Miracle and Resurrection Paper Assignment
Elena Solis
APOL220_D02
December 9, 2024
2
The Christian narrative is rich with miracles and extraordinary events that often leave some
skeptics questioning their authenticity. At first glance, this may appear to be a “too good to be
true” story, laden with fantastical elements. However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes clear
that the foundation of this story is rooted in reality; the greatest miracle of all is the act of
creation itself. The very existence of life and the ability to breathe signify that there is a sustainer
of life who is both tangible and real. As we learn from Chatraw and Allen, “Our Creator is not an
impersonal force residing within the structure of the universe, but instead, a God who is both
personal and separate from His creation.”1 This profound truth establishes that we, as humans,
are created in the image of God, endowing us with purpose, value, and meaning in our lives. Yet,
this divine intention encounters a stark contrast with the reality of human existence; after being
created to reflect His glory and goodness, humanity fell into sin, leading to profound brokenness.
God desired wholeness for His creation, and to restore this fractured relationship, He sent His
Son, Jesus Christ, to mend what was broken through the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. This
central act not only embodies God's love but acts as a testament to our worth in His eyes.
Moreover, because we are His most remarkable creation, we can affirm the truth of the Bible,
including the miracles performed by Jesus and His glorious resurrection. Although some may
find it challenging to accept, the Bible transcends being merely a rulebook or a chronicle of faith;
it stands as a historical document akin to other reputable historical texts. Various historical
scholars and documents substantiate the Bible's claims, affirming its integrity. Miracles, defined
as extraordinary events signifying divine intervention in human affairs2, may raise eyebrows, as
some perceive them as contraventions to the laws of nature. However, Chatraw and Allen
provide clarity by stating, “The laws of nature are not actually laws at all. The laws of nature are
1 Joshua D. Chatraw, Mark D. Allen, Apologetics at The Cross: An Introduction for Christian Witness. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018, 21 4
2 Merriam Webster, s.v. “Miracle (n),” accessed December 5,2024, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miracle
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not unable to break rules; rather natural laws are what normally break.”3 Both the laws of nature
and divine miracles stem from the same source—God Himself. Consequently, a miracle serves as
a signal from the Creator of nature, showcasing His transcendent power and assuring His
ongoing presence within the world He has made.
In addition to theological insights, numerous historical scholars affirm the reality of the empty
tomb, and the authenticity of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection is supported by the works of
historians like Flavius Josephus—who, despite not being a Christian, acknowledged the reality of
Jesus’ death and resurrection from a historical perspective.4 This acknowledgment adds
credibility to the Christian story that extends beyond mere faith. Furthermore, the Bible itself
records multiple witnesses to the risen Christ, including the pivotal verse from 1 Corinthians
15:6, which states, “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of
whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”5
An interesting aspect of the resurrection narrative is that Jesus chose to appear first to women, a
choice that seems counterintuitive given the societal norms of the first century—where women
were often regarded as unreliable witnesses. This significant detail raises intriguing questions:
Why would Christ present Himself to women first and not to His male disciples? Such a choice
becomes understandable only if viewed as a deliberate act, affirming the genuine nature of the
resurrection.
The crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Jesus are extraordinary events that no ordinary
person would undertake. Jesus willingly accepted the pain of the cross, despite having the power
to deny His identity as the Son of God. This self-sacrificial act exemplifies a depth of love aimed
at redeeming humanity. In parallel, Jesus' followers endured severe persecution, torture, and
3 Joshua D. Chatraw, Mark D. Allen, Apologetics at The Cross: An Introduction for Christian Witness. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018, 21 4
4 “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Whiston Chapter 3,” n.d.)
5 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Co 15:6.
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ridicule in their unwavering belief that Jesus was indeed alive. A critical question arises: Why
would they endure such hardships for something they knew to be a lie? The reality is that all of
Jesus’ disciples ultimately faced death due to their faith, making it implausible that they would
choose to die for a fabrication. As Chatraw and Allen aptly note, “It is difficult to see why Jesus’
earliest followers would have been willing to endure such persecution if they knew themselves to
be suffering for a hoax they invented.” 6. The disciples, devout Jews with a rich monotheistic
tradition, revered only one true God—the Creator. Yet, they came to worship Jesus, who claimed
to be both the Son of God and God Himself. The logical conclusion is that Jesus’ assertion was
true; He was not merely an influential messenger but indeed God incarnate. Faith in
miracles and the resurrection of Jesus rests upon a foundation of historical witness and
transformative belief. For followers of Christ, doubt about the resurrection is not a consideration.
The testimonies woven throughout the Bible, alongside the sacrifices made by those who dared
to believe, offer compelling evidence. Embracing faith in Jesus’ resurrection is not merely an
exercise in belief; it represents a profound commitment, worth not only living for but also dying
for. In essence, faith in Jesus and the miraculous events surrounding his life serves as a
cornerstone for understanding the depth of God's love for humanity and the transformative power
of belief.
6 Joshua D. Chatraw, Mark D. Allen, Apologetics at The Cross: An Introduction for Christian Witness. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018, 21 4
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Bibliography
“Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Whiston Chapter 3.” n.d.
Www.perseus.tufts.edu. https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=J.
%20AJ%2018.3&lang=original.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Co 15:6.
Joshua D. Chatraw, Mark D. Allen, Apologetics at The Cross: An Introduction for Christian
Witness. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018, 21 4
Merriam Webster, s.v. “Miracle (n),” accessed December 5,2024, www.merriam-webster.com/
dictionary/miracle
