Introduction:
For Paul, it was clear, the whole of our Christian Faith (Not just the Resurrection of
Jesus). This is a strong claim, not just about miracles in general, but about the resurrection, this
is the ultimate miracle.
It is often claimed that a bodily resurrection would be scientifically impossible, historical
criticism has an alternative view of the resurrection: The Jewish believe that Jesus rose three
days after his death and ascended into Heaven in a new Spiritual body.
This is not just a view of a few biblical scholars and historians, but that of the academic
establishment. He that was carried into the grave dead walked out from it alive. Theologians
and philosophers argue that the historicity of the resurrection can be proven.
We have critics who claim that Science disproves the empty grave and that the
resurrection was not of a bodily nature. The Orthodox argue that it can be proven that a bodily
resurrection took place. The traditional view is rooted in the church; there have been discussions
between both sides. Theologians with a background in the philosophy of science, both views can
bring us further, not as a discussion between believers and scientists, but to argue for a middle
position.
Firstly I will explain the concept of a miracle, then what happened at the resurrection
according to the traditional Christian Faith, also why the resurrection is of such importance to
Christianity. I will discuss the two objections against historicity, and then my own position will
be viewed.
What is a Miracle?
Two conditions have to be met; first is when the event takes place that cannot be explained by
any known as laws of physics, and sometimes seems to contradict them (An anomaly) in
scientific terms, and second; a believers point of view, can be described as an intentional act of
God
A miracle can be described from us to others as something with No meaningful
explanation. (Like the water into wine) When we speak of miracles we describe the anomaly to
an act of God through Jesus. The anomaly aspect and the intentional act- of- God aspect are
necessary conditions to speak of a miracle in a strict since. The resurrection would be a miracle
in the strict since.
There have been no testimonies of the resurrection itself handed down; no man has
actually seen Jesus rise. Testimonies of the empty grave and the resurrection can be reasonably
concluded. Traditional Christianity makes no factual claims of the “technical” or “biological”
side of the resurrection, or the exact moment of its occurrence.
For in that he died unto sin once, but in that he liveth unto God. (Romans 6:10)
After the resurrection, we can no longer say of Jesus: He is dead, we must now say: HE
IS ALIVE!
Rev 1:18, 2:8 He who was carried into the grave as a corpse, walked out of it as a living
man.
That Jesus has risen also means that after the resurrection Jesus’ grave was empty. The
story of the empty grave is part of all four Gospels. Matthew provides the most detailed account:
He had the grave guarded; the guards were stricken unconscious during the resurrection itself.
During the resurrection Jesus’ corpse was brought to life as the resurrected body carried the
marks of the crucifixion. Jesus’ resurrected body was his earthly shape. The body that rose was
identical with the pre resurrected body. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared too many people.
Jesus, who was dead, came to life whereby his mortal remains were transformed.
What is the importance of the resurrection?
The importance of the resurrection was emphasized by Paul, firstly, it seems that at the
crucifixion, not only did the disciples abandon Jesus, but God does the same. It is not until the
resurrection that it becomes clear that God did not support him through the resurrection, God did
rehabilitate Jesus.
Jesus asserted his ultimate power in the resurrection, meaning humans might be able to
take him to the grave, but they cannot keep him there!
The resurrection brings hope, hope for resurrection of Christians after death, and hope for
a new heaven and earth.
Therefore, the resurrection guarantees we as believers have Jesus and are Gods chosen
messenger and God has control over our lives even when the control is not present.
