JESUS IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! - 10 REASONS TO BELIEVE SO

Or are they just unverified ancient stories?

🔰 Introduction

Many have asked: Can a person really die and then come back to life? Or are they just ancient stories embellished with the hopes of early believers? For centuries, the gospel of the resurrection has been the foundation of Christian hope—yet many still hesitate to believe. If Jesus really did rise, then all of history changes; if he did not, then the entire Christian faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). Let’s look at the evidence—historical, scriptural, and life—for 10 reasons that prove that Jesus rose from the dead.

1. The Tomb Was Empty – That Is Undeniable

The accounts of all four gospels confirm one undeniable fact: Jesus’ tomb was empty on the third day (Luke 24:1-3, John 20:1-2). This was not a dream or a spiritual vision—it was a historical event that took place in a real place, with real people. Not even Jesus’ enemies could produce his body, which would have completely shaken the faith of his disciples. Therefore, the historical silence about Jesus’ body is stronger than the clamor of doubt. The empty tomb teaches us that God began a new creation in the same garden where the first man fell.

From the perspective of modern life, it is like a world-famous person dying and his tomb being empty—something that would arouse emotion and excitement everywhere. Similarly, the empty tomb of Jesus was the beginning of an unprecedented spiritual movement. Just as green leaves sprout from the earth after a dry spell, so the new hope of life sprouted from the grave—a place of darkness became a source of eternal light. And his tomb being empty, the whole world would be talking. Jesus’ resurrection began as a historical event, not as a spiritual teaching.

2. The Beginning of Testimony Came from Women – When They Were Not Believed

In first-century Jewish society, women were not considered credible witnesses in court. However, all the Gospels consistently emphasize that women, including Mary Magdalene and Salome, were the first to see the empty tomb and encounter the living Jesus (Mark 16:1–8, John 20:11–18). Therefore, the choice of women as the first witnesses is neither political nor artistic—it is a true testimony. God, in his wisdom, chose those who were despised to confirm the central event of salvation history, demonstrating that the resurrection is not for the rich or the powerful, but for all who have the heart to seek.

In today’s world, it is like saying that world change was started by children or those who were thought to have no voice. It is a powerful analogy of how God disrupts human expectations. Just as wildflowers sprout in unexpected places, so too, the testimony of the resurrection began in a place that was despised. This teaches us that God uses the abandoned to bring the great news of life. A politician saying it was a widow and children who saved the president – it would be absurd unless it actually happened.

3. The Apostles Changed from Cowards to Heroes

After Jesus’ crucifixion, his disciples hid in fear, fearing the same fate as their Master (John 20:19). But within a short time, they transformed into heroes of faith who boldly proclaimed that Jesus was alive (Acts 4:13, 5:29). Nothing else could have brought about this sudden change than the actual experience of encountering the risen Jesus. This proves not only psychological courage, but the spiritual power to revive the fallen. The apostles were witnesses to what they saw with their own eyes – an event that completely changed their history and that of the world.

For a modern example, imagine a group of people who are completely brokenhearted—and then they all rise up one day and revolutionize the world. It is like a lamp that has suddenly gone out and is suddenly rekindled with a brighter light. In the same way, the living Jesus ignited the hearts of his disciples, and they became a light to the nations. This transformation teaches us that encountering Jesus brings courage to overcome the fear of death. It is not easy to risk oneself for an imaginary thing or a story to tell – but one can even give one’s life as a witness when one is touched by the truth of what one has seen, heard with one’s ears, and touched with one’s own hands – as a direct testimony to the reality of the living Christ (1 John 1:1-3).

4. The Old Testament Scriptures Foretold His Resurrection

The Old Testament scriptures were conceived as a prophetic fountain that slowly trickled through history, finally pouring out powerfully in the glory of the living Messiah. Psalm 16:10 says, “You will not abandon my soul to Hades; you will not allow your Holy One to see corruption.” These words were understood to refer to more than just David; Peter and Paul confirmed that they referred to Jesus (Acts 2:25–32; 13:35–37). The death and resurrection of Jesus did not occur as mysterious disasters, but as the fulfillment of God’s ancient plan. This shows that God was guiding history like a river that directs its waters into a valley of hope, guiding the flow of his promises until they were clearly fulfilled in Jesus.

In today’s life, it is like reading ancient books and discovering that they accurately describe your life. It is like a map written centuries ago, but it leads you straight home. The ancient scriptures have become a mirror that reflects Christ, teaching us that God’s history is solid, reliable, and full of hope. Before the journey, the scriptures foretold the path of the Son of God.

5. Jesus Appeared to Many People – At Different Times

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared not to just one or two people but to various groups of people at different times, including Peter, all the apostles, and over 500 people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). He spoke to them, ate with them, and even allowed them to touch him (Luke 24:36–43; John 20:27). This is not a ghostly or dreamlike experience; it is a historical reunion of bodies and souls. This collective testimony provides irrefutable proof that not one individual was deceived, but an entire community was affected by the truth of the resurrection.

In today’s context, imagine more than 500 people gathering together to witness the sunrise at midnight – an extraordinary event that would force the world to ask questions. Similarly, the living Jesus brought to his witnesses the wonderful truth of new life. This event teaches us that the Christian faith is not built on the spirit alone, but on the body, testimony, and history. If a crowd were to witness an accident together, no court would reject their testimony.

6. His Opponents Changed – Like Paul and James

The sudden transformation of those who were opponents of the gospel is a powerful testimony to the reality of the resurrection. Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, persecuted believers to the point of shedding blood (Acts 9:1–5), but he encountered the living Jesus in the light of heaven and his life was transformed into a vessel of grace. Similarly, James, Jesus’ fleshly brother, who had not believed in him at first (John 7:5), became a leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13–21). Encountering the risen Jesus transformed unbelievers into true witnesses.

In today's life, it is like the famous critics of the faith turning into its outspoken defenders. It is like a wild tree beginning to bear fruit in the field. These people were changed not by argument, but by encountering the reality of the living Jesus. This teaches us that there is no heart so hard that Jesus cannot revive by his grace. his by an imaginary thing – but by a real experience that touches his soul.

7. The Resurrection Was Announced in a Place Where It Was Easier to Resist – Jerusalem

The gospel of the resurrection did not begin in a remote or hidden place, but in the midst of Jerusalem—the city where Jesus was crucified, buried, and where his witnesses lived. It was there that his testimony could easily have been refuted if his body had been there. But instead, Peter boldly preached to thousands that the crucified Jesus was now alive (Acts 2:22–24). Thousands accepted the message within a day, because it was plain before their eyes.

It is like someone claiming that a famous dead leader has been resurrected, and claiming it in front of the world’s news cameras—if it is not true, his testimony is quickly refuted. But the testimony of the apostles was given even in the face of their opponents. But instead of being challenged, people flocked to believe. This teaches us that God works openly, and the truth of the resurrected Jesus is not hidden in darkness but is boldly proclaimed even in the face of opponents.

8. The Resurrection Body Was Different From the Ordinary

Jesus was resurrected not as he had lived before, but with a unique, glorified body—one that could pass through closed doors but still be touched and eaten (John 20:19-29; Luke 24:42-43). Paul calls it a “glorious body” or a “spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42–44). This resurrection is not a return to the old life, but the beginning of a new creation. Jesus was the first creation of a new kind of human being—the forerunner of what all the saints will become.

In today’s world, it is like the butterfly emerging from the cocoon – not just to a new life, but to a whole new way of living. Likewise, Jesus did not just return from the dead, but appeared as the firstborn of a new world. This teaches us that God’s salvation is not about fixing what is broken, but about recreating it with eternal beauty – a new life that has never been seen before.

9. Church History Cannot Be Explained Without the Resurrection

Within a few decades of Jesus’ crucifixion, the Church spread from Jerusalem to many parts of the Roman world. This was not possible without a powerful reason. Christians embraced suffering and death because they were convinced that Jesus was alive, and that death had been defeated (Acts 5:41, Romans 8:35–39). Jesus’ resurrection was the spark of a spiritual explosion that even the Roman sword could not contain.

Like a spring bursting forth in the desert, the Church sprang up in the midst of difficult circumstances. Today, millions confess the living Jesus on every continent. The history of the Church is not a story of human achievements, but a testimony to the power of the risen Jesus. Without the resurrection, there is no church; there is no good news; there is no hope. The Church cannot be born without the spark of new life.

10. The Resurrection Continues to Change Lives Today

The resurrection of Jesus is not just an ancient event but a power that continues to transform lives today. Thousands of people around the world are witnessing an encounter with the living Jesus—in prayer, in healing, in changed behavior, and in an indescribable inner peace (Philippians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17). This is not just a religious experience but a testimony of real life. The Jesus who was once in the tomb now lives within those who believe in him.

Just as the sun rises every day without fail, bringing light and life. Even those who cannot see it can still feel its warmth. In the same way, the risen Jesus shines even for those who are brokenhearted, lost, or discouraged. His resurrection is not just old news—it is the gospel of the present, of today, directly changing the world. So it is with the living Jesus.

✅ The Truth and Your Decision: If Jesus is Risen...

In summary, we recall that Jesus’ tomb was empty and the first witness came from women—an unusual occurrence for the society of that time. His disciples transformed from cowards to courageous witnesses. The ancient scriptures foretold this event, and Jesus appeared to many people at different times. Even his greatest opponents like Paul and James became believers. The resurrection was proclaimed in a place where its testimony could easily be challenged—in the heart of Jerusalem. Jesus’ post-resurrection body was unique, physical, and glorious. The history of the Church cannot be explained without the power of this resurrection, which continues to transform people’s lives to this day.

If these things are true, then Jesus is not just history – he is the Lord of life. Will you ignore him, or will you acknowledge him? What will he be to you – an imaginary story or an acceptable Redeemer?

🙏 Prayer of Faith

Oh living Jesus, if you are truly risen, I want to know you. Open the eyes of my heart. Forgive me my sins, give me new life, and lead me on the path to eternity. Amen.

📣 Last Call

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