So what is the evidence? Glad you asked…
10’s of thousands of hours of research have been conducted to disprove the veracity of the claims of Christianity, but to no avail, unless someone has an antecedent bias to discredit the thousands of sources of proof.
One particular person who has offered a considerable amount of evidence that authenticates the claims of the resurrection is Josh McDowell. As a young pre-law student McDowell was challenged to disprove the claims of Christianity, so thinking it an easy task he set out to prove Christianity was a sham. The more he researched, the more historical evidence he found confirming the Christian story. Eventually he gave up and surrendered to the claims of Christianity and became a devoted follower of Jesus, much to the chagrin of his fellow students who put him up to the task.
Sir William Ramsay, who spent 15 years attempting to undermine Luke credentials as a historian, and to refute the reliability of the New Testament, finally concluded: "Luke is a historian of the first rank . . . This author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians. "
E. M. Blaiklock Professor of Classics Auckland University -
“I claim to be an historian. My approach to Classics is historical. And I tell you that the evidence for the life, the death, and the resurrection of Christ is better authenticated than most of the facts of ancient history . . .”
Well what are some of the facts that fly in the face of the resurrection being a hoax?
FACT #1: BROKEN ROMAN SEAL The first obvious fact was the breaking of the seal that stood for the power and authority of the Roman Empire. The consequences of breaking the seal were extremely severe. The “FBI” and “CIA” (obviously not called that) of the Roman Empire were called into action to find the man or men who were responsible. If they were apprehended, it meant automatic execution by crucifixion upside down, or being burned alive. People feared the breaking of the seal. Jesus' disciples displayed signs of cowardice when they hid themselves following Jesus’ arrest. Peter, one of these disciples, went out and denied Christ three times.
FACT #2: EMPTY TOMB As we have already discussed, another obvious fact after the resurrection was the empty tomb. The disciples of Christ did not go off to Athens or Rome to preach that Christ was raised from the dead. Rather, they went right back to the city of Jerusalem, where, if what they were teaching was false, the falsity would be evident. The empty tomb was "too notorious to be denied." Dr. Paul Althaus states that the resurrection "could have not been maintained in Jerusalem for a single day, for a single hour, if the emptiness of the tomb had not been established as a fact for all concerned. " Both Jewish and Roman sources and traditions admit an empty tomb. Those resources range from Josephus to a compilation of fifth-century Jewish writings called the "Toledoth Jeshu." Dr. Paul Maier calls this "positive evidence from a hostile source, which is the strongest kind of historical evidence. In essence, this means that if a source admits a fact decidedly not in its favor, then that fact is genuine. Dr. Paul Maier observes 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 sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea, 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."
FACT #3: LARGE STONE MOVED On that Sunday morning the first thing that impressed the people who approached the tomb was the unusual position of the one and a half to two ton stone that had been lodged in front of the doorway. All the Gospel writers mention it. Dr. Clark Pinnock Mcmaster University writes, “There exists no document from the ancient world, witnessed by so excellent a set of textual and historical testimonies . . . Skepticism regarding the historical credentials of Christianity is based upon an irrational bias.” Those who observed the stone after the resurrection describe its position as having been rolled up a slope away not just from the entrance of the tomb, but from the entire massive sepulcher. It was in such a position that it looked as if it had been picked up and carried away. Now, if the disciples had wanted to come in, tiptoe around the sleeping guards, and then roll the stone over and steal Jesus' body, how could they have done that without the guards' awareness?
FACT #4: ROMAN GUARD GOES AWOL The Roman guards fled. They left their place of responsibility. How can their flight be explained, when Roman military discipline was so exceptional? The historian, Justin, in Digest #49, mentions all the offenses that required the death penalty. The fear of their superiors' wrath and the possibility of death meant that they paid close attention to the minutest details of their jobs. One way a guard was put to death was by being stripped of his clothes and then burned alive in a fire started with his garments. If it was not apparent which soldier had failed in his duty, then lots were drawn to see which one would be punished with death for the guard unit's failure. Certainly the entire unit would not have fallen asleep with that kind of threat over their heads. Dr. George Currie, a student of Roman military discipline, wrote that fear of punishment "produced flawless attention to duty, especially in the night watches."
FACT #5: JESUS' APPEARANCES CONFIRMED Christ appeared alive on several occasions after the cataclysmic events of that first Easter . When studying an event in history, it is important to know whether enough people who were participants or eyewitnesses to the event were alive when the facts about the event were published. To know this is obviously helpful in ascertaining the accuracy of the published report. If the number of eyewitnesses is substantial, the event can he regarded as fairly well established. For instance, if we all witness a murder, and a later police report turns out to he a fabrication of lies, we as eyewitnesses can refute it. OVER 500 WITNESSES saw Jesus at the same time according to 1Cor. 15:6. In this text Paul is appealing to his audience's knowledge of the fact that Christ had been seen by more than 500 people at one time. Paul reminded them that the majority of those people were still alive and could be questioned. Dr. Edwin M. Yamauchi, associate professor of history at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, emphasizes: "What gives a special authority to the list (of witnesses) as historical evidence is the reference to most of the five hundred brethren being still alive. St. Paul says in effect, 'If you do not believe me, you can ask them.' Such a statement in an admittedly genuine letter written within thirty years of the event is almost as strong evidence as one could hope to get for something that happened nearly two thousand years ago."
HOSTILE WITNESSES Another factor crucial to interpreting Christ's appearances is that He also appeared to those who were hostile or unconvinced.
I have read or heard over and over again people comment that Jesus was seen alive after His death and burial only by His friends and followers. They attempt to water down the overwhelming impact of the multiple eyewitness accounts. No author or informed individual would regard Saul of Tarsus as being a follower of Christ. The facts show the exact opposite. Saul despised Christ and persecuted to death Christ's followers. It was a life-transforming experience when Christ appeared to him. Although he was at the time not a disciple, he later became the apostle Paul, one of the greatest witnesses for the truth of the resurrection.
F. F. Bruce Manchester University “If the New Testament were a collection of secular writings, their authenticity would generally be regarded as beyond all doubt.”
The evidence is so overwhelming that not only did 10 of the 11 disciples give their lives in martyrdom, but throughout the ages Christians have been persecuted, hunted like dogs, burned at the stake, thrown to lions, gored by gladiators. They have been drowned, tortured, dispatched by wild beasts and the list goes on and on. And all cheerfully going to their deaths. In the second century 86 year old Polycarpe of Smyrna told the Roman procurator who threatened him with death by wild beasts or by being burned alive, said, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my King, Who hath saved me? He went on to say, “you threaten me with a fire that burns but for a moment but are yourself ignorant of the fire of eternal punishment in store for the ungodly.”
From the second century to the 15th century…the testimony and witness remained as true and as self-sacrificing.
“The trial of Jerome was brought on the third day after his accusation and witnesses were examined in support of the charge. The prisoner was prepared for his defence, which appears almost incredible, when we consider he had been three hundred and forty days shut up in loathsome prisons, deprived of daylight, and almost starved for want of common necessaries. But his spirit soared above these disadvantages, under which a man less animated would have sunk; nor was he more at a loss of quotations from the fathers and ancient authors than if he had been furnished with the finest library.
The trial being over, Jerome received the same sentence that had been passed upon his martyred countryman. In consequence of this, he was, in the usual style of popish affectation, delivered over to the civil power: but as he was a layman, he had not to undergo the ceremony of degradation. They had prepared a cap of paper painted with red devils, which being put upon his head, he said, "Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He suffered death for me a most miserable sinner, did wear a crown of thorns upon His head, and for His sake will I wear this cap."
Two days were allowed him in hopes that he would recant; in which time the cardinal of Florence used his utmost endeavors to bring him over. But they all proved ineffectual. Jerome was resolved to seal the doctrine with his blood; and he suffered death with the most distinguished magnanimity.
In going to the place of execution he sang several hymns, and when he came to the spot, which was the same where Huss had been burnt, he knelt down, and prayed fervently. He embraced the stake with great cheerfulness, and when they went behind him to set fire to the fagots, he said, "Come here, and kindle it before my eyes; for if I had been afraid of it, I had not come to this place." The fire being kindled, he sang a hymn, but was soon interrupted by the flames; and the last words he was heard to say these, "This soul in flames I offer Christ, to Thee."
The precious lives that have lovingly, willingly and cheerfully surrendered to the One who surrendered all for them are innumerable.
What does this all mean for us today who are still called to bear witness to the resurrection?
First and foremost we have, as the NT writers affirmed over and over again – Paul writing 82x’s in his 13 epistles, that we have a “living hope by the resurrection Jesus Christ from the dead.” This living hope that the apostles and early followers of Christ possessed as a fundamental attitude in life was unknown in Greek culture. We have all heard of Pandora’s box, correct? We all know that Pandora’s box represents all the bad that could happen in any given circumstance…how often have you heard, “man don’t open Pandora’s box…” Well Pandora’s box comes from Greek mythology where she let out all the evils in her box, except one. The one considered by the Greeks to be as dangerous as all the world’s evils combined…do you know what she didn’t let? Elpis, the personification of HOPE. Because of how they lived in poverty, recurring hunger, ceaseless labor and virtually no freedoms, if you spoke of hope you were personifying evil, because there was no hope in their estimation. Enter into this mix an authentic message of HOPE and what do you have? A profound, life transforming revival. Welcome to the EARLY CHURCH! This is why Peter would write in 1Pe 3:15, “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the HOPE that is in you…”
What is HOPE? Boiling down the NT words used for HOPE, it simply means, “A JOYFUL, CONFIDENT EXPECTATION.” Biblical HOPE is based upon who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised.
Biblical HOPE is never ego-centric, but is always focused on Christ & God the Father.
Biblical HOPE does not rest on good works, but on the gracious work of God in Jesus Christ. That is why He is called, “OUR HOPE” in the scriptures.
Biblical HOPE, is a gift from God according to 2Thes 2:16. Though we can be convinced that there is more to this life than living and dying, is it HOPE that enables you to live in a three dimensional world with a self-sacrificing witness everyday that there is more, it is a gift.
As we leave this morning, there is a HOPE that we can all enjoy and live in. A HOPE that is not only has intellectual credence, but has life transforming power. Well, where does it come from?
1. Heb. 6:18-20 (See ppt. slide) We have hope that is an anchor, that resides in the presence of God. If you have received Christ, then you have His presence living within you. We can abide in Him, because He abides in us. That is why Paul says, “it is Christ in you that is the HOPE of glory.” If you want access to the HOPE that the Bible references, and that our forefathers lived in, even walking to their deaths if necessary, is available in His Presence.
2. Hos. 2:14:15 – In the valley of Achor He opens a door of HOPE. In the valley of deserved judgment for all we have done wrong, He opens a door of HOPE. Hosea is referencing an event that had happened approximately 500 years previously when an Israelite warrior ignored a commandment and stole gold, silver and garments from the conquered city of Jericho. As a result he and his families lives were taken, and they were buried in the Valley of Achor, a place of Judgment for wrong doing, not just for you but for your whole family, your progeny. In this valley of deserved, the resurrection opens a door of HOPE. A door you can walk through and receive forgiveness that will open a way for your whole family.
Well how can we access this Door of HOPE…the Anchor of HOPE. There is no formula, but access happens for everyone in basically the same way.
1. We humble ourselves and recognize that we need to bow our hearts before the One who gave Himself for us.
2. We acknowledge that though we deserve judgment for what we have done, Jesus came and took the hit for our sin.
3. We believe with our hearts that He rose from the dead and offers us Eternal Life.
4. We Confess with our mouth that He is Lord and choose to receive Him as the Lord of our life.
1 comment:
HOPE: Understanding that there is no one listening to your every thought except yourself.
HOPE: Understanding that one does not have to live in subjection to a messy laundry list of empty threats and empty promises.
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