Reliability of the Resurrection Christianity rises or falls on one historical event• 1 Corinthians 15:17–19• 1 Corinthians 15:1–4• “The resurrection is only real for our lives today if it is a real event of history.”

Reliability of the Resurrection So how do we convince the unbeliever that Jesus’ resurrection is reasonable?• The Bible is essentially all we have!• However, we have already established

the reliability of the Bible!• So. . . .

Reliability of the Resurrection So how do we convince the unbeliever that Jesus’ resurrection is reasonable?• . . . . We know that the death of Jesus

was actual, literal and genuine.• Roman soldiers• Spear in Jesus’ side• Those who handled His body

Reliability of the Resurrection So how do we convince the unbeliever that Jesus’ resurrection is reasonable?• Gravesite was secure• Soldiers posted• Tomb sealed by Roman seal• Who would steal the body

anyway?!

Reliability of the Resurrection So how do we convince the unbeliever that Jesus’ resurrection is reasonable?• Tomb found empty• Attested to by women• Soldiers claimed it was empty• Soldiers ordered to claim to

be sleeping!

Reliability of the Resurrection So how do we convince the unbeliever that Jesus’ resurrection is reasonable?• Risen Christ was seen!• 1 Corinthians 15:5–8• Acts 1:3• Could He have risen and

people NOT have heard?!

Reliability of the Resurrection So how do we convince the unbeliever that Jesus’ resurrection is reasonable?• Change in the Apostles• Acts 5:42• They were willing to die!• Jewish Christians changed

their day of worship!

Reliability of the Resurrection So how do we convince the unbeliever that Jesus’ resurrection is reasonable?• Resurrection was predicted by Jesus

and the prophets.• Psalm 16:10• Acts 2:32

Reliability of the Resurrection So how do we convince the unbeliever that Jesus’ resurrection is reasonable?• The resurrection is central to the

Gospel message!• Without the resurrection, could the Gospel have spread so well?

Reliability of the Resurrection What are some competing theories?1. The “swoon” theory

What it isWhy it’s foolishness!

2. The “hallucination” theoryWhat it isWhy it’s irrational!

Reliability of the Resurrection What are some competing theories?3. The “impersonation” theory

What it isWhy it’s ridiculous!

John 20:24–25Luke 24:16

Reliability of the Resurrection What are some competing theories?4. The “spiritual resurrection” theory

What it isWhy it’s erroneous

5. The “stolen body” theoryWhat it isWhy it’s foolishness!

Reliability of the Resurrection What are some competing theories?6. The “mistaken” tomb theory

What it isWhy it’s ridiculous!

For Next Week

Similar to last challenge: Locate, or deduce, some reasons (2 or 3) why we can believe in Jesus’ deity.