On the 3rd day Jesus arose from the dead with a glorified body, . .victorious over death and hell. His resurrection is essential to our salvation, because it made His death effective and secured His victory over death. He "was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification"(Romans 4:25). "If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching in vain, and your faith is also vain . . .if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins"(1 Cor 15:14,17). Without the resurrection, Christs death would have no power . . .it would be a defeat and not a victory. The reality of Christs resurrection and belief in it is necessary for salvation (Romans 10:9) Christianity is the only religion whose God was resurrected.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
No one really seams to be interested in these threads, but that's okay, it's my own study and posting what I find helps me. I found this article and it had some really good points in it. It's kind of lengthy but I found it interesting.
Several powerful points demonstrate the reallity of Christ's resurrection. 1) The empty tomb. It is impossible to argue that the disciples stole the body of Jesus, for the tomb was sealed and the guard was posted to prevent that very occurrence. For the same reason, the theory that Jesus merely swoomed and later revived and left the tomb is not credible. Moreover, the guards themselves verified that a supernatural event took place (Matt. 28:2-4, 11). 2)Ten recorded post-ressurection appearances to over 500 witness. The gospels record 5 appearances on the day of resurrection: to Mary Magdalene, to other women, to Peter, to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (including Cleophas), and to the apostles (minus Thomas) and others. There were at least five appearances as well: to the apostles including Thomas, to seven disciples in Galilee, to a great number of disciples on an appointed mountain in Galilee, to James (half brother of Jesus), and to the disciples on the Mount of Olives at the time of the ascension. There were probably other occasions also (Acts 1:3).
In affirming Christ's resurrection Paul wrote that over 500 people saw the resurrected Christ at one time, "Of whom the greater part remain unto this present" (1 Cor. 15:6). If it were not so, Paul would not have written so boldly and specifically, and sceptics would have had ample opportunity to interview the witnesses for themselves. 3) The transformation of Jesus' four half brothers. Before the resurrection, the Lord's brothers did not believe in Him (John7:3-5). After His resurrection, however, they waited with the 120 for the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14). What changed them so dramatically from unbelievers to believers, especially after they knew indisputedly that Jesus had been killed in seeming defeat? It had to be his personal appearance to James (and undoubtedly to the others as part of a group). 4) The transformation of the disciples. After the crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples were dispirited, fearful, and filled with dispair. They did not comprehend the prophecies of His resurrection, they refused to believe the initial reports of it, and they even doubted when they first saw Jesus. (Matt. 28:17, Luke 24:9-12, 19-27, 36-39, John 20:9, 19). Yet later they boldly preached in Jesus' name and proclaimed His resurrection even when they suffered beatings, imprisonment, and martyrdom because of it. And the band of believers grew rapidly. Only the resurrection of Christ could have caused such a drastic turnabout. These proofs caused a respected orthodox Jewish scholar, Pinchas Lapide, to argue in "The Resurrection of Jesus: a Jewish Perspective" (1977) that the Christ's resurrection is a historical fact. While not accepting Jesus as the Messiah, he tried to explain Jesus' resurrection as a Jewish faith experience comparable to accounts in the Old Testament of God's raising of dead people. He asserted that it is impossible to dismiss Christ's resurrection as a vision or hallucination, for that would not explain the revolutionary change in the believers. In addition to these authoritive statements of scripture and to these logical proofs, believers have another witness to the resurrection of Jesus: the Spirit of the living Christ in their hearts(Romans 8:9, Col. 1:27).
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
It's not that we're not interested, but we already agree with what you wrote! It's no fun if we all agree!!!!
Just kidding, although I have noticed the threads with the most replies are usually either arguments or differing opinions. I do read all the threads, just don't answer all of 'em.
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While you rest, someone, somewhere, is training. When you meet, you will lose.
Thanks, It seems that there should be something said about Christs ascention and exaltation . . .getting time for church tho, maybe later. Have a great day!
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Leaf you are right when you say these types of post where there is really no disagreement do not draw a lot of reads or replies, but Brother threads like this are vital to those who are new in Christ, they need to see that when it comes to certain parts of the Gospel we are all ONE!!!
Great post brother, and one that no Christian would ever dispute, without Christ overcoming death we would have no hope.
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The Tazman aka Martin Price
Proud father of a Devil Dog
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
and the other post
j/k
Leaf you are right when you say these types of post where there is really no disagreement do not draw a lot of reads or replies, but Brother threads like this are vital to those who are new in Christ, they need to see that when it comes to certain parts of the Gospel we are all ONE!!!
