Did Jesus Rise from the Dead Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 1780 words ( 6 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 5

Page 1 of 6

Historical Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus and the Implications of the ResurrectionThe historical proofs of the resurrection are actually quite compelling and numerous. However, one must adopt a logical perspective if one is going to approach these proofs, because they require a rational mind and one that is objective rather than speculative or theoretical. The historical proofs include the fact that Christ did die, that he was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, which was “the highest Jewish ruling body in the time of Jesus, and was therefore a public figure” (Habermas, Licona, 68); and the fact that the demeanor and attitude of the disciples changed drastically following the resurrection: where they had broken up and fled before the resurrection, after they were united and instilled with a special sense of purpose and mission, which would not have been possible had the resurrection never really happened. This paper will discuss each of these historical proofs of the resurrection in order to show that the evidence is insurmountable in proving that the resurrection happened.First of all, there is the evidence that Christ died. This evidence is given even by ancient historians such as Josephus, who noted plainly that “Pilate, upon hearing him accused by men of the highest standing amongst us, had condemned him to be crucified” (Josephus). The record was clear: Christ lived and was condemned to death under Pontius Pilate. He was crucified, died and was buried.Second, the place of burial is significant because it was in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, who was a very important person in the Jewish religion: he was a member of the Sanhedrin and carried considerable importance among the Jewish public. That is one reason he followed Christ only distantly. However, he never disputed the fact that Christ was placed in his tomb. Had Christ not been buried there, Joseph surely would have disputed it and there would be a record of that dispute—but there is none (Habermas, Licona). Instead, there is only the charge, given by the Jews, that the body of Christ was spirited away by His disciples—yet there is no evidence to back up the charge and instead there is the eye witness testimony of many that Christ was seen again.Thirdly, the biggest miracle of all is the fact that the disposition of Christ’s disciples changed so drastically. Following His arrest and death, the disciples scattered. Peter himself denied he even knew Christ. Others were going back to their old lives. There is no reason in the world that any of them would have turned back and renewed their faith in Christ and preached Him to the world even unto their own persecution had He not truly risen—it just makes no logical sense. He would have really had to have risen and appeared to them in order to change their disposition so drastically: nothing else could have possibly done it—surely no elaborate ruse (McGrew, McGrew).

Stuck Writing Your "Did Jesus Rise from the Dead" Essay?

View All Our Example Did Jesus Rise from the Dead Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

The fact is that the Christian faith was always predicated on truth—not fiction—and were it not true, the faith would not have flourished; it is as simple as that (Mueller).The consequences of this evidence naturally lead one to the issue of faith. Faith is the ultimate stumbling block for many—not evidence. As Scripture says, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). The evidence of God’s existence is there to be seen in the fact of creation, for nothing can come from nothing—which means God must be there as the Supreme Being with no beginning and no end: the spark of…

[…… parts of this paper are missing, click here to view the entire document ]

…existed for 2000 years. The claims of the Church are so unbelievable that without the actual proof of the miraculous, no one would have embraced faith. Yet even the miraculous surpasses our understanding and people can believe through some innate sense of things, through some special gift of grace that makes the truth known to them in their heart the way it was made known to the penitent thief, who gave testimony to God there on the cross just before he died.Nonetheless, it is helpful to assess the historical proofs. First, there is the fact that Jesus lived and died and this is recorded by ancient historians like Josephus. Second, there is the fact that Jesus was laid to rest in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea; there is no disputing this—and Joseph himself never protested the claim. Third, the fact that the disposition of the disciples changed so drastically following the crucifixion is only explainable by the Resurrection. The disciples were shaken and were leaving town. They were not going to stick around to be persecuted since their leader had just been executed. Yet something made them turn around. What was it? It was the Resurrection. Christ Himself returned; their leader returned from death to show them that they must maintain their faith and spread the faith because God came to save all—yet that salvation comes by way of faith, for man has to submit to God: that is just the way God wants it. He does not want people in His Heaven who do not want to recognize God as their Creator, their Savior, and their end-all-be-all. The disciples went out and preached this message and worked miracles in God’s name and died for the message. That would not have happened had there been no Resurrection. St. Paul literally….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Did Jesus Rise From The Dead" (2021, April 05) Retrieved June 4, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/jesus-rise-dead-2181227

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Did Jesus Rise From The Dead" 05 April 2021. Web.4 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/jesus-rise-dead-2181227>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Did Jesus Rise From The Dead", 05 April 2021, Accessed.4 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/jesus-rise-dead-2181227
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example