Independent Baptist Church Defense of the Death and Resurrection of Christ “He is Risen!”

Foundation of the Faith I Corinthians 15:14 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. II Peter 1:16 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Foundation of the Faith Early preaching, such as Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2), stated that the believers present were “all witnesses” (vs.31-32) to Christ’s death and Resurrection. Other sermons in Acts follow a similar theme, using the Resurrection as the primary proof for the truth of the Christian message. If not the most important, one of the most important historical facts for believers to know, share, and defend.

What do they not say? “I used to smoke, drink, chew tobacco, swear, and get in fights, but now that I have Jesus in my heart, I don’t do these things anymore.” Only time a personal testimony is used for evangelism in scripture is for other Christians (i.e. Philippians)

Quintet of Facts (4+1) Minimal Facts Approach Uses data that is strongly evidenced Uses data that is accepted by virtually all scholars, even skeptics Stating supposed “Bible-contradictions” is not an argument against the Resurrection 4+1 is generous, as scholars such as Habermas argue for as many as 12 facts.

Fact 1: Jesus died by Crucifixion Highlighted by all four gospels. Roman historian Tacitus, “extreme penalty.” Jewish historian, Josephus. Lucian of Samosata. Jewish Talmud states “…Yeshu was hanged.” Historical and Medical data strongly indicate death (i.e. blood and water from Christ’s side).

Fact 2: The Disciples believed Jesus rose and appeared to them They claimed it Paul (1 Corinthians 15) indicates the disciples claimed it. Oral tradition (Sermons in Acts, Creeds (I Corinthians 15:3-7). Written testimony, the gospels (four different sources), apostolic fathers (Clement, Polycarp) They believed it and suffered martyrdom (7 sources: Acts, Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Tertullian, Origen, Dionysius of Corinth)

Fact 3: Paul (Saul) was radically converted Conversion based on personal appearance of the risen Jesus, not mere testimony. Based on Primary evidence, not secondary (evidence we have). Paul describes his pre-Christian life, as does Acts. Attested by numerous church fathers (Polycarp, Origen, Clement, Tertullian etc…)

Fact 4: James, skeptical brother of Jesus, is suddenly changed Gospels mention Jesus’ siblings, including James. Josephus mentions James as Jesus’ brother. Originally a pious Jew, mentioned by Paul in Galatians. Called “James the Just” by the church fathers, suffering martyrdom. Gospels mention Jesus’ brothers as skeptics, I Corinthians 15 mentions Jesus appearing to James. Afterwards, James is leader of the Jerusalem church.

Fact 5: The tomb was empty Accepted by 75 percent of scholars, including skeptical scholars. Christ was executed in Jerusalem, and appeared there. Local Authorities could not produce a body. Enemy attestation. Church’s enemies said the disciples stole it, confirming the tomb was empty. Testimony of Women

Five Facts 1. Jesus Died by Crucifixion. 2. The Disciples believed Jesus rose and appeared to them. 3. Paul (Saul) was radically converted. 4. James the skeptic was suddenly changed. 5. The tomb was empty.

Sociological Factors Principle of Embarrassment. Testimony of Women? A Crucified God? From Galilee? No Classes? A Physical Resurrection? If anything, Christianity is an example of how not to start a religion, yet it thrived and spread!

Skeptical Claims Presuppositions. Commitment to Philosophical Naturalism. Only account for one of the facts, not all. Hallucinations, Visions, Delusions? Not really dead? Biased? Combination Theories make skeptical claims even more improbable.

What is the Reasonable Conclusion? He is Risen!

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