Concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ, David said in Psalm 16, "For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will you allow Your Holy One to undergo decay."
Of this the Apostle Peter explained, "Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:29-32)
Christ appeared several times to His followers after His resurrection. "After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:6) Many suffered physical torture and even death from persecution, but none ever went back on their testimony. The strength of many witnesses under these conditions is self-evident. As is the four written accounts, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Another instance of the resurrection we find back in Isaiah 53. After saying this one who bore our sorrows was 'cut off out of the land of the living', he says, "He will prolong His days." (vs.10)
Jesus Himself told His disciples three times that He would die and rise again in three days. But to the unbelieving He declared that the only sign they would get would be the sign of Jonah... who was in the belly of the great fish three days before being released.
Another passage which may be seen as a resurrection prophecy is Psalm 49:15, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me." While Psalm 16 is from David and speaks of the body not seeing corruption, this song was written by "the sons of Korah" and at least speaks of the resurrection of one who truly trust in God.
We are more than the bodies we live in. There is more, and eternal life awaits the believer. "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me." (John 14:6) A heavy, exclusive statement to be sure. But I believe I'm building a case that validates such a claim, and shows that Jesus Christ stands head and shoulders above all others, in all of history.
Through the resurrection of Christ we see that God accepted the holy sacrifice. It is His stamp of approval. For it is only through the power of God that it is possible.
And it is only through the power of God that Christ did so many healings and miracles. Of these the prophets also foretold, and I will explain next time, in part six.
Of this the Apostle Peter explained, "Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:29-32)
Christ appeared several times to His followers after His resurrection. "After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:6) Many suffered physical torture and even death from persecution, but none ever went back on their testimony. The strength of many witnesses under these conditions is self-evident. As is the four written accounts, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Another instance of the resurrection we find back in Isaiah 53. After saying this one who bore our sorrows was 'cut off out of the land of the living', he says, "He will prolong His days." (vs.10)
Jesus Himself told His disciples three times that He would die and rise again in three days. But to the unbelieving He declared that the only sign they would get would be the sign of Jonah... who was in the belly of the great fish three days before being released.
Another passage which may be seen as a resurrection prophecy is Psalm 49:15, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me." While Psalm 16 is from David and speaks of the body not seeing corruption, this song was written by "the sons of Korah" and at least speaks of the resurrection of one who truly trust in God.
We are more than the bodies we live in. There is more, and eternal life awaits the believer. "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me." (John 14:6) A heavy, exclusive statement to be sure. But I believe I'm building a case that validates such a claim, and shows that Jesus Christ stands head and shoulders above all others, in all of history.
Through the resurrection of Christ we see that God accepted the holy sacrifice. It is His stamp of approval. For it is only through the power of God that it is possible.
And it is only through the power of God that Christ did so many healings and miracles. Of these the prophets also foretold, and I will explain next time, in part six.
