The Resurrection of Jesus - Its Meaning for Us - WHY WE KNOW THAT JESUS WAS RESURRECTED

One reason why we know that Jesus was raised from the dead is that his resurrection  took place "according to the Scriptures." God's Word foretold the resurrection.  For example,  David wrote that God's chief  "loyal one" would not be left in the Grave. (Read Psalm 16:10.)  On the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., the apostle Peter applied that prophetic verse to Jesus, saying: "[David] foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in the Grave nor did his flesh see corruption." - ACTS 2:23, 27, 31.

A second reason why we know that Jesus was restored to life is that we have the testimony of many witnesses. Over a period of  40 days, the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples in the garden where the tomb was located as well as on the road to  Emmaus and elsewhere.  (Luke 24:13-15) On those occasions, he spoke to individuals, including Peter, and to groups. Why, the resurrected Jesus once appeared to a crowd of more than 500 people!  Testimony involving so many eyewitnesses cannot be discounted.

A third reason why we know that Jesus resurrection occurred is the zeal that his disciples showed in proclaiming it.  Zealously bearing witness to the resurrection of the Christ exposed them to persecution, suffering, and death. If Jesus had not been raised up-if it was all hoax-why would Peter risk his life to proclaim Christ's resurrection to the religious leaders, who hated Jesus and plotted his death?  It  because Peter and the other disciples were certain that Jesus was alive and was directing the work that God wanted done.  Moreover, Jesus' resurrection assured his followers that they too would be resurrected. For  instance, Stephen died with the conviction that there would be a resurrection of the dead. - ACTS 7:55-60.

A fourth reason why we know that Jesus was resurrected is that we have evidence  that he is now ruling as King and is serving as Head of the Christian congregation.  As a result, true Christianity is flourishing.  Would this be happening if Jesus had not been raised from the dead?  In fact, we would probably never have heard of him had he not been resurrected. But we have solid reasons to believe that Jesus is alive and is now guiding and directing us as we proclaim the good new far and wide.

Next time: The Resurrection of Jesus -Its Meaning for Us - WHAT JESUS' RESURRECTION MEANS FOR US

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