Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?

During this time of the year, the world celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Around two thousand years ago, Gods only begotten Son voluntarily laid down His life for mankind and was resurrected from the grave, but did it really happen? The significance Jesus resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity.

When Mary Magdalene and Mary went to the gravesite, the angels outside His tomb proudly declared those words which have withstood the test of time: He is not here: for He is risen! (Matthew 28:6). This simple yet complex statement ultimately changed the destiny of mankind forever. As the world reflects and celebrates His conquer over death, one must understand Jesus resurrection set in motion mans ability upon death to gain a reward of everlasting life by believing in the resurrection of Christ.

I have to be honest; it deeply resonates with me when lost souls die without knowing who their Lord and Savior is. The resurrection of Christ offers the only escape from the gates of Hell. Contrary to what many believe, we only live once (Hebrews 9:27). While you live on earth in this physical realm, this is the moment in time where one can take advantage of the benefits of Christs resurrection. After you die, thats it. You wont have another chance. Can you imagine what the witnesses saw that glorious Sunday morning? Many followers were grieving after His death, and some of his enemies were relieved when He took His last breath. But what did the witnesses and Jesus do after His resurrection?

The Roman soldiers assigned guard to His tomb. After reporting Jesus resurrection to the chief priest, the soldiers accepted bribery money to say that the disciples came at night and stole His body.

The disciples-with the exception of Judas, doubted His resurrection even after countless witnesses accounts. It wasnt until He personally appeared to them that they all believed that He rose from the dead. Jesus chastised them for their unbelief and commanded them go out into the entire world and preach the Gospel to all creatures.

Jesus- after the Lord appeared to many of His followers, He was received up into Heaven to sit down at the right hand of God.

Satan, the great deceiver, has worked diligently to invalidate all accounts, not just of the Bible, but any historical documents that substantiate the resurrection of Christ. Apostle Paul warned, For the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the unbelievers' minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God. (2 Corinthians 4:3) What satisfaction Satan must receive when unbelievers and agnostics argue his point that there is no resurrection, after all it is medically impossible. However, with God all things are possible! Its puzzling how the agnostics criticize the faith filled believer for their faith when they themselves have absolutely no proof to the contrary.

Jesus resurrection may not be celebrated as widely as His birth. Nonetheless, His conquer over death allows believers to hope and look forward to the day of His coming and be comforted on the day of our passing. Before the crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, And if I go prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:3). The absolute hope and joyful expectation that all believers share in Christ resurrection is hard to describe unless one experiences it for themselves. This expectation would be impossible if He had not died on the cross and for this I am immensely grateful. For truly, He is risen! My Redeemer lives. If you havent done so already, I encourage you to get to know Him.