Resurrected Or Not?

What are the evidence and arguments for and against the resurrection? The main objection to the resurrection today isn’t even verifiable evidence at all; rather it’s a philosophical argument.  It is argued that since no miracles are scientifically observable today, no miracles have ever happened. This is not sound logic, but rather materialistic, naturalist presumption. This is no stronger proof against the resurrection that the simple assertion that, “We don’t believe it.”  Still, this is the strongest and most common argument that is used today.  

On the other hand, the evidence for the resurrection is strong and multifaceted.  The direct evidence includes the predictive prophesies of the Old Testament and by Jesus in the gospels. There were the many witnesses who saw Jesus after there resurrection and the miracles worked by the apostles as they preached that Jesus was raised. Then there is the circumstantial evidence of the changed character of the apostles after the resurrection, the rapid spread of the church and its continued existence to this day.  

Christians can, and should, face with confidence any challenge to the historical proof of the resurrection. The apostle Paul did so in 1 Cor. 15. He considered whether or not Jesus was raised and argued with convincing proof that He was. Paul affirmed the inspiration of the gospel message, listed the witnesses, presented the effects of resurrection not taking place, then told what the results of the resurrection will be and quoted a predictive prophecies concerning it. Study the scriptures, consider the proof of the resurrection, consider the alternatives, consider its effects and believe.

Consider Jesus: The First Born

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Several times n the New Testament, Jesus is called the “firstborn,” in the KJV first ‘begotten,” several times in different aspects, but always with the same basic meaning, that of being the most preeminent one.

Heb 1:6 “…He again brings the first-born into the world…” Jesus is the first-born of God. Of the children of God, Jesus is the first, the main, the most important one. 

Col. 1:15 “And He is…the first-born of all creation.” In all creation He is the most preeminent. This is true to the degree that this passage declares all things were made “for Him” and “by Him.” 

Rom. 8:29 “…His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren” Of all the brethren, He is the first, the primary, the most important one. He is the head of the order, the savior or us all, and the great example for the brethren. 

Rev 1:5 “Jesus Christ…the first-born of the dead…” Of all those raised from the dead, and there with a handful in the Old Testament and in the gospels and Acts, He is obviously the most important one. His resurrection proved Him to be the Son of God and brings us salvation. 

So in anything he’s involved in, He is the most important one of it. As the psalmist prophesied long ago: “I also shall make him My first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth.” (Ps. 89:27)