our lives? How should it cause us to live?

Illustration:

“There ain’t gonna be no Easter this year,” a student remarked to his friend.
“Why not?” He was asked incredulously.
“They found the body,” the student replied.

Despite his irreverent humor, his friend displayed a measure of insight often not shared by modern theologians. Many theologians are perfectly willing to assert that Jesus died and rotted in the grave, but that the resurrection still has value as a symbol of ‘newness of life’ or ‘new beginning,’ so that Christianity can go on quite nicely as though nothing changed. The friend’s joke implied that without the resurrection Christianity is worthless (William Craig, Knowing the Truth About Resurrection, Our Response to the Empty Tomb, p. 125).

And this friend was dead right. Listen to Paul’s commentary on this from 1 Cor. 15:14-19.

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found {to be} false witnesses of God, because we witnessed against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

Note this observation:

Dr. J.N.D. Anderson, professor of oriental law and the director of the Institute of Advance Legal Studies at the University of London, concluded his research on the resurrection by saying, “It seems to me inescapable that anyone who chanced to read the pages of the New Testament for the first time would come away with one overwhelming impression, that there is a faith firmly rooted in certain allegedly historical events, a faith which would be false and misleading if those events had not actually taken place, but which--if they did take place--is unique in its relevance and exclusive in its demands on our allegiance (McDowell, p. 14).

These observations by Dr. Anderson serves to stress the kind of results one’s faith in the resurrected Christ should have on us.

AS TO THE PERSON OF CHRIST

No other religious or philosophical leader of any of the worlds religions or philosophies has ever been proclaimed as a risen Savior. Instead, many have shrines at their crypts. They lie decayed with nothing remaining but their dust and their man-made philosophy or religious sayings and ethic.

Christ’s resurrection proves He was from God and spoke the truth--He is the way, the truth and the life. The resurrection proves Jesus was unique, one of a kind, and it marks Him out and authenticates Him as God’s Son.

Romans 1:4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,

Acts 17:31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead. “

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 20:26-31 And after eight days again His disciples were inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” 30 Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

He is declared both Lord (deity) and Christ (Messiah of Old Testament prophecy and expectation) on the basis of His resurrection (cf. Acts 10:36-43; Acts 2:22-36).

In Romans 1:4 Paul shows that the resurrection is the final and convincing proof that Jesus was the Son of God. Please note here that Paul’s subject is the gospel, the good news, of God. The Resurrection proves this.

In Matthew 12:39-40, Christ Himself pointed to His resurrection as the final proof of His person.

It proves that Jesus Christ was more than just another religious leader, idealist or philosopher. It dramatically marks Him out as the Son of God and authenticates His own claims to divinity. As Colossians 2:3 says, “in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

AS TO THE WORK OF CHRIST

The resurrection likewise marks Christ out as the one and only redeemer and the one means of access to God. It authenticates His own claims that He was the way, the truth, and the life, and that He came to give His life a ransom for many.

Romans 4:25, 5:1 He who was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. . . . 1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”

Acts 3:26 “For you first, God raised up His Servant, and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.”

Acts 4:1-10 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees, came upon them, . . . 10 let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-- by this name this man stands here before you in good health.

bible.org
coram_deo
13-Sep-21, 11:42
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (continued)

From bible.org:

CHRIST’S PAST WORK

(1) It is the proof of the value of His redemptive work for us as our substitute.

Christ was raised on account of our justification, that is, to prove He was a worthy substitute and that we might be declared righteous by God (Rom. 4:25). Therefore, if He is risen, we become justified sinners through faith in Christ. The only proof or evidence we have of pardon, and acceptance, of justification and peace with God is the risen Christ. Faith’s question is not how we feel, but is Christ risen. No sinner can have settled peace except on the ground of the death and resurrection of Christ (Cf. Romans 5:1).

Without the resurrection our faith is worthless and we are still in our sins-- and of all men most miserable and to be pitied (1 Cor. 15:17-19).

(2) It is the basis of our sanctification and victory over sin

Because He is risen, we can walk in newness of life. His resurrection proved He has conquered sin and Satan and released us from the domination of sin (Rom. 6:4f).

CHRIST’S PRESENT LIFE AND WORK

The resurrection not only proves the past value of Christ’s earthly life and work on the cross, but it also is the doorway and proof of His present life and ministry in heaven for us as our advocate, intercessor, indweller, and the sender of the Holy Spirit. In other words, the resurrection which resulted in the glorified Savior is the means for the Lord’s ascension and exaltation to the right hand of God on high.

Two key verses on this are Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 13:20-21. Romans 8:34 shows that because the Lord was raised, He is now at God’s right hand to intercede on our behalf. The point of the Hebrews passage is that because of the resurrection, Christ was able to become the Great Shepherd who cares for and provides in every way for His sheep.

This includes:

• The indwelling of Christ Himself--His life within ours was dependent on the resurrection (John 14:18-20). In Colossians Paul declares “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Our hope of divine enablement, of a new kind of life now, is Christ dwelling within us, but this confidence depends on the resurrection.

• The sending of the Holy Spirit as our enabler--Over and over again, the Lord promised that He would send the Holy Spirit, but this too was contingent on His resurrection and return to glory (John 7:37-39; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7). So, compare Acts 2:32-33. The resurrection was the means of continuing Christ’s ministry to us today. The major feature of this present age, the indwelling Holy Spirit, was vitally dependent on the resurrection.

• The gift of eternal life--In John 14:19 Christ said, “because I live, you shall live also.” Christ was thinking of His resurrection as the basis for the gift of eternal life.

• The Head of the church, the new Creation--It was only through resurrection that Christ became authenticated as the head and preeminent Lord of the church (Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 1:17-18). As head, He forms the body of Christ, the church, via the Holy Spirit whom He sent to place believers into union with Himself (1 Cor. 12:12-13). Without the resurrection there would be no church.

• The present work of Christ as our advocate and intercessor (Rom. 8:34).

• The bestowal of gifts to the church (Eph. 4:7-11). The basis of gifts are twofold, the cross where He defeated sin and Satan, and the resurrection, the glorious triumph and proof of His victory.

• His preparation of a place for us as the bride of Christ (John 14:2-3).

CHRIST’S FUTURE LIFE AND WORK

• It is our guarantee of resurrection with a resurrection body like His (1 Cor. 15:20-23, 51-53; 1 Pet. 1:3; Phil. 3:20-21; John 5:25-29). In John 11:25 He said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me shall live even if he dies.”

• The resurrection marks Him out as the eternal ruler of the earth. He will one day rule as God’s perfect king and because of His resurrection and glorification, His rule will go on without end (Luke 1:32-33; Psa. 2:7-9; Rev. 5:1-10; Psa. 22:28).

• The resurrection marks him out as the judge who will judge all men. This is an awesome thought. a) For believers, it involves their examination before the judgment seat of Christ, the Bema (cf. 1 Cor. 3:12f; 2 Cor. 5:9; with Rev. 2:1-2). b) For unbelievers, it involves the judgments of tribulation (Rev. 6-19), the judgment of the Jews and Gentiles at the end of the tribulation (Matt. 24-25), and the judgment of the GWT (Rev. 20). So, compare Acts 17:31 and 10:40-42.

AS TO MANKIND

It guarantees to men that:

• Through faith in Christ they can find redemption from sin and peace with God.
• They can know the peace of God and personal fellowship with Him through a living Savior.
• Death means to be in God’s presence.
• They will also one day experience a resurrection like the Lord’s and live eternally with God.

In other words, the empty tomb authenticates all the claims of the Bible and all that Jesus Himself declared as truth. The ultimate issue, then, is what should be our response be? What difference should this make in our daily lives?

AS TO OTHER RELIGIONS

Alone of all the beliefs of mankind, whether religious or political or philosophical, “Christianity (including its Old Testament foundations) is based upon historical acts and facts. Other religions are centered in the ethical and religious teachings of their founders, but Christianity is built on the great events of creation and redemption” (Henry Moris, Many Infallible Proofs, Creation Life Publishers, p. 10).

The Moslem faith is based on the teaching of Mohammed. Buddhism is based on the teachings on a man who was called Buddha. Confucianism on the teachings of Confucius. Marxism on the teachings of Karl Marx, and evolution on the teachings of Darwin. Not one of these is based on the observation of historical data or facts, but on the teachings and theories of men. Remember, evolution is based on theory and not on observable data.

Christianity, however is founded, not on what Jesus taught (and this distinction is vital for us to grasp) but on who Jesus is and on what Jesus did. Believers, of course, stand on Christ’s teachings. No one ever spoke and taught like Jesus, but the value of what He said was dependent on who He was and what He did. This gave the teachings of Christ authority and placed them all alone in the category of absolute truth.

All other beliefs are based on the teachings and ideas of men who were nothing more than men. No matter how brilliant or appealing they may be to some, there is no guarantee of their objectivity, accuracy, or ultimate ability to deliver what they promise (cf. Col. 2:20-23).

Christianity (in its beliefs and tenants) alone is based on historical and objective facts rather than the subjective ideas of man. Its truthfulness stands on the validity of historical records which are subject to investigation and examination.

Because the resurrection gives assurance to all, because it is the proof of His person and work, it also becomes the condemnation of all other religions, philosophies of men, and all who do not know the Lord Jesus as the their personal Savior by faith. The resurrection stands as either our proof of one’s justification or as one’s condemnation. It becomes a proof of a coming day of reckoning, a day when God will reckon with mankind on the basis of the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.

But for the believer in Christ, it is the proof of a coming day of examination and rewards to be followed by days without end of eternal bliss and joy in the presence of God.

bible.org
coram_deo
15-Sep-21, 08:36
Conclusion of “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ”

The “Commitment to Christ” section of this article is where I think 99+ percent of Christians have trouble. But I take the opposite approach from the author of this article, who seems to be exhorting and chastising Christians to commit to Christ through willpower and self-effort. Not only will that never work, I don’t think that’s what God wants.

I don’t think God wants someone who puts an egg timer on his desk when he reads the Holy Bible or prays. I think God wants us to enjoy being in His company and fellowshipping with Him, and I think we only come to that point when we fully appreciate who Jesus Christ is and what He accomplished for us. The Jesus as revealed in the Gospels is God. He didn’t rebuke or chastise sinners, He healed them and loved them. In fact, the only people Jesus is recorded as rebuking are the religious leaders of that time who, He said, “…bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” (Matthew 23:4)

By contrast, Jesus Christ said:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30)

I thought about not posting the conclusion of this article - not because I disagree with people being committed to Christ but because I disagree with the author’s (in my view) guilt-inducing and shame-inducing approach. Everyone’s on their own walk and path with the Lord, and following the Lord’s lead and not trying to get ahead of Him or impress Him by self-effort is the way to go, in my opinion.

I once attended a church in which the pastor took the approach of the author of this article. That approach made spending time with God about as attractive as doing homework as a kid. I think so many people and pastors like this (and there are a lot of them) seek to usurp the role of God’s Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

The best prayer I think anyone can make in terms of their walk with the Lord and their relationship with God is to ask God to be filled with and led by His Holy Spirit. We all receive God’s Holy Spirit at the moment we accept and believe in Jesus Christ. But receiving God’s Holy Spirit and being filled with and led by His Holy Spirit aren’t the same.

As far as reading the Bible, I think the Gospels are the best place to appreciate God because the Gospels are all about Jesus, and Jesus was God’s revelation of Himself.

“If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?”

(John 14:7-9)

I like reading Psalms and Paul’s letters too. And Isaiah. Those are my favorite parts of the Bible.

Anyway, for the sake of completeness, here’s the conclusion of the article.

From bible.org:

Our Response
to the Resurrection

FAITH IN CHRIST

Obviously, it means we should put our faith in the Christ as our personal Savior. It means we should put our trust in Christ as the only one who can give us eternal life and bring us into a personal relationship with God. This is why Peter proclaimed the truth of Acts 4:12.

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”

But once that is done, it means something else for the Christian.

COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

The empty tomb means we have a living Savior who, though seated and exalted at God’s right hand, is also with us and desires to have fellowship with us. As He tells us in Revelation 3:20, He stands at the door and knocks seeking the fellowship of those believers who have not been walking with Him. Our response should be one of opening the door and inviting Him in for fellowship by confessing our sins and by asking Him to come in and take charge of our lives because, as the exalted Lord, the God-Man Savior, He also has the right to lead, direct, and control our lives through that fellowship.

Our response should be one of total commitment to Him. The resurrection proves He is the Creator-God who is to have preeminence in each of our lives (Col. 1:15-18). Anything less is a contradiction, totally illogical, and pure rebellion on our part.

This means there is no place for complacency, or half-hearted devotion and submission to Christ because He is the Lord and God. Some people measure out their involvement with the Lord, with the study of the Word, and assembling together with believers with a teaspoon as though they were adding sugar to their coffee. In other words, a lot of Christians are what we might call “Nod-to-Goders.” They go to church occasionally in order to do their little nod to God.

With this emphasis in mind, let’s be reminded of three passages:

ROMANS 12:1

Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

“Therefore, by the mercies of God,” is a call to total commitment and is made on the basis of God’s work for us in the person of His Son whom He raised from the dead to authenticate His person and work. As the risen Christ:

He sits in heaven as our advocate, but also as our Lord.
As our Lord, He walks amongst the churches examining our lives (Rev. 2:1).
Compare Rom. 1:4; 8:11-13; 14:10-12 with 2 Cor. 5:10 where Paul wrote of the “Bema of Christ” rather than the “Bema of God.”

2 TIMOTHY 2:8

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,

In this context, Paul was challenging Timothy to give himself totally to the ministry God had called him to (vss. 1-7). As a motivation, he calls on Timothy to remember Jesus Christ as the risen one. Why? Because He is the Lord who is there for us no matter what our need, but also as our Lord to whom we will each give an account.

1 KINGS 18:21

And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.

The great confrontation and the miracle of Mt. Carmel was designed not only to demonstrate that Israel’s God, Yahweh, was the only true God and thus their means of salvation, but also to call them, indeed, to challenge them to get off the fence of indecision and apathy. It was a call to repentance and commitment.

In God’s work in Christ on the cross and in Christ’s resurrection, God did something many times more miraculous than he did on Mt. Carmel. This not only demonstrates that Christ is God and the Savior, but it calls for our full allegiance and the commitment of our lives. Anything but total commitment and availability to Jesus as our Lord, to follow Him and to give Him our lives, our families, our businesses, our everything is insane and utterly sinful.

Let’s look at Paul’s response to the risen Lord while on the road to Damascus.

Acts 22:6-10 6 “And it came about that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7 and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8 “And I answered, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 “And those who were with me beheld the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10 “And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go on into Damascus; and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’

Conclusion

As our risen Lord, Jesus is also our provider. Christians, however, so often fail to put their lives totally in His hands because they are afraid of what it will cost them. When we fail to do that, we do not really trust in His supply. We want to maintain as much control as possible because we think we can do a better job. Or we think if the Lord were to call us to sacrifice something, Christ Himself would not be enough. We fail to commit ourselves to Him because we worry about His supply. We fail to commit ourselves to Him because we believe we need other things for our happiness.

PERSONAL ILLUSTRATION

I was raised on a small cattle ranch in East Texas. Cattle, horses, calf roping, and all ranch life involved was my life. I loved it and the thought of having to give it up to go to seminary and then into the pastorate was a tremendous challenge for me. How could I be happy in anything else? Of course there were other fears like, could I handle the Greek and Hebrew? But I have to admit, the biggest issue was the life I loved. But God continued to work on my heart and one day I said yes and trusted that He would be more than enough. And you know, He was infinitely so. Thank God for His grace that is new every morning.

ILLUSTRATION OF ABRAHAM AND ISAAC

Genesis 22:1-24 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 And He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship and return to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 And Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 And Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.

9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there, and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 And he said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place The LORD Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the LORD it will be provided.”

Isaac, Abraham’s son of promise, stands for the things we love and cherish. The things we think we must have to be happy. Remember, Isaac was God’s promised child and the means to fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham. He was God’s special gift to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. Though Isaac was a source of joy and happiness, their trust and primary source of happiness was not to reside in Isaac. It needed to reside in the Lord alone. Abraham finally learned this and so must we.

We must all be willing to surrender our Isaacs--whatever they may be. We must surrender and trust them into God’s hand. We too must make the trek to Mount Moriah where we demonstrate not only our total surrender and love to the Lord, but also our complete trust in God and His grace, believing that the Lord is more than enough.

In our actual experience, this surrender is not a one-time trek. While it must begin with a point where we come to realize this need (Rom. 12:1), it is something we each must face daily, from situation to situation as we renew our minds in the Word and are faced with the temptation to find our supply or source of security and happiness in things other than the Lord (Rom. 12:2).

It is in this total commitment and trust that the Lord manifests Himself as Yahweh Yireh, the Lord who Provides.

He is always the Lord who provides, but sometimes before He can do that, He must first reveal Himself as the Father who disciplines or as the Vine Dresser who prunes.

This suggests we really do not begin to fully experience God as Yahweh Yireh until we have placed our cherished possessions, our personal sources of trust for happiness, security, and significance, on the altar as Abraham placed his beloved son.

Experiencing God’s supply begins with trust in Christ, and that begins when we stop trusting in other sources for salvation. But our dependence on the Lord is experienced to the max in our daily life only when we lay our Isaacs on the altar.

Until that point, as Abraham and Sarah did with Hagar, we will continue to resort to our own bag of tricks or personal strategies for happiness, security, and significance. As long as we are doing that, we really haven’t put our Isaacs on the altar and we really aren’t trusting in God as Yahweh Yireh or in Christ as our resurrected Lord.

Listen to this statement by the millionaire and super-star O. J. Simpson in People Magazine, June 12, 1978.

“I sit in my house in Buffalo and sometimes I get so lonely it’s unbelievable. Life has been so good to me. I’ve got a great wife, good kids, money, my own health--and I’m lonely and bored. . . . I often wondered why so many rich people commit suicide. Money sure isn’t a cure-all.”

Fame and fortune not only do not lead to happiness, they can’t even begin to give one the capacity to handle life or live with integrity, as the more recent events in the life of O. J. Simpson surely illustrate. Jesus came to give people eternal life and the resurrection is God’s dramatic proof of that. However, it also proves that He came to give us the capacity to experience the abundance of His life in ours if we will allow Him to take charge as our Lord and as we live by faith in His mercy and abundant provision.

bible.org

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