Griz Bear Comments | The Resurrection: Hoax or Historical Fact

The following is continued from last week's column arguing that the resurrection of Jesus is indeed a well-documented historical fact with farreaching implications for all.

And, while people may risk all and suffer death for something they mistakenly believe to be true, would all of Jesus’ apostles willingly face death and persecution forsomething they knew was a lie? Again, it’s not likely!

Not only did Jesus’ disciples suffer persecution and agonizing deaths, they gave up the comforts and pleasures of this life as well. They had nothing to gain by preaching the resurrection of Jesus if indeed He did not rise.

And what of those who spread the stories of Jesus’ body being stolen away? They could easily haveput a stop to the spread of Christianity if they simply produced the body of Jesus. But did they? No! There is no record of any attempt or claim to produce the body of Jesus. Why? Because the tomb was empty and even the enemies of Christianity could not refute the resurrection of Jesus!

So, what does the resurrection of Jesus mean for us today? Well, it proves that Jesus is who He claimed to be, God the Son and the Messiah and Savior of the world! It proves that His teaching is true. His resurrection proves that He did indeed take the punishment forthe sins of the world that we might have pardon and peace though faith in Him. His resurrection proves that those who fall asleep in Him - those who die trusting in Him for forgiveness of sins and life everlasting - will be raised up on the Last Day to the eternal joys of heaven just as He promised!

And, of course, it also proves that he will return to judge the living and the dead as He has said, and that those who have not relied upon Him for forgiveness and life will be condemned to everlasting punishment in the eternal fires of hell.

The only real hoax in regard to Jesus’ resurrection is the argument that he did not rise. It’s a hoax advanced to destroy the faith of those who trust in Jesus for forgiveness and life everlasting. It’s a hoax advanced by those who do not wish to accept the testimony of eye witnesses who both saw Jesus crucified and then alive again on the third day and the subsequent 40 days. It’s a hoax advanced by those who do not wish to one day be accountable to the risen and glorified Jesus.

The resurrection of Jesus is a historical event which affects every human being in this world. Those who consider it and place their hope in Jesus and His resurrection shall receive, as Jesus says, the forgiveness of sins He won for all by His sufferings and death upon the cross, and life everlasting because He rose from the dead and is “the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25). But those who neglect or spurn it face a most miserable eternity with no hope, no blessing and no joy!

Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Decatur Herald and the Gentry Courier-Journal. He may be reached by e-mail at rmoll @ nwaonline .com.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 04/21/2010