Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

The Case for The Resurrection of Jesus

Similar presentations


Presentation on theme: "The Case for The Resurrection of Jesus"— Presentation transcript:

1 The Case for The Resurrection of Jesus
Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2010

2 The Resurrection of Jesus
Its Importance Its Nature Its Evidence It Objections

3 The Resurrection of Jesus
Its Importance

4 A. It is the heart of the Gospel
1Cor. 15:1, 3.—“I declared to you the gospel…. For I delivered to you first of all that which I received that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day….”

5 B. It is a condition of salvation
Rom. 10:9.—“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

6 C. There is no hope without it
1 Corinthians 15: If Christ has not been raised, [1] our preaching is useless and [2] so is your faith. More than that, [3] we are then found to be false witnesses about God…. And if Christ has not been raised, [4] your faith is futile; [5] you are still in your sins. Then [6] those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. [7] If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

7 The Resurrection of Jesus
Its Importance Its Nature

8 II. The Nature of the Resurrection: A. Three Views
ORTHODOX LIBERAL NEO-ORTHODOX Explanation for the absence of Jesus’ body God raised it Someone took it God destroyed it (or, transformed it) Resuscitation Relocation Annihilation Resurrection Removal Destruction Explanation for the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus Physical Psychological Apocalyptical (vision or theophany) On earth In mind In heaven Historical (out-there) Personal (in-here) Super-historical (up-there)

9 B. The Physical Resurrection
1. The Tomb was Empty. The same physical body placed in the tomb permanently vacated it alive three days later (Mt. 28:6). 2. Jesus Said His Resurrection Body had "Flesh and Bones.” He was not a spirit but had real "flesh and bones" (Lk. 24:39). He was raised in "the flesh" (Acts 2:31 cf. 1 Jn. 4:2; 2 Jn. 7). 3. Jesus' Resurrection Body Had Physical Wounds. Jesus revealed His crucifixion scars to the disciples (Lk. 24:39) and challenged Thomas to touch Him (Jn. 20:27).

10 B. The Physical Resurrection
4. Jesus Ate Physical Food Four Times after the Resurrection. He offered it as proof He had a real physical body (Lk. 24:30, 41-43; Jn. 21:12-13; Acts 1:4 cf. Acts 10:41). 5. Jesus' Resurrection Body was Touched and Handled. Jesus was touched by Mary (Jn. 20:17), and by the women (Mt. 28:9); He challenged the disciples (Lk. 24:39) and Thomas to feel His wounds (Jn. 20:27). 6. The Resurrection Body of Christ could be Seen and Heard. The body of Christ was seen after His resurrection with the naked eye (Mt. 28:17) and heard with natural ears (Jn. 20:15-16).

11 B. The Physical Resurrection
7. Word "Body" (soma) Always Means Physical Body in N.T. When Used of an Individual Human Being. There are no exceptions to this in the N. T., and it is used of the resurrection body (1 Cor. 15:44). 8. Only Bodies Rise not Souls. The physical body of Christ died (not his soul). Thus, it was this material body that rose again from the dead (I Cor. 15:3-4). 9. The Body "Sown" is the Same Body that is Raised. The same body "sown" in death is the one raised in life (I Cor. 15:35-44).

12 B. The Physical Resurrection
10. Jesus: “Destroy this temple [body], and in three days I will raise it [same body] up” (Jn. 2:19-21). 11. Resurrection is Out From Among (ek) the Dead. This phrase means He was raised from the graveyard (Luke 24:46; Jn. 5:28), leaving behind other physical corpses buried there (cf. Acts 13:29-30). 12. We Will Recognize Our Loved Ones in Heaven. Paul comforts the believers with this anticipation (I Thess. 4:13-18). 13. Jesus’ Resurrection Body was Physically Recognizable. Jesus was recognized in His resurrection body like any other physical body (Mt. 28:7, 17; Mk. 16:7; Lk. 24:24).

13 C. Objection: The resurrection body will be changed (1 Cor. 15:51-54)
Response: Yes, it will be, but the changes are: From mortal to an immortal physical body. From perishable to imperishable physical body. 1) The change is not from a material to an immaterial body. 2) The change is a change in the physical body, not a change of a physical for a non-physical body (1 Cor. 15:53).

14 The Resurrection of Jesus
Its Importance Its Nature Its Evidence A. Reliability of NT

15 A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT:
1. The manuscripts were copied accurately.

16 The New Testament Has: Earlier manuscripts More manuscripts
More accurately copied manuscripts --than any other book from the ancient world!

17 There are More Greek Manuscripts
The NT Most Other Books c mss mss. for most (643 for Homer’s Iliad)

18 There are Earlier NT manuscripts
New Testament Most Other Books c yr. gap yrs. gap typical

19 There are Better Copied NT Mss
Other Books The NT Marabharata----90% % Iliad of Homer--95%

20 Percent of Accuracy of the NT
Westcott and Hort estimate is percent pure. Ezra Abbott the text is percent pure. A. T. Robertson said it is 99.9 percent accurate. Philip Schaff said none affect “an article of faith….” Even Critic Bart Ehrman admits: “In fact, most of the changes found in early Christian manuscripts have nothing to do with theology or ideology. Far and away the most changes are the result of mistakes pure and simple—slips of the pen, accidental omissions, inadvertent additions, misspelled words, blunders of one sort of another” (Misquoting Jesus, 55).

21 What if you received this message?
”Y#U HAVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS” Even with the error, 100% of the message comes through!

22 Ms. Expert: Sir Frederick Kenyon
“The last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288).

23 A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT:
1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books.

24 The New Testament Has Nine writers: 1) Matthew
2) Mark 3) Luke 4) John 5) Paul 6) Peter 7) James 8) Jude 9) the author of Hebrews *They wrote 27 books (of the NT). *Most other events have one or two writers The Law says: “On the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed” (Deut.19:15).

25 A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT:
1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony.

26 New Testament Eyewitness
“The man who saw it [the crucifixion] has given testimony, and his testimony is true” (Jn. 19:35). “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down” (Jn. 21:24). “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact” (Acts 2:32). “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews…” (Acts 10:39). “…He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living…” (1Cor. 15:3-8).

27 “They were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word” (Luke 1:1-4). “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him” (Heb. 2:3-4). “We did not follow cleverly invented stories [myths]…, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s suffering…” (1 Peter 5:1). “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life” (1John 1:1).

28 A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT:
1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony. 4. Early accepted Letters of Paul confirm its message.

29 A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT:
1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony. 4. Early accepted Letters of Paul confirm its message. a. Most critics accept 1 & 2 Cor., Romans, & Galatians. b. These epistles were written between A.D. c. 27 Gospel facts are confirmed in these epistles of Paul.

30 Gospel Teaching in Paul’s Epistles (A.D. 55-57)
(1) Jewish ancestry of Jesus (Gal. 3:16); (2) His Davidic descent (Rom. 1:3); (3) His virgin birth (Gal. 4:4); (4) His twelve disciples (1Cor. 15:7); (5) One of whom was named James (1Cor. 15:7); (6) That Paul knew Peter and James (Gal. 1:18-2:16); (7) On Jesus’ titles of deity (Rom. 1:3-4; 10:9); (8) Institution of the Lord's Supper (1Cor. 11:23-25); (9) His sinless life (2 Cor. 5:21); (10) His death on the cross (Rom. 4:25; 5:8; Gal. 3:13) (11) To pay for our sins (1Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21); (12) His burial (1Cor. 15:4); (13) His resurrection on the "third day" (1Cor. 15:4); (14) His appearance to 500 people (1Cor. 15:5-8). (These are 14 of 27 Gospel facts in these Epistles)

31 A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT:
1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony. 4. Early accepted Pauline Letters confirm its message. 5. There was no time for myth to replace basic facts.

32 No Time for Myths It takes 80 years for a myth to develop! Jesus died 33 A.D. Basic books A.D. Only 20+ years later Eyewitnesses still alive No time for myths! Herodotus

33 Dean of Archaeology: Rock-Solid Evidence
"In my opinion, every book of the New Testament was written by a baptized Jew between the forties and the eighties of the first century A. D. (very probably sometime between about 50 and 75 A. D.)" (W. F. Albright, in Christianity Today, 1/18/63).

34 The Confessions of a Critic: Way too Early for Myth
“Death of God” Theologian Bishop John Robinson redated the New Testament Matthew--A.D Mark A.D Luke A.D John A.D (Redating the New Testament, ) This is only 7+ years after Jesus died!

35 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books.
A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT: 1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony. 4. Early accepted Pauline Letters confirm its message. 5. There was no time for myth to replace basic facts. 6. The nature of the record is authentic.

36 The Authentic Nature of The Writings
1. They made no attempt to harmonize their accounts 2. They left in material that put Jesus in a bad light. 3. They left many difficult passages in their text. 4. They retained many self-incriminating details. 5. They included many demanding sayings of Jesus. 6. They distinguished their words form Jesus’ words 7. They based their record on eyewitnesses. 8. They didn’t deny their words under threat of death

37 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books.
A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT: 1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony. 4. Early accepted Pauline Letters confirm its message. 5. There was no time for myth to replace basic facts. 6. The nature of the records is authentic. 7. Noted Roman historians have confirmed it.

38 Noted Roman Historian Confirms NT
“So it is astonishing that while Greco-Roman historians have been growing confidence, the twentieth-century study of the gospel narratives, starting from no less promising material, have taken so gloomy a turn in the development of form-criticism…that the historical Christ is unknowable and the history of his mission cannot be written. This seems very curious” (187). He calls the mythological view “unbelievable” (189) (A. N. Sherwin-White, Roman Society and Roman Law in the NT).

39 Noted Roman Historian Confirms Acts
1. Nearly a hundred details of Acts confirmed by a noted 1st cent. scholar. 2. Not a single error found. 3. Strong evidence Acts was written by A.D. 62. 4. Same author wrote Gospel of Luke (cf. Acts 1:1 & Lk.1:1). 5. Mt. and Mk. were earlier. 6. Thus, these Gospels were written by Jesus’ contemporaries and eyewitnesses.

40 A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT:
1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony. 4. Early accepted Pauline Letters confirm its message. 5. There was no time for myth to replace basic facts. 6. The nature of the records is authentic. 7. Noted Roman historians have confirmed it. 8. Noted legal experts have vouched for it.

41 Noted Legal Expert Confirms Gospels Simon Greenleaf (1783-1853)
Professor of Law at Harvard University. He authored A Treatise on the Law of Evidences (1853). He wrote: The Testimony of the Evangelists (1874 edition).

42 Noted Legal Expert Confirms Gospels Simon Greenleaf (1783-1853)
"If they had thus testified on oath, in a court of justice, they would be entitled to credit…. If so, then it is believed that every honest and impartial man will act consistently with that result, by receiving their testimony in all the extent of its import" (53-54). “The result, it is confidently believed, will be an undoubting conviction of their integrity, ability, and truth" (46).

43 Other Attorneys Confirm NT
Thomas Sherlock, The Tryal of the Witnesses of the Resurrection. Frank Morrison, Who Moved the Stone? John Montgomery, Christianity and History. Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ. Irwin Linton, A Lawyer Examines the Bible.

44 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books.
A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT: 1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony. 4. Early accepted Pauline Letters confirm its message. 5. There was no time for myth to replace basic facts. 6. The nature of the records is authentic. 7. Noted Roman historians have confirmed it. 8. Noted legal experts have vouched for it. 9. Numerous archaeological finds support it.

45 Archaeological Evidence Supports the Bible.
"As a matter of fact, however, it may be stated categorically that [1] no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference. [2] Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible" (Nelson Glueck, Rivers in the Desert, 31).

46 Caesar Augustus: Emperor When Jesus was Born (Lk. 2)

47 Herod was King When Jesus Was Born (Matthew 2)

48 Jesus’ Home Town of Nazareth (Luke 4)

49 The Sea of Galilee: Where Jesus Taught (Mk. 1)

50 Synagogue at Capernaum Where Jesus Taught (Lk. 7)

51 Jerusalem: Where Jesus Lived, Taught, and Died (Jn. 19)

52 Crucifixion Victim 1st Century A.D. (Discovered in Jerusalem)

53 “Pontius Pilate Prefect of Judea” 26-37 A.D. (Mt. 27)

54 Ossuary of Joseph Caiaphas: High Priest 18-36 A.D.

55 Site of an Empty Tomb like Jesus’ Tomb (Mk. 16)

56 A. Evidence for the Reliability of the NT:
1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony. 4. Early accepted Pauline Letters confirm its message. 5. There was no time for myth to replace basic facts. 6. The nature of the records is authentic. 7. Noted Roman historians have confirmed it. 8. Noted legal experts have vouched for it. 9. Numerous archaeological finds support it. 10. Non-Christian sources support their message.

57 Non-Christian Sources for the NT

58 Non-Christian Sources for the NT
(1) Jesus was from Nazareth. (2) He lived a virtuous life. (3) He performed unusual feats. (4) He introduced new teaching contrary to Judaism. (5) He was crucified under Pontius Pilate. (6) His disciples believed He rose from the dead. (7) His disciples denied polytheism. (8) His disciples worshiped Him. (9) His teachings and disciples spread rapidly. (10) His followers believed they were immortal. (11) His followers had contempt for death. (12) His followers renounced material goods.

59 Ten Good Reasons for Reliability of the NT:
1. The manuscripts were copied accurately. 2. There were nine different authors of 27 books. 3. Their works were based on eyewitness testimony. 4. Early accepted Pauline Letters confirm its message. 5. There was no time for myth to replace basic facts. 6. The nature of the records is authentic. 7. Noted Roman historians have confirmed it. 8. Noted legal experts have vouched for it. 9. Numerous archaeological finds supported it. 10. Non-Christian sources support their message. Nothing like this exists for any other book from the ancient world!

60 Alexander the Great Sources Available Contemporary--none
100 yrs later--fragments years later-- several histories N.T.—20+ years later-- the life, teachings, death, and the resurrection of Christ

61 Objection: There are many examples of conflicting testimony in the NT
Response: 1. This is a sign of the authenticity of the witnesses. Identical testimony of multiple witnesses raises suspicion of collusion. 2. There are no real contradictions in the testimony. They are complementary.

62 The Inscription on the Cross:
Matthew--THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Mark -- __ THE KING OF THE JEWS. Luke -- THIS IS__ THE KING OF THE JEWS. John JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. Whole:THIS IS JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

63 One Angel or Two Angels?  Matthew (28:5) said there was one angel at the tomb. Luke (24:4) said there were two angels there. Resolution: Wherever there are two, there is always one. It never fails! Note: 1) Matthew did not say there was only one angel there. Critic has to add that to make it err. 2) Since [a) the angels spoke in unison (Lk. 24:5), and [b) there were two sets of women there [v. 10), [c) and only the two Marys went into the tomb [Lk. 24:3], and [d] the two angels were in different places (Jn. 20:12), then it is likely that they saw both of the angels and that the “other” women outside saw only one of the two angels.

64 How Did Judas Die? Matthew (27:5): Judas "hanged himself.“
Acts (1:18): "...falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out." Resolution: Sometime after hanging himself, his body was discovered, the rope cut, and the body fell on sharp rocks and it burst open.

65 To Hear or not to Hear? The Bible says: Paul's companions "heard" the voice (Acts 9:7), but also that they did not "hear" the voice (Acts 22:9).

66 To Hear or not to Hear? The Bible says: Paul's companions "heard" the voice (Acts 9:7), but also that they did not "hear" the voice (Acts 22:9). Resolution: They heard the sound, but did not hear (i.e., understand) the meaning.

67 To Hear or not to Hear? The Bible says: Paul's companions "heard" the voice (Acts 9:7), but also that they did not "hear" the voice (Acts 22:9). Resolution: They heard the sound, but did not hear (i.e., understand) the meaning. Illustration: “I can’t hear you. Please speak louder.” You heard the sound but did not hear it distinctly enough to get the meaning.

68 For 800 More Get:

69 The Resurrection of Jesus
Its Importance Its Nature Its Evidence A. Reliability of NT B. Physical Death and Resurrection 1. His physical death 2. His physical resurrection

70 1. His Physical Death a. The nature and extent of Jesus' injuries indicate that He must have died. He was beaten several times and whipped. And He collapsed on the way to His crucifixion carrying His cross. He suffered a tremendous loss of blood during more than 6 hours on the cross from 9 A.M. in the morning (Mk. 15:25) until just before sunset. b. The nature of the crucifixion assures death. Crucifixion demands that one constantly pull himself up in order to breathe, thus sending excruciating pain from the nails. Failure to do this every few minutes means one dies of asphyxiation.

71 c. The piercing of Jesus' side with the spear is proof that He had physically died before the piercing. For "blood and water" came out (John 19:34) which is medical proof that the person has already died. d. Jesus’ death cry was heard by those at the cross (Jn. 19:47-49). He declared "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit" (Luke 23:46). And "having said this, He breathed His last" (v. 46). e. The professional Roman executioners pronounced Jesus dead. They were so convinced that Jesus was dead that they did not break His legs which was a common practice to speed death so that the person can no longer lift himself up and breathe (John 19:33).

72 f. Pilate double-checked to make sure Jesus was dead before he gave the corpse to Joseph to be buried. "Summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. And when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph" (Mark 15:44-45). g. Jesus was wrapped in about 75 pounds of cloth and spices and placed in a sealed tomb for three days (John 19:39-40; Matt. 27:60). If He was not dead by then, which He clearly was, He would have died from lack of food, water, and medical treatment in the tomb.

73 h. Medical authorities have confirmed Jesus’ death
h. Medical authorities have confirmed Jesus’ death. The Journal of the American Medical Association (33/21/86) concluded: “Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to his side was inflicted…. Accordingly, interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern medical knowledge” (p. 1463).

74 i. The earliest Christian writers after the time of Christ affirmed His death on the Cross by crucifixion. Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John, spoke of "our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sins suffered even unto death...." Ignatius (A.D ), a friend of Polycarp, affirmed “He really suffered and died, and rose again.” Justin Martyr noted In his Dialogue With Trypho the Jew that Jews of his day claimed that "Jesus [was] a Galilean deceiver, whom we crucified...."

75 j. Josephus, the Jewish historian of the time of Christ confirmed His death. He wrote: "Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross....” k. Likewise, the Roman historian, Cornelius Tacitus confirmed it. He wrote: "...a wise man who was called Jesus.... Pilate condemned Him to be condemned and to die." l. According to Julius Africanus (c. A.D. 221), the first century Samaritan born historian, Thallus (c. A. D. 52) recorded His death when he spoke of an eclipse "when discussing the darkness which fell upon the land during the crucifixion of Christ."

76 m. The second century Greek writer, Lucian, speaks of Christ as "
m. The second century Greek writer, Lucian, speaks of Christ as "...the man who was crucified in Palestine because he introduced a new cult into the world...." He calls Him the "crucified sophist.” n. The "letter of Mara Bar-Serapion" (c. A.D. 73), housed in the British Museum, said: "What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King?“ 0. The Jewish Talmud says, "on the eve of Passover they hanged Yeshu (of Nazareth).... They found naught in his defense and hanged him on the eve of Passover.” p. The Roman writer Phlegon speaks of Jesus having been “crucified“ but that “he rose after death, and exhibited the marks of his punishment.”

77 The Resurrection of Jesus
Its Importance Its Nature Its Evidence A. Reliability of NT B. Physical Death and Resurrection 1. His physical death 2. His physical resurrection

78 Eyewitnesses of the Resurrection
The Order of the Twelve Appearances of Christ Persons Saw Heard Touched Other 1. Mary Magdalene and other women (Mt. 28:1; Mk 16:1-3; Lk. 24:1-10; Jn. 20:1) Empty tomb 2. The other women (Mt. 28:5-10; Mk. 16:6-9; Lk.24:4-9) Empty tomb, angels 3. Peter and John (Jn. 20:3-10) Grave clothes 4. Mary Magdalene (Mk. 16:9-10; Jn. 20:11-18) (#1) X Angels 5. The other women (Mt. 28:9-10) (#2) 6. Peter (Lk. 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5) (#3) X* *Implied

79 Eyewitnesses of the Resurrection
The Order of the Twelve Appearances of Christ Persons Saw Heard Touched Other 7. Two Disciples (Lk. 24:13-31; Mk. 15:12) (#4) X Ate 8. Ten Disciples (Mk. 16:14; Lk. 24:35-49; Jn. 20:19-24; 1 Cor. 15:5) (#5) X* Crucifixion scars 9. Eleven disciples (Thomas present) (Jn. 20:26-29) (#6) 10. Seven disciples by Seas of Galilee (Jn. 21:1-23) (#7) 11. Five hundred disciples in Galilee (1 Cor 15:6) (#8) 12. All the apostles in Galilee (Mt. 28:18-20) (#9) *lmplied

80 The Order of the Twelve Appearances of Christ
Persons Saw Heard Touched Other 13. James (1 Cor. 15:7) (# 10) X 14. All the apostles in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 15:7; Mk. 16:15-20; Lk. 24:46-52; Acts 1:3-9) (#11) Ate 15. Paul (Acts 9:1-8; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8) (#12) Note: Jesus was: [1] seen, [2] heard, [3] touched, [4] they saw his empty tomb & [5] his empty grave clothes, [6] his crucifixion scars. [7] He ate with them, and [8] he taught them for 40 days They were totally transformed over night from scared, scattered, and skeptical disciples into the world’s greatest missionary society.

81 The Resurrection of Jesus
Its Importance Its Nature Its Evidence It Objections

82 Objection 1: Resurrection is a miracle, and miracles are not credible as Hume showed:
1. Miracles are rare. 2. Natural law is regular. 3. Probability for regular is greater than for the rare Wise persons believe in greater probability. 5. So, no wise person should believe in miracles. Response: 1. Hume confuses evidence and probability. If he is right, then: 1) one should not believe in an improbable event, even if it happens; 2) One should not believe in a perfect bridge hand or hole-in-one when they happen. 2. Even naturalists like Hume believe in rare events (e.g., big bang, spontaneous generation, macro-evolution). 3. If God exists, miracles are possible. So, to disprove miracles one must disprove God, and no one has.

83 Objection 2: Unusual events (like a
Objection 2: Unusual events (like a resurrection) call for unusual evidence. Response: 1. If “unusual” means more than usual, then we have unusual evidence for the New Testament. 2. If “unusual” means supernatural, then it begs the question by demanding an infinite regress or miracles to prove miracles, etc. 3. The critics are inconsistent, since they hold to some unusual events with less than unusual evidence (e.g., big bang, spontaneous generation, and macro-evolution).

84 Objection 3: History is unknowable because of fragmentary evidence and bias of writers.
Response: 1. This is a self-defeating claim, since they could not know that it was not good history unless they knew what good history was. 2. This does not hinder archaeologists and geologists from reconstructing the past. 3. A bias does not necessarily mean one can’t be a good witness. The best witnesses to the holocaust are survivors of it who understandably have a bias against it.

85 Objection 4: The Resurrection body is called a “spiritual body" (1 Cor. 15:44). So, it is not physical. Response: 1) Body (soma) always refers to the physical body in N.T. when used of an individual human being (R. Gundry, Soma in Bib. Theol.). 2) It means a physical body dominated by the Spirit but not one devoid of matter. It was immortal, not immaterial. 3) "Spiritual" rock, water, food (1 Cor. 10:2), and man (2:15) were all material. Likewise, we say the Bible is a “spiritual book.”

86 Objection 5: "Flesh and blood cannot. Enter the Kingdom of God" (1 Cor
Response: 1) This is a figure of speech meaning "mortal." Jesus told Peter that “flesh and blood” had not revealed Christ’s deity to Peter (cf. Mt. 16:17). 2) The reference (in 1 Cor. 15:50) is to "corruptible" flesh and blood (v. 50b), not to incorruptible flesh which the resurrection body is (cf. Acts 2:31). 3) Jesus said that his resurrection body has incorruptible “flesh and bones” (Lk. 24:39).

87 Objection 6: Physical body decays and scatters, and, so, it cannot be restored.
Response: 1) The God who assembled the human body from dust in the beginning can reassemble it from dust in the end. 2) Losing particles from our body doesn't mean we are not physical; we do it daily. 3) Gaining new particles doesn't mean we are not material (we also do this daily). 4) Our body changes particles every seven years, yet it is the same body. 5) Jesus' body didn't undergo corruption while it was in the grave (Acts 2:31).

88 Conclusion There is more evidence that Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead than for any event from the ancient world! It not just a good story; it is good history!

89 Up From the Grave He Arose
Low in the grave He lay… Waiting the coming day… Vainly they watch His bed… Vainly they seal the dead… Death cannot keep his prey… He tore the bars away… Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes. He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!


Download ppt "The Case for The Resurrection of Jesus"

Similar presentations


Ads by Google