Bible Studies
This piece was written initially as an exercise for my Christian Studies Diploma. But I realise that with so much secularism in the world today, we need as Christians to very sure about what we believe. When the question was put forth: “Do you have problems believing in the bodily resurrection of Jesus?”: I said I do not.
My belief is founded firstly on my Christian upbringing. Growing up as I did it never enter my thoughts to question the resurrection? Here I would use the analogy of St. Paul who said, “when I was a child, I thought as a child..” [1 Cor. 13:11].
As an adult and from the point of view of a [1] Sunday school teacher, [2] a bible study leader and later [3] as an Alpha Leader [and now as one training to be a Chaplain] I had to find evidence that satisfys my students and, my peers as well. This meant gathering information over time from both a biblical and scientific perspective.
The bible gives historical evidence of the resurrection beginning with a promise by Jesus Christ himself, John 5:25, the appearances To Mary [Mark 16:9], the other women [Matthew 28:9] and the disciples [Luke 24:25]. There was also the empty tomb [Matthew 28:5-6].
From my research I found that science can neither prove nor disprove the resurrection. It can only base its description on evidence presented.
Gilbert Lennox on his website says it best: “The laws of science can only tell us what normally happens as long as there is no interference from the outside. Science can’t tell us if there has ever been such interference, nor if there ever will be.”
Skeptics however have tried to point to reasons why they don’t believe or are unsure of the resurrection. Some even deem scriptural evidence supports their view [Luke 20:27].
Personally I think this disbelief or unsurety is more about how the event of the resurrection is celebrated rather than about the actual resurrection. By this I mean that our celebration of the resurrection in the form of Easter presents a problem for those who believe it to be a pagan ritual. These religious groups would base this on the scripture found in Jeremiah 7:17-20.
However,the bodily resurrection of Jesus is crucial to being a Christian and I rely on the scripture found in 1 Cor. 15:12-22. I also agree with the statement made in an article at www.studywell.org, which states, “The resurrection is the basis for hope. Without it, there is no hope of heaven since there would be no reason to believe that there is life beyond physical death…if the evidence is considered upon the same grounds as other ancient historical events, then there is solid reason to accept the resurrection of Jesus as true. If true, then the fact remains that God is, and that He has stepped into this world for the benefit of mankind”.
Following for further study are a few scriptures on the post-resurrection appearances of Christ:
John 20:11-17 Matthew 28:9-10 Luke 24:34
Mark 16:12-13 Luke 24:13-31 John 20:26-29
Luke 24:44-53 Acts 7:55-56 Acts 1:3-9
Gal. 1:12-17 John 21:1-23 Rev. 1:12-20
The following scriptures concern the results of Christ's resurrection:
Romans 4:24
Eph. 1:18-2:10
1 Cor.15:42-43
Lam. 3:22-23, 31-33
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 52:13
The Book of Esther
Psalm 2:7, 12
Psalm 24:7-10
Pslam 23:1
Psalm 16:10
1 Sam. 2:10
The scriptures listed are just a few with which to begin your study. They will lead to others that support and confirm the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord.
Remember, study to show yourselves approved.....
Author: R. Cecilia Askew
Copyright@2005
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