Independent Baptist Church

Defense of the Death and Resurrection of Christ

“He is Risen!”

Foundation of the Faith

• I Corinthians 15:14 14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching

vain, and your faith is also vain.

• II Peter 1:16 16For we have not followed cunningly devised

fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Foundation of the Faith

• Early preaching, such as Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2), stated that the believers present were “all witnesses” (vs.31-32) to Christ’s death and Resurrection.

• Other sermons in Acts follow a similar theme, using the Resurrection as the primary proof for the truth of the Christian message.

• If not the most important, one of the most important historical facts for believers to know, share, and defend.

What do they not say?

• “I used to smoke, drink, chew tobacco, swear, and get in fights, but now that I have Jesus in my heart, I don’t do these things anymore.”

• Only time a personal testimony is used for evangelism in scripture is for other Christians (i.e. Philippians)

Quintet of Facts (4+1)

• Minimal Facts Approach• Uses data that is strongly evidenced• Uses data that is accepted by virtually all

scholars, even skeptics• Stating supposed “Bible-contradictions” is not

an argument against the Resurrection • 4+1 is generous, as scholars such as Habermas

argue for as many as 12 facts.

Fact 1: Jesus died by Crucifixion

• Highlighted by all four gospels.• Roman historian Tacitus, “extreme penalty.” • Jewish historian, Josephus.• Lucian of Samosata.• Jewish Talmud states “…Yeshu was hanged.”• Historical and Medical data strongly indicate

death (i.e. blood and water from Christ’s side).

Fact 2: The Disciples believed Jesus rose and appeared to them

• They claimed it• Paul (1 Corinthians 15) indicates the disciples claimed

it.• Oral tradition (Sermons in Acts, Creeds (I Corinthians

15:3-7). • Written testimony, the gospels (four different

sources), apostolic fathers (Clement, Polycarp) • They believed it and suffered martyrdom (7 sources:

Acts, Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Tertullian, Origen, Dionysius of Corinth)

Fact 3: Paul (Saul) was radically converted

• Conversion based on personal appearance of the risen Jesus, not mere testimony.

• Based on Primary evidence, not secondary (evidence we have).

• Paul describes his pre-Christian life, as does Acts.

• Attested by numerous church fathers (Polycarp, Origen, Clement, Tertullian etc…)

Fact 4: James, skeptical brother of Jesus, is suddenly changed

• Gospels mention Jesus’ siblings, including James.

• Josephus mentions James as Jesus’ brother.• Originally a pious Jew, mentioned by Paul in

Galatians. Called “James the Just” by the church fathers, suffering martyrdom.

• Gospels mention Jesus’ brothers as skeptics, I Corinthians 15 mentions Jesus appearing to James. Afterwards, James is leader of the Jerusalem church.

Fact 5: The tomb was empty

• Accepted by 75 percent of scholars, including skeptical scholars.

• Christ was executed in Jerusalem, and appeared there.

• Local Authorities could not produce a body.• Enemy attestation. Church’s enemies said the

disciples stole it, confirming the tomb was empty.

• Testimony of Women

Five Facts

• 1. Jesus Died by Crucifixion.• 2. The Disciples believed Jesus rose and

appeared to them.• 3. Paul (Saul) was radically converted.• 4. James the skeptic was suddenly

changed.• 5. The tomb was empty.

Sociological Factors

• Principle of Embarrassment. • Testimony of Women?• A Crucified God?• From Galilee?• No Classes?• A Physical Resurrection?• If anything, Christianity is an example of how not

to start a religion, yet it thrived and spread!

Skeptical Claims

• Presuppositions.• Commitment to Philosophical Naturalism.• Only account for one of the facts, not all.• Hallucinations, Visions, Delusions? • Not really dead?• Biased?• Combination Theories make skeptical claims

even more improbable.

What is the Reasonable Conclusion?

He is Risen!

Personal Info

Email: aarondhayes@gmail.com

Web/blog: hayesworldview.wordpress.com

Powerpoint/notes will be avilable on website