Part two! Apologetics Question: Resurrection: Why does it matter whether or not Jesus was literally resurrected (wasn't "resurrection" simply a metaphor)?

 It is agreed that the Resurrection of Christ is the central claim of Christianity: No Jesus Resurrection, No Church, No New Testament, No Christian faith. The Resurrection we celebrate each Easter Season. It provides the basis for Christian belief and preaching. It proclaims and guarantees the reality of eternal life for all who trust the message of the gospel. In 1 Cor.15 Paul quotes an early creed and the fact of the resurrection attested to by several eyewitnesses. This separates Christianity from all other philosophies. If Jesus was not raised believers have no hope of resurrection themselves. Luke in the Book of Acts documents the apostles, Stephen, Paul, and Peter, using the resurrection to provide the basis for proclaiming the gospel. Jesus in Luke 24:25-27 taught that His death and resurrection were a central message of the Old Testament. Jesus said to (Martha), “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). Likewise, Peter (1 Pet.1:3) declared that Jesus’ resurrection ensures the believers' salvation.

On the First Easter Sunday is recorded: After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my

brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. (Mt. 28:1-15).

Reference: Encyclopedia of Evangelical Theology (Elwell)

By: Dr. Laurence Wedderburn June 2024