The following is a summary containing some of the highlights that are found in the 26 page PDF File and the Audio below.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands at the heart of Christian faith. If Jesus did not rise, Christianity collapses; if He did, it changes everything. The claim is not a myth developed over centuries, but it is the testimony of eyewitnesses in the very place and time these events occurred. This would be impossible if the tomb was not empty. The eyewitnesses talked to him, touched him and ate with him on several occasions on and off for a period of forty days.
Why is the Resurrection Important?
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The Old Testament foretold the Messiah would not see decay (Psalm 16:10). The New Testament claims Jesus fulfilled this (Acts 13:33-37).
Foundation of Forgiveness: Without the resurrection, there is no forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 15:14-17).
Validation of Jesus’ Claims: Jesus predicted His resurrection (John 2:18-22). If He did not rise, He would be a false prophet.
Was it a Physical Resurrection? The Bible insists Jesus rose bodily, not just spiritually. He ate, spoke, and allowed His wounds to be touched (Luke 24:39-43; John 20:27). He appeared not only to disciples but also to skeptics like Paul and James, who became believers after seeing Him alive.
Historical Evidence—Inside and Outside the Bible
Non-Christian Sources: Roman historian Tacitus and Jewish historian Josephus confirm Jesus’ execution under Pontius Pilate and that His followers believed He rose from the dead.
Eyewitnesses: The New Testament tells us there were over 500 people who saw the risen Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Not all of the eyewitnesses were believers before the resurrection. Many, including the apostles, suffered and died for this claim—none recanted.
Transformation: The disciples, once fearful, became bold proclaimers of the resurrection, even in Jerusalem where Jesus was killed. Christianity exploded in growth, and Sunday worship replaced the Jewish Sabbath in honor of the resurrection.
Alternative Theories Fall Short
Stolen Body? The tomb was guarded and sealed. The disciples gained only persecution, not power or wealth.
Swoon Theory? Roman execution was thorough; Jesus was confirmed dead. The idea that He survived, escaped, and convinced others He had conquered death is implausible.
Hallucinations? Hallucinations are individual, not shared by groups over 40 days, including skeptics.
Wrong Tomb? Authorities could have easily produced the body to quash the movement.
Conclusion The resurrection is supported by fulfilled prophecy, eyewitness testimony, historical records, and the transformation of Jesus’ followers. No alternative explanation accounts for all the facts. The only reasonable conclusion is that Jesus rose from the dead, just as He said.
How Should We Respond? If Jesus rose, His claims are true — He is the way to God (John 14:6). The wise response is to trust Him, as the early Christians did.