| Subject: The Resurrections Post 2 |
Author:
Hillbilly
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Date Posted: 09:10:21 01/16/10 Sat
The Resurrection of Jesus Attested To
1 Corinthians15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
As we saw previously everything depends on the resurrection of Christ. If Jesus did not come forth from the grave then we won't. If He did we will. While we must depend on the Bible as our authority for what we believe we have assurance that this was not a secret event. The Bible tells of many witnesses to His resurrection. Paul, who wrote much of what we understand about the resurrections counted himself as one of the more that 500 witnesses. 1 Corinthians15:3-8 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.
According to the words of Paul more than 500 people witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ and he stated that of all the witnesses he was the last. These were eye witnesses who according to Paul were for the most part still alive at the writing of the letter to the Corinthians. The accounts in the four Gospels all attest to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not only were His faithful few followers witness to it but the guards that were appointed to secure his grave were witness to what took place. Matthew28:1-4 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. Matthew28:11-15 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
The soldiers that were appointed to secure the tomb knew what had taken place. They witnessed it all and it scared them mightily. The elders and rulers of the Jews believed them or they would not have bribed them. Had they thought for a minute the soldiers had fallen asleep and the disciples had stolen the body they would have turned them over to the governor and most likely they would have been put to death.
As Paul stood before Festus he reminded him that he already knew of the things that had taken place in Jerusalem concerning Jesus: Acts26:22-28 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. 24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
As Paul witnessed to Festus of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus he reminded him that it did not take place in a corner. In all the history of the world no ones life, death and subsequent resurrection has been better documented and attested to than that of our Saviour. It is on this documented and attested to resurrection of Jesus that we place all our hopes for an eternity in a resurrected body. Not only the Church but also all the Old Testament saints and those who will die in a state of grace after the Church is gone. All hope is in Jesus and it is not a vain hope.
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