Introduction
Part 1: The Deniers.
Part 2: The Doubters.
Part 3: The Detesters.
Part 4: The Defenders.
Part 5: The Decision you need to make.
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Part 1: The Deniers (Liars).
The resurrection of Christ is a historically verified event. Yet, from the earliest days following the occurrence to the present, numerous individuals and authors have persistently attempted to distort or deny its validity, despite overwhelming evidence confirming its authenticity.
The Chief priests and elders of Israel paid the Soldiers to lie that his body was stolen.
Mat 28:11-15 KJB
“Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”
The Sadducees denied resurrection (Acts 23:8, Acts 4:1-2)
Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
The Quran said Allah made it to appear as if he was killed but he was not.
The Quran discusses Jesus’ death in Surah 4:157-158 (An-Nisa):
“Surah 4:157-158 states:
“And [for claiming that] they killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God. In fact, they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; it was only made to appear so. Even those who argue about this are in doubt, with no knowledge whatsoever, only making assumptions. They certainly did not kill him. But God raised him to Himself. God is Almighty, All-Wise.”
If Jesus didn’t die, resurrection becomes implausible. However, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are widely acknowledged historical events. This discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy of Islamic texts regarding Jesus’ life, specifically the Quran’s account. The Quran’s account of Jesus’ life emerged approximately 600 years after the events it describes. This significant time gap warrants critical examination, particularly given its divergence from eyewitness accounts documented by the Apostles.
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Part 2: The Doubters (Skeptics).
The disciples doubted but later believed.
Thomas doubted Initially but later acknowledged the Deity of Christ.
John 20:25-28
“The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”
The Apostles were initially in doubt also.(Luke 24:10-11)
Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
Luke 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
Mark 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
Cleopas and another disciple were also also in doubt. (Luke 24:13-34)
Luke 24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
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Part 3: The Detesters (Mockers).
There have always been those who mock the resurrection from the first century till date. It is therefore no longer strange. The mocking below took place in Athens, the great city of Greece.
Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
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Part 4: The Defenders (Eyewitness/Saints).
The Apostles and the saints moved from doubters to defenders of the resurrection. They saw the risen Lord, they ate together, received further instructions and saw him ascend to heaven.
The Lord appeared to Mary Magdalene.
Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
The Lord appeared to the Eleven, then the twelve.
Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
1 Corinthians 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
The Lord appeared Cleopas and another disciple (Mark 16:12, Luke 24:13-15)
Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
Christ was seen of above 500 saints at once.
1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
He appeared also to James.
1 Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
He appeared also to Apostle Paul.
1Corinthians 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. Assurance of Salvation Scriptures and Verses Explain
The Apostles ate with the Risen Lord.
Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Luke 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
The Risen Lord instructed the Apostles
Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luk 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
The Apostles witnessed the ascension of the Risen Lord.
Act 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Act 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Act 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
The Apostles defended the resurrection.
Act 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 5 WAYS TO REJOICE IN CHRIST’S RESURRECTION
Act 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
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Part 5: The Decision you need to make. (Acts 18:16-34)
When Apostle Paul stood at Mars Hill in the City of Athens and preached Christ and his resurrection. Some mocked, others said they will hear the matter again, but some believed. What will you do with this message of hope, that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose on the third day for our justification (Romans 4:25). Will you believe, mock or postpone to reconsider it?
Act 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, SOME MOCKED: and others said, WE WILL HEAR THEE AGAIN OF THIS MATTER.
Act 17:33 So Paul departed from among them.
Act 17:34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and BELIEVED: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
I admonish you to believe on him to be justified from all the things the law of Moses could not justify you from (Acts 13:39), when you believe In Jesus Christ you are passed from death unto life (John 5:24), when you believe there is no more condemnation (John 5:24), you are promised sure resurrection when you believe (John 6:39-40, 44, 54,57-58).
Written by Akande Happy
21-04-2025
