What Does Jesus’ Resurrection Prove?

     In the movie, “The Case for Christ,” and also in the book written by Lee Strobel, Mr. Strobel (formerly an atheist) is trying to prove the resurrection didn’t happen. He consults an expert Doctor about the ‘swoon theory’ — whether Jesus could possibly have been still alive when they took him down from the cross, and then later recovered.

     The doctor declares the swoon theory to be rubbish, then explains why. For one thing: When the soldier stuck a sword into his side, blood and water came out. This shows he was already dead. He died of pericardial effusion. The expert goes on to say that Jesus’ death and resurrection is one of the best attested events in the ancient world.

      Soon we will again celebrate Easter, which commemorates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. A week earlier, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, who had been in the tomb for four days.

     Before raising Lazarus, in a conversation with Lazarus’ sister, Martha, Jesus had said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25, NIV).

     When Jesus rose from the dead, after his horrific death on the cross, he defeated death. Isaiah 25:8 says, “He will swallow up death forever.” Isaiah 53:12 says, “he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.” Jesus came to give us eternal life. John 1:4 says, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it (also translated: “the darkness has not overcome it!).”

     The Apostle Paul declared that by Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus proved he is the Son of God. Because of God’s mercy, we are all called to belong to him, to Jesus “who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead, (Romans 1:4). Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake (v.5) And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. (v.6).

     I love Easter. It has always been my favorite holiday. What joy to know Jesus Christ arose victorious over sin, death, and the devil! Because of this truth, we do not need to be in slavery to the devil and his works. If we believe in Jesus and ask him to forgive our sins and take over our lives, we can live purpose-filled lives here on earth and eventually the joy of eternal life in Heaven.

   Following is one of the songs/poems included in my recently published book: Songs & Poems From a Yielded heart: “The Sovereignty of Christ.” In it, I ask why he sacrificed himself for me, and I thank him, pledging to worship, love, and obey him.

The Sovereignty Of Christ

You are the mighty King! Master of everything.
Though you are gentle, you rule over all.
Why do you plead for me? Why did you bleed for me?
Why bother sending your call.
Your grace has reached me and made me complete,
so I couldn’t resist all the love you did give.
Now I can worship you, Lord of the universe,
as in my heart you do live.

Jesus, I love you. I want to obey you and live in a way that will glorify you.
How can I serve you best? Help me to stand the test.
Thank you for making me new.
You are my shepherd and you’re my provider.
You have brought peace to this heart full of strife.
I will obey you, for you are in charge of me.
You are the Lord of my life.

You are the Lord of my …, You are the Lord of my …
You are the Lord of my life. 

Judith Vander Wege