Ask a Pastor Column

Q: How can we know for sure that Christ was raised from the dead?

A: By reading about it in the reliable, historical accounts provided to us in Scripture! Even if you do not yet believe that the Bible is the Word of God, you still ought to be persuaded by a fair consideration of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These historical documents have been analyzed by capable historians and experts for generations. Most of them have come to the following conclusions:

First, the Gospels were written shortly after the events they describe. Archaeologists have discovered thousands of copies of the gospel accounts. The date and distribution of these copies lead us to an early date for the writing of the books: all four gospels must have been written before the close of the first century. Thus there was little to no time for truth to turn into myth.

Secondly, the Gospels have all the hallmarks of truthful accounts. Some of these indicators are the inclusion of specific details, accounts that agree in the main facts but differ slightly in the details, and authors who portray themselves in a negative light.

Third, the gospels match well with other historical evidence. We have brief accounts of Jesus from several second-hand, non-Christian sources. All of them mention hearing about a miracle worker from Galilee who was crucified and proclaimed risen from the dead. We also know the apostles boldly proclaimed the risen savior, even in the face of death.

Taken together this evidence is not only compelling; it is overwhelming. No other event in history is as well-attested as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is risen! And because He is risen the Bible is true and salvation is available to all who believe!

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