how can i be sure the tomb is empty and my lord lives?

How Can I Be Sure

The Tomb Is Empty

And My Lord Lives?

Christianity is a religion of history and factsChristianity is a religion of history and facts

It is rooted in historical realities, not subjectivism and hearsay

It is rooted in historical realities, not subjectivism and hearsay

The Bible bases all of its spiritual truths on actual historical events

The Bible bases all of its spiritual truths on actual historical events

And, at the foundation of all other Biblical truths is found the resurrection of Christ


Christianity either stands or falls on the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead


Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Romans 1:3, 4

And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

I Corinthians 15:14, 17




Christianity either stands or falls on the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the deadThat Jesus lived as an actual human being, no intelligent and logical person will deny

That Jesus lived as an actual human being, no intelligent and logical person will deny

“That a few simple men in one generation should have invented so powerful and appealing a personality, so lofty an ethic and so inspiring a vision of human brother hood would be a miracle far more incredible than any recorded in the gospel.”

-Will Durant

“That a few simple men in one generation should have invented so powerful and appealing a personality, so lofty an ethic and so inspiring a vision of human brother hood would be a miracle far more incredible than any recorded in the gospel.”

-Will Durant

Jesus was crucified by the Roman government, another fact attested to by historical record


“But neither all human help nor the liberality of the Emperor, nor all the atonements presented to the gods, availed to abate the infamy that he [Nero] lay under of having the city set on fire. To suppress therefore, this common rumor, Nero procured others to be accused, and inflicted exquisite punishment upon those people, who were in abhorrence for their

“But neither all human help nor the liberality of the Emperor, nor all the atonements presented to the gods, availed to abate the infamy that he [Nero] lay under of having the city set on fire. To suppress therefore, this common rumor, Nero procured others to be accused, and inflicted exquisite punishment upon those people, who were in abhorrence for their

crimes, and were commonly known by the name of Christians. They had their denomination from Christus, who in the reign of Tiberius was put to death as a criminal by the procurator Pontius Pilate. ”

-Tacitus

crimes, and were commonly known by the name of Christians. They had their denomination from Christus, who in the reign of Tiberius was put to death as a criminal by the procurator Pontius Pilate. ”

-Tacitus


Jesus was crucified by the Roman government, another fact attested to by historical recordAccording to all four gospel record accounts, Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, that of Joseph of Arimathea

According to all four gospel record accounts, Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, that of Joseph of Arimathea

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Matthew 27:59, 60


Jesus was crucified by the Roman government, another fact attested to by historical recordAccording to all four gospel record accounts, Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, that of Joseph of Arimathea

According to all four gospel record accounts, Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, that of Joseph of ArimatheaAs we shall see, not only did the Lord’s disciples know of the burial place with all assurance, but so did His enemies

As we shall see, not only did the Lord’s disciples know of the burial place with all assurance, but so did His enemies

Thus, two of the three basic facts of the gospel of Christ are already seen to be historically accurate


Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

I Corinthians 15:1-4


Thus, two of the three basic facts of the gospel of Christ are already seen to be historically accurateFurther proof of His death and burial will be seen in the “many infallible proofs” of His resurrection

Further proof of His death and burial will be seen in the “many infallible proofs” of His resurrection

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Acts 1:3

“The word ‘proofs’ translates a Greek term that was used by the classical writers to ‘denote the strongest proof of which a subject is susceptible.’” -Wayne Jackson

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Acts 26:26


Thus, two of the three basic facts of the gospel of Christ are already seen to be historically accurateFurther proof of His death and burial will be seen in the “many infallible proofs” of His resurrection

Further proof of His death and burial will be seen in the “many infallible proofs” of His resurrection Let us examine some of these “infallible proofs”Let us examine some of these “infallible proofs”

“According to the Scriptures”

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:


Again, numerous are the passages prophesying about the death, burial and resurrection of Christ

Again, numerous are the passages prophesying about the death, burial and resurrection of Christ

These occurred hundreds of years before the actual events took place

These occurred hundreds of years before the actual events took place

Notice just two of these prophecies:Notice just two of these prophecies:

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in

his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Isaiah 53:7-9

The eunuch was reading from this very passage, a passage Philip applied to Jesus


And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Acts 8:34, 35



Other passages demonstrate the fulfillment of these words Other passages demonstrate the fulfillment of these words

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

Matthew 27:12-14

And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

Mark 15:3-5

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

Mark 15:27, 28

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Matthew 27:57-60



Other passages demonstrate the fulfillment of these words Other passages demonstrate the fulfillment of these words

David spoke of Christ’s crucifixion, and Peter revealed the significance of David’s words

David spoke of Christ’s crucifixion, and Peter revealed the significance of David’s words

I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 16:8-11

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord

always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 2:22-27

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 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.

Acts 2:29-32

The Empty Tomb

The empty tomb was unexpected by His followersThe empty tomb was unexpected by His followers

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. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

Mark 16:9-11

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

John 20:8, 9


The discouraged disciples thought the Lord’s death meant the end of His movement, and they were hiding in fear of the Jews


Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

John 20:18, 19



The discouraged disciples thought the Lord’s death meant the end of His movement, and they were hiding in fear of the JewsThus, they had neither motive nor opportunity to “steal” the body from the tomb

Thus, they had neither motive nor opportunity to “steal” the body from the tomb

The tomb was securely guarded by His enemies to insure that the body remained inside


Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be

shall be worse than the first. 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.

Matthew 27:62-66


The tomb was securely guarded by His enemies to insure that the body remained insideThe plot devised by the enemies after the resurrection proves the resurrection

The plot devised by the enemies after the resurrection proves the resurrection

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.

Matthew 28:11-15


The tomb was securely guarded by His enemies to insure that the body remained insideThe plot devised by the enemies after the resurrection proves the resurrection

The plot devised by the enemies after the resurrection proves the resurrectionTheir plot proves a missing body…and an empty tomb!Their plot proves a missing body…and an empty tomb!

The penalty for sleeping on the watch for a Roman soldier was death, regardless of the promises of the chief priests or any others

The penalty for sleeping on the watch for a Roman soldier was death, regardless of the promises of the chief priests or any othersAlso, what kind of witnesses do sleeping soldiers make?Also, what kind of witnesses do sleeping soldiers make?

If asleep, how could they possibly have known who took the body?

If asleep, how could they possibly have known who took the body?

Also, since such a scheme was devised, it is evident that neither the Romans nor the Jews stole the body of Christ- but both knew it was missing!

Also, since such a scheme was devised, it is evident that neither the Romans nor the Jews stole the body of Christ- but both knew it was missing!

The resurrection is further proven, then, by the empty tomb

The resurrection is further proven, then, by the empty tomb

The Eyewitnesses

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 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. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.


Time will not permit an examination of the individual instances in which He was actually seen by eyewitnesses after His resurrection from the dead

Time will not permit an examination of the individual instances in which He was actually seen by eyewitnesses after His resurrection from the deadOnce the Bible is proven to be historically accurate (and it has been), the testimony of eyewitnesses is crucial and very telling

Once the Bible is proven to be historically accurate (and it has been), the testimony of eyewitnesses is crucial and very telling

“The New Testament, then, has not only survived in more manuscripts than any other book from antiquity, but it has survived in a purer form than any other book.”

-Norman Geisler & William Nix

“The New Testament, then, has not only survived in more manuscripts than any other book from antiquity, but it has survived in a purer form than any other book.”

-Norman Geisler & William Nix

No other work has undergone the scrutiny of the Bible; yet, no other work has withstood the test of time as it has

No other work has undergone the scrutiny of the Bible; yet, no other work has withstood the test of time as it has

Notice, then, the overwhelming evidence recorded regarding those who actually saw the resurrected Lord:

Notice, then, the overwhelming evidence recorded regarding those who actually saw the resurrected Lord:

Appearances of Christ After the Resurrection

Appearances of Christ After the ResurrectionAppeared To:Appeared To: Biblical Reference:Biblical Reference:

1) Apostles2) Mary Magdalene3) “The Women”4) Two disciples on

road to Emmaus5) Disciples, without

Thomas6) Disciples, with Thomas7) Seven disciples at

Sea of Galilee

1) Apostles2) Mary Magdalene3) “The Women”4) Two disciples on

road to Emmaus5) Disciples, without

Thomas6) Disciples, with Thomas7) Seven disciples at

Sea of Galilee

1) Acts 12) John 20:16-183) Luke 24:22-244) John 20:24, 25

5) John 20:26-28

6) John 21:1-23

7) Matthew 28:16

1) Acts 12) John 20:16-183) Luke 24:22-244) John 20:24, 25

5) John 20:26-28

6) John 21:1-23

7) Matthew 28:16

Appearances of Christ After the Resurrection

Appearances of Christ After the ResurrectionAppeared To:Appeared To: Biblical Reference:Biblical Reference:

8) Eleven apostles9) More than 500 at

once10) Simon Peter11) James12) Paul

13) John on Patmos

8) Eleven apostles9) More than 500 at

once10) Simon Peter11) James12) Paul

13) John on Patmos

8) I Corinthians 15:69) Luke 24:24

10) Matthew 28:1611) I Corinthians 15:712) Acts 9:3-6; I Corin-

thians 15:813) Revelation 1:1-20

8) I Corinthians 15:69) Luke 24:24

10) Matthew 28:1611) I Corinthians 15:712) Acts 9:3-6; I Corin-

thians 15:813) Revelation 1:1-20

Not only are the eyewitnesses astounding just in their sheer number, but many of them were still alive when Paul wrote about them


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.

I Corinthians 15:6


Not only are the eyewitnesses astounding just in their sheer number, but many of them were still alive when Paul wrote about themPaul was, in essence, calling on any skeptics or critics to cross-examine them for themselves

Paul was, in essence, calling on any skeptics or critics to cross-examine them for themselves

The Cases of Conversion

The conversion of only two individuals is especially persuasive and, when taken with the other evidences, serves to prove beyond a doubt the resurrection of Christ

The conversion of only two individuals is especially persuasive and, when taken with the other evidences, serves to prove beyond a doubt the resurrection of ChristThe notion that the disciples stole the body of Christ (per their scheme with the soldiers) is ridiculous because of the persecution and death so many of them faced because of their faith

The notion that the disciples stole the body of Christ (per their scheme with the soldiers) is ridiculous because of the persecution and death so many of them faced because of their faith

When faced with such persecution or death, all that would have been necessary to save themselves would have been the truth of what really happened to the body

When faced with such persecution or death, all that would have been necessary to save themselves would have been the truth of what really happened to the bodyYet, no one confessed to such a scheme or produced the body

Yet, no one confessed to such a scheme or produced the body But, thousands faced and accepted persecution and death

But, thousands faced and accepted persecution and death

Consider the conversion of James, the Lord’s brother:Consider the conversion of James, the Lord’s brother:

For neither did his brethren believe in him.

John 7:5


Yet we find that after the resurrection of Christ, James became a leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 1:14; 15:13-21) and wrote the book the bears his name


But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

Galatians 1:19



Yet we find that after the resurrection of Christ, James became a leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 1:14; 15:13-21) and wrote the book the bears his nameHistory records that James was stoned to death by an angry Jewish mob in service to his brother

History records that James was stoned to death by an angry Jewish mob in service to his brother

The only explanation for such a radical change and loyal following is the resurrection which James knew to be true


After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

I Corinthians 15:7



A second, even more convincing conversion, is that of Saul of Tarsus

A second, even more convincing conversion, is that of Saul of TarsusConsider what he was, what he did, what he became, what he gave up and what he suffered

Consider what he was, what he did, what he became, what he gave up and what he suffered

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Acts 9:1

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in

watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

II Corinthians 11:24-28

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

II Timothy 4:6-8

From persecutor to persecuted, almost overnightFrom persecutor to persecuted, almost overnight

From a leader in the Jewish world to one despised and pursued by them the remainder of his life

From a leader in the Jewish world to one despised and pursued by them the remainder of his lifeFrom one who killed those who professed Christ to one who was willing to be killed for His Cause

From one who killed those who professed Christ to one who was willing to be killed for His Cause

Nothing short of the proof of the resurrection of Christ could bring about such a change in Saul of Tarsus!

Nothing short of the proof of the resurrection of Christ could bring about such a change in Saul of Tarsus!

Jesus Christ was raised from the dead!

Of that fact we can be sure!

It is proven…

By Fulfilled ProphecyBy Fulfilled Prophecy

By The Empty TombBy The Empty Tomb

By The EyewitnessesBy The Eyewitnesses

By The Cases of ConversionBy The Cases of Conversion

how can i be sure the tomb is empty and my lord lives?

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