In I Cor. 15:1-4, the apostle Paul declared that the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is an intrinsic part of the gospel. Apart from Christ’s bodily resurrection, there is no genuine gospel (I Cor. 15:14-15). The gospel writer Luke tells us that there are many “infallible” proofs of Christ’s resurrection.
          1. THE TESTIMONY OF THE TOMBS: (a) The Saviour’s Empty Tomb-Luke 24:1-5. Luke 24:3 indicates that when the women approached the tomb that historic Sunday morning, the body of Jesus was not there. The angel disclosed the reason: “He is not here, but is risen” (v.6). When Peter and John came to the sepulcher a short time later, they also found the tomb empty-Luke 24:5. On that first resurrection Sunday, the risen Saviour appeared to Mary Magdalene-Mark 16:9, to the two puzzled followers on the Emmaus road-Luke 24:13-32 and to the eleven disciples-John 20:19-25.
                    (b) The Saints’ Empty Tombs-Matt. 27:52. These tombs also validate Christ’s resurrection. The Scripture asserts that “many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of graves after his resurrection and appeared unto many.” In addition to the witnesses cited above, the apostle Paul cites over 500 personal observers to this momentous event-I Cor. 15:6.
          2. THE TESTIMONY OF THE TRAVELERS-Luke 24:13-32. As they trekked the nearly seven mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, the two inquisitive disciples did not initially recognize the guest who joined them, as the risen Christ. After he had exposited the O.T. truths concerning himself along the way, at the evening table Christ lifted the veil from their eyes and they perceived that their guest was the risen Lord of Glory.
          3. THE TESTIMONY OF THE TANGIBLE-Luke 24:36-40. When the Saviour appeared to the frightened disciples that first Lord’s Day evening, they “supposed that they had seen a spirit.” Christ invited personal examination when he stated “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.” After showing “them his hands and his feet”, he further validated his bodily presence by eating a portion of fish and honeycomb. The Scripture states in Luke 24:52 before his departure that “they worshiped him.”
          4. THE TESTIMONY OF THE TEXT-I Cor. 15:3-4. This passage is the classic text defining the gospel. Paul includes Christ’s resurrection as an intricate part of the gospel. In Ps. 16:10, the O. T. prophesies Christ’s resurrection, while in Rom. 10:9-10, the N.T. proclaims it. It has been well stated that in the Gospels, Christ’s resurrection is declared; in Acts, it is demonstrated, and in Paul’s epistles, it is defined. The Biblical text also verifies in I Cor. 15:5-8, that at least 513 people saw Christ after his resurrection.
          5. THE TESTIMONY OF THE TITLE-Acts 16:31. Before his ascension, our Saviour is called by his earthly name “Jesus” 608 times, but only 62 times after his resurrection does the Scripture give him that designation, utilizing other terms such as “Son of God”-I Cor. 1:19, “Jesus Christ”-Gal. 1:1 and “Lord Jesus Christ”-Eph. 1:2. Before his ascension, the title “Lord Jesus Christ” is never ascribed to him, but 82 times after his resurrection and ascension, the Scripture bestows on him that exalted phrase.
          6. THE TESTIMONY OF THE TRINITY. The Scripture declares in Ecc. 4:12 that a “threefold cord is not easily broken.” The Word of God gives three invincible divine affidavits. All three persons in the triune God [trinity] affirm Christ’s bodily resurrection. God the Father affirms it in Acts 2:24; Christ himself-God the Son-avows it in Luke 24:39-40 and God the Holy Spirit accredits it in Rom. 8:11.
          7. THE TESTIMONY OF THE TRANSFORMED-Luke 24:52-53. There is a marked contrast in the disposition of the disciples in Luke 24:17 and Luke 24:52-43. In Luke 24:17 before learning of Christ’s resurrection, the predominant characteristic is sadness. In Luke 24:52-53, after personally seeing the Saviour, the prevalent trait is one of “great joy.” The obvious difference: The Resurrection not only stirred the disciples inner being, it transformed their spiritual temperaments.
          Praise God, we “serve a living Saviour” who “lives within our hearts” by the indwelling Holy Spirit-Rom. 8:11. There are truly many “infallible” Scripture proofs of Christ’s resurrection. DJ

Also in this issue:

PREACHERS ENTREATED NOT TO FOLLOW JARGON TRENDS

A SCHOLARLY TESTIMONY TO THE EXCELLENCY OF THE KJV

AN EARLY WARNING

LITERATURE TO CONSIDER