Jesus’ resurrection is an essential part of the gospel. If Jesus is not raised from the dead, then His death on the cross was not effective, and we have believed in a false Messiah. However, the Scriptural testimony is very clear: Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion and forty days later ascended to heaven. Here are several biblical facts about Jesus resurrection:
- It was predicted by Jesus (Matt. 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19).
- It showed Jesus overcame death (Acts 2:23-24).
- It was central to the gospel message (Acts 26:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:3-4).
- It had many eyewitnesses, including: Mary Magdalene and other women (John 20:10-18; Matt. 28:8-9), two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32), the disciples without Thomas (John 20:19-25), the disciples with Thomas (John 20:26-29), the disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-23), Peter, James, and more than 500 brethren at one time (1 Cor. 15:5-7), Stephen (Acts 7:56), Paul (Acts 9:1-6; 1 Cor. 15:8), the disciples at Jerusalem before His ascension (Acts 1:3-9), and John on the island of Patmos (Rev. 1:9-18).
- It was argued as true against those who disbelieved (1 Cor. 15:12-19).
- It reveals Jesus as the first among many to be resurrected (1 Cor. 15:20).
- It reveals Jesus as the Son of God (Rom. 1:3-4).
- It is the basis for our new life (1 Pet. 1:3).
- Those who are raised with Christ will not know the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:5-6).