DID CHRIST RISE FROM DEATH?
Atheists and skeptics doubt and claim it is impossible for Christ to come back to life. They argue that from time immemorial there has not been one pronounced dead buried for many days that came back to life again.
If the Bible (KJV) is the Word of God, then the answer to this question is in the affirmative. There are three reasons that support this contention.
Firstly, that Christ rose from death is clear from fulfilled prophecy. In Genesis 3:15 Christ's coming and victory are foretold. His trial and death are foretold in Isaiah 53. This is fulfilled in Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 18-19. The fulfillment of Christ's rising from death is inevitable as provided for under Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21.
Secondly, that Christ rose from death is hard to ignore due to following grounds. One, His tomb was found empty by Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome (Lk. 23:55-56, 24:1-9; Jn. 20:1-2). Two, Mary Magdalene had personally seen Him (Jn. 20:14-18). Three, the returning two women from the tomb with angelic message saw Him (Mat. 28:8-10). Four, Christ was seen by Apostle Peter (Lk 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5). Five, two men saw Him on the way to Emmaus village (Lk. 24:13-31). Six, the Apostles except Thomas in Christ's first appearance personally saw Him in separate places (Lk. 24:36-43; Jn. 20:19-29; 21:1-23). Seven, Apostle Thomas (technically the skeptic) personally saw Him (Jn. 20:26-29). Eight, He was seen by five hundred brethren (1 Cor. 15:6). Nine, Stephen saw Him, (Acts 7:55). Ten, Apostle James saw Him (1 Cor. 15:7). Eleven, Apostle Paul saw Him (Acts 9:3-6; 1 Cor. 15:8).
And thirdly, that Christ rose from death is a fact that cannot be denied by historic Christianity. Christians of all ages do demonstrate changed and exemplary lives. They testify that their lives could have been meaningless, their hope of eternal life could have been an illusion, had the Lord Jesus Christ did not rise from death. The resurrection of Christ makes their eternal destiny a difference. The great Apostle of all time, Paul states, "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." (1 Cor. 15:17- 20).
How about you, dear reader? Have you got this kind of hope - the hope of eternal life? Please take note, you have only one life. Unless you have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart you will lose your life forever. By believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour you will have everlasting life (John 3:16). Why not trust Him now?