In my last post we cited scrutiny of biblical and non-Christian sources from antiquity that allow us a high degree of confidence in recognizing that what is inscribed biblically actually occurred. Therefore, the central historical events that we previously, though briefly spoke about, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth are significant happenings that are factual and thereby, relevant to legitimacy of Christianity’s claims.
From an apologist’s perspective, the most significant event to which verifying documents attest is the resurrection of Jesus. Why is this significant? It not only establishes what He said to be true, but it creates resolution, intention and faith. Our connection to God does not end with the resurrection, but it starts there and is fundamentally tied to it. All Christian theological cards fall if not authenticated by historical source documentation. This is true not only with Christianity but any other religion’s theology.
Let me ask you, the reader a question. What are the specific issues that you would look for and expect if the resurrection of Jesus Christ actually took place? How about looking for historicity in the accounts which tell of the event. Let us look at historic verification. I do realize that historic corroboration can come in many ways, but an event of this enormity, would not be expected to be achieved in private. Therefore, I am and suppose you are, encouraged to believe more when details like specific times, dates, places and people are provide.
Did these events happen in secret? No, they were not furtive incidents. From a logical standpoint, I would not expect these things to be done surreptitiously. Do not details give events in question veracity, by placing events in historical settings? There are texts and manuscripts, both religious and secular that document Jesus’s public ministry, public death and most importantly, public resurrection. Again, all these were witnessed by whom? The public, thereby verifying the events. Most important though, is the story of His resurrection for it is the cornerstone of Christian faith. The many narratives contain just enough incidental details to make it hard to believe someone made it up. Or in the case of the Gospels, “four someone’s.” made it up. Are we not encouraged by the historical nature of the narratives themselves? The four Gospels tell the same story, with some variations. These variations never disturb the main events, but complement each other in many ways.
As well, there is no discernible profitable motive for someone to fabricate a story in the first-century world. The “crucified-messiah-rose- from the grave” is not the type event one would contrive, for it held no appeal to either Greek or Jew. Simply put, it is most difficult to find evidence or rationale, internal or external, for the Jesus narrative to have been other than the truth.
Lastly, if the resurrection occurred in the way these texts state, one would expect there to be a shock effect whose impact on humanity would be abrupt. One would expect the resurrection event to immediately begin to evidence itself through the message being spread. Is this not exactly what we find? Directly following His resurrection, has not the “church” Jesus began through his resurrection impacted the world in a significant way?
Could one ask for more evidence of the resurrection? Definitely! If one begins to doubt the resurrection of Jesus all they need to do is peruse some of the skeptics and detractors alternate theories. For this and other reasons I believe that God has communicated to us through Jesus Christ. The next in this series of blog posts will deal with the deity of Jesus.
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