The Resurrection of Christ: Part 3 - Proofs

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Resurrection Of Christ: Part 3 - Proofs

There are serval proofs for the resurrection.  First, the empty tomb is proof that Christ was resurrected.  Though some might claim that Christ’s body was stolen, why was His body not later produced as proof that He was still dead?  Furthermore, the tomb was sealed with a Roman seal and guarded by Roman soldiers.  Had the body been stolen, the guards would have been charged with dereliction of duty and killed, but they were not.

Second, the empty linen wrappings are proof that Christ was resurrected.  John entered the tomb, saw the linens, and believed. 

• And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself.  So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. - John 20:6-8 

The linens still retained the shape of the body that had been wrapped within it.  However, the headpiece was rolled up by itself, which enabled John to see that there was no body in the linens.

Third, the post-resurrection appearances are proof that Christ was resurrected.  The women saw Christ at the tomb, two disciples on the road to Emmaus, Peter, the Apostles, five hundred believers at one time, James the half-brother of Jesus, and Paul (cf. Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 24:13-35; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8).  After Christ’s ascension in Heaven, He continued to appear (cf. Acts; Revelation).

Fourth, the transformation of the Apostles is proof that Christ was resurrected.  Following Christ’s death, the Apostles were hiding in fear.  Even when Christ appeared, they had doubts.  After interacting with the resurrected Jesus, these men were changed.  When they preached on Pentecost, they were men of courage and assurance.