The Resurrection

The Historical Reality

⊕ 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [5] And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. [7] After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. [8] And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

⊕ Luke 1:1-4
[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, [2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; [3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, [4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

⊕ Acts 1:3
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

⊕ 1 John 1:1-3
[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; [2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) [3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the most thoroughly attested event in ancient history, witnessed by hundreds and proclaimed fearlessly by those who saw the risen Lord. Paul recounts the gospel delivered to him: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve, after that by above five hundred brethren at once (of whom the greater part remained alive when Paul wrote, available for cross-examination), then by James, then by all the apostles, and last of all by Paul himself on the Damascus road. Luke carefully investigated all things from the beginning to provide an orderly account, that Theophilus might know the certainty of the things wherein he had been instructed.

Christ showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen by the disciples over forty days and speaking of things pertaining to the kingdom of God. John testifies: 'That which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life... declare we unto you.' The resurrection is not myth, legend, or spiritual metaphor but historical fact, testified by eyewitnesses willing to suffer and die rather than recant their testimony.

The empty tomb, the transformed disciples, the birth of the church, the conversion of skeptics like Paul and James—all confirm that death could not hold the Prince of Life.

Prophesied in Scripture

⊕ Psalm 16:10
(See Psalm 16:10)

⊕ Isaiah 53:10-11
[10] Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. [11] He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

⊕ Hosea 6:2
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

⊕ Acts 2:25-32
[25] For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: [26] Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: [27] Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. [28] Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. [29] Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. [30] Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; [31] He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. [32] This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Christ's resurrection was not an afterthought but the predetermined plan of God, prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled precisely. David prophesied, 'Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption'—words that could not apply to David himself, whose tomb remained with them and whose flesh saw corruption, but pointed to David's greater descendant.

Peter, preaching at Pentecost, applies this psalm to Christ: 'He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.' Isaiah prophesied that after the Suffering Servant made His soul an offering for sin, 'He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days'—requiring resurrection after atoning death. Hosea declared, 'After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up'—foreshadowing Christ's third-day resurrection and our resurrection in Him.

Jesus Himself repeatedly predicted His resurrection: 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,' speaking of the temple of His body. He told the disciples plainly that He must be killed and raised again the third day.

These prophecies demonstrate that the resurrection was no desperate improvisation after crucifixion's failure but the glorious culmination of God's eternal purpose. The Old Testament prepared believers to expect resurrection; the New Testament proclaims it as accomplished fact.

Christ fulfilled every jot and tittle, rising precisely when and how the Scriptures foretold.

Christ's Power Over Death

⊕ John 10:17-18
[17] Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. [18] No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

⊕ Revelation 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

⊕ Romans 6:9
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

⊕ Acts 2:24
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Jesus Christ conquered death not as a victim overcome by superior force but as the sovereign Lord who voluntarily laid down His life and took it up again. 'I lay down my life, that I might take it again,' He declared.

'No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.' This commandment received He from the Father—yet note, He possesses inherent power to resurrect Himself.

The risen Christ announces, 'I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.' Death no longer has dominion over Him; Christ being raised from the dead dies no more. It was not possible that death should hold Him, for He is the Prince of Life, the resurrection and the life, the one who declares, 'Because I live, ye shall live also.' His resurrection demonstrates His deity—only God possesses power over death.

It vindicates His claims, validates His teaching, confirms His atonement's acceptance, and guarantees believers' future resurrection. Death entered through sin, but Christ, being sinless, broke death's legal claim.

He descended into death's domain not as a prisoner but as a conqueror, destroying him who had the power of death—the devil—and delivering those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Christ's resurrection is the firstfruits, guaranteeing the full harvest; death's defeat in Him ensures its ultimate destruction for all who belong to Him.

The Empty Tomb

⊕ Matthew 28:5-6
[5] And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. [6] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

⊕ John 20:3-9
[3] Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. [4] So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. [5] And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. [6] Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, [7] And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. [8] Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. [9] For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

⊕ Luke 24:12
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.

⊕ Mark 16:6
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.

The empty tomb stands as undeniable testimony to resurrection reality. When the women came seeking Jesus' body, the angel declared, 'He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay.' That invitation—'come, see'—challenges investigation rather than demanding blind faith. When Peter and John ran to the tomb, they found the linen clothes lying and the napkin that was about His head not lying with the linen clothes but wrapped together in a place by itself.

The careful arrangement of the grave clothes indicated no hasty grave robbery but orderly resurrection. John saw and believed, connecting the empty tomb with Scripture's testimony.

The tomb's emptiness demanded explanation: Did disciples steal the body? Impossible—they were scattered, fearful, and later willing to die proclaiming resurrection.

Would they die for what they knew was a lie? Would grave-robbers carefully arrange grave clothes?

Did enemies steal the body? Then why not produce it to crush the resurrection claim that threatened their power?

Did the women visit the wrong tomb? The authorities could have produced Christ's body from the correct tomb.

Every naturalistic explanation crumbles under scrutiny. The empty tomb, combined with post-resurrection appearances, establishes that Jesus physically rose from the dead.

The tomb that held creation's Lord could not contain Him; death's prison doors burst open at resurrection power. That empty tomb in Joseph's garden proclaims eternal truth: Christ has conquered, death is defeated, and the grave has lost its victory.

Resurrection Appearances

⊕ Luke 24:36-43
[36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. [37] But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. [38] And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? [39] 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. [40] And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. [41] And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? [42] And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. [43] And he took it, and did eat before them.

⊕ John 20:26-29
[26] 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. [27] 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. [28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. [29] Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

⊕ John 21:9-14
[9] As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. [10] Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. [11] 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. [12] Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. [13] Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. [14] This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

⊕ 1 Corinthians 15:5-8
[5] And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. [7] After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. [8] And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Christ's post-resurrection appearances demonstrate that His resurrection was bodily, not merely spiritual or visionary. When the disciples feared they saw a spirit, Jesus said, '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.' He ate broiled fish and honeycomb before them, proving His physical reality.

When Thomas doubted, Jesus invited him, '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.' Thomas responded in worship: 'My Lord and my God.' On Galilee's shore, Jesus prepared breakfast for the disciples—taking bread and fish and giving to them, in a scene of intimate, physical fellowship. These appearances occurred over forty days, to various individuals and groups, in different locations—Jerusalem, Galilee, Emmaus, the Mount of Olives.

He appeared to Mary Magdalene in the garden, to the two disciples on the Emmaus road, to Peter individually, to the twelve, to five hundred brethren at once, to James, and finally to Paul on the Damascus road. The variety and number of witnesses, the physical nature of the appearances, the transformation they wrought in fearful disciples—all confirm that Jesus truly, bodily rose from death.

His resurrection body was real yet glorified, physical yet not limited by physical barriers, recognizable yet possessing new properties. This foreshadows believers' resurrection bodies—real, physical, yet glorified and incorruptible, fitted for eternal dwelling in the new heavens and new earth.

Our Future Resurrection

⊕ 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
[20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. [21] For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. [22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [23] But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

⊕ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

⊕ Philippians 3:20-21
[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

⊕ 1 John 3:2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Christ's resurrection guarantees and models believers' future resurrection. 'Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.' When Christ returns, the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.

When He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. This is the blessed hope—not disembodied existence as spirits but resurrection to glorified, physical, eternal life.

Our resurrection bodies will be incorruptible, glorious, powerful, and spiritual (Spirit-directed), fitted for eternal service and worship. Death for believers is but sleep—temporary rest before resurrection morning.

The grave cannot hold those united to the risen Christ. Just as surely as He rose, we shall rise, for our life is hid with Christ in God.

When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. This hope transforms grief into expectation, fear into confidence, and death into transition.

Living in Resurrection Power

⊕ Romans 6:4-5
[4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

⊕ Ephesians 1:19-20
[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

⊕ Philippians 3:10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

⊕ Colossians 3:1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

The resurrection is not merely future hope but present power. We are buried with Christ by baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

If we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection. The same exceeding greatness of power that raised Christ from the dead now works in believers—the working of His mighty power which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.

Paul's consuming desire was to know Christ and the power of His resurrection—not merely intellectual knowledge but experiential fellowship with resurrection life. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Resurrection power enables victory over sin's dominion, strength for obedience, boldness in witness, endurance in suffering, and hope in trial. We do not await resurrection passively but experience its power presently.

The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you and shall also quicken your mortal bodies. Resurrection life means living as those who have passed from death unto life, who have been raised from spiritual death to walk in newness of life, and who shall be raised in bodily glory at Christ's return.

This present experience of resurrection power is the foretaste and guarantee of future, complete resurrection glory.

Eternal Hope

⊕ 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? [56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⊕ 2 Timothy 1:10
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

⊕ Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

⊕ John 11:25-26
[25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

The resurrection establishes Christian hope on unshakable foundation. When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. In the new heavens and new earth, God shall wipe away all tears from believers' eyes; there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain—for the former things are passed away.

Jesus declared, 'I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.' Physical death for believers is not cessation but transition, not destruction but transformation, not ending but beginning. We sorrow not as those who have no hope, for we know that our Redeemer lives and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.

Though worms destroy this body, yet in our flesh shall we see God. The resurrection transforms every Christian funeral from hopeless farewell to temporary parting, from tragic ending to glorious expectation.

Because He lives, we shall live also—this is the gospel's triumph, the believer's confidence, and eternity's certainty.