6 Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are historical facts, backed up by reliable evidence. But, chances are, you know someone who doesn’t believe that Jesus really rose from the dead.  Unbelievers who don’t accept the Bible as absolute truth need evidence of the resurrection beyond the accounts in scripture.  In my research on this topic, I’ve found several proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but I’ll just give you 6 of my favorites.

I have only skimmed the surface of these evidences of the resurrection, so I encourage you to do your own study on this topic to be well informed.  Here are 3 resources for you:

Christ’s Resurrection: Strongest Evidence Cited by David Roach

The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel

A Dozen Evidences for the Resurrection of Jesus by Kenneth R. Samples

6 Proofs of Christ’s Resurrection:

1. The empty tomb
2. Roman seal was broken
3. The stone was rolled away
4. Grave clothes
5. Witnesses
6. Changed lives

Resurrection Proof #1: The empty tomb

Several security precautions were taken to seal and guard Christ’s tomb. It’s actually more difficult for someone to prove that Christ didn’t resurrect.

Both Jewish and Roman sources and traditions admit to an empty tomb. So if the tomb is empty, where did the body go?

Matthew 28:6~ He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Resurrection Proof #2: The Roman seal was broken

Breaking a Roman seal meant automatic execution, by crucifixion, upside down, if caught. People feared breaking the Roman seal. No one in their right mind would have done that. Especially not the disciples who had run off when Jesus was apprehended in the garden before his mock trial.

Matthew 27:65-66~ Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.  So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Resurrection Proof #3: The stone was rolled away

The stone that was in front of the opening to the tomb where Jesus was laid was a 1-2 ton stone.  A boulder that heavy would not be easily moved without the knowledge of the Roman guards who were assigned to keep watch over the tomb.

Matthew 28:2~ And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

Resurrection Proof #4: The grave clothes

In John 20:6-7 and Luke 24:12, the grave clothes are mentioned as being left in the tomb.  If someone actually did risk death, roll the stone away, and remove the body, do you think they would take the time to fully unwrap Jesus? And would they then fold his grave clothes neatly?

If someone were trying to steal Jesus’ body, they would’ve been in a mad rush to get him and get out before getting caught.

John 20:6-7~ Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

Resurrection Proof #5: The witnesses

In 1Corinthians 15, Paul says that the resurrected Christ was seen by the disciples and more than 500 eyewitnesses at one time. Those witnesses were likely still alive at the time Paul was writing this letter to the Corinthian church.

Eyewitnesses are one of the most important elements in solving crimes and mysteries.  To have this many people recorded as seeing the resurrected Lord is amazing evidence.

Acts 2:31-32~ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Resurrection Proof #6: The changed Lives

The once cowardly disciples were now bold to share the message of the life, death, and resurrection of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They were completely loyal to Him because they had seen the risen Lord.

Every conceivable method was used to try to stop the disciples from sharing the gospel. They were beaten, stoned, thrown to lions, tortured, crucified, and burned alive, but they kept preaching the resurrection. Their steadfastness shows complete confidence in the truth of the gospel.  The disciples fully believed that Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again from the grave on the third day. (1Corinthians 15:1-8)

Would you spread a lie that could get you killed? Honestly, why would anyone take that chance?

Unless it wasn’t a lie, and the resurrection did take place, and serving a risen Savior was worth every brutal moment of suffering they endured.

Believe the Resurrection and Be Saved

Belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation. So if you don’t believe that Jesus conquered the grave and rose from the dead, then you are not a Christian.

Romans 10:9~That if thou shalt confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  

1Corinthians 15:12-19~Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ:  whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

Pray and preach

Personally, I think that it takes more faith to stand against the resurrection than for it.  There’s just too much evidence to prove that Jesus did in fact rise from the dead.

Pray for those with hard hearts, blind eyes, and deaf ears, who refuse to believe and be saved. And share the scriptures and the historical evidence that reveals a risen Savior. Let your transformed life speak of the miraculous power of God to raise the dead to life.

Revelation 1:18~ I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. ~ JESUS

Scriptures that prove Jesus rose from the dead:

Acts 1:3, 2:32, 10:38-41, 13:30-31, 13:37, Matt.28:6-7,  Eph.1:20, Heb. 13:20 to name a few.

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