Did Jesus Actually Die and Rise Again?
Luke 24:6–7: “He is not here; he has risen!”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith but throughout history skeptics and scholars have questioned the validity of the wonderful event.
1 Corinthians 15:21: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.”
The question is, did Jesus truly die on the cross and did he actually rise from the dead?
In this write up, I have delved into the evidence surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection, examining historical accounts, theological perspectives, and modern interpretations of this pivotal event.
1 Peter 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Historical Accounts
You and I know that the New Testament provides the primary source of information regarding Jesus’ death and resurrection. The four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John offer varying perspectives on the events leading up to and following Jesus’ crucifixion.
Acts 3:15: “You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.”
These accounts describe Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate, his crucifixion on Golgotha, and his subsequent burial in a tomb.
According to Christian tradition, Jesus rose from the dead three days later, appearing to his disciples before ascending to heaven.
Romans 6:8–11:”The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. “
Theological Perspectives
For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus holds profound theological significance, representing victory over sin and death. It is viewed as a demonstration of God’s power and a fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the early Christian communities, emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection, declaring that if Christ has not been raised, then faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17). Throughout church history, theologians have grappled with the theological implications of the resurrection, seeking to articulate its meaning for believers.
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Modern Interpretations
In recent centuries advances in historical scholarship and scientific inquiry have prompted renewed scrutiny of the biblical accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Matthew 28:5–6: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’”
This is mostly based on arguments. There are lots of contradictions. Some scholars argue that the Gospel narratives are not reliable historical documents but rather theological interpretations shaped by the beliefs and biases of the early Christian community.
Others propose naturalistic explanations for the resurrection, suggesting that Jesus may have survived the crucifixion or that his disciples experienced hallucinations.
At least, this argument confirms that Jesus existed, died and resurrected.
Revelation 1:17b-18a: “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and Last. I am the living one. I died, but look–I am alive forever and ever!”
I conclude that the question of whether Jesus actually died and rose again remains a matter of faith and interpretation.
For me as a Christian, I see the resurrection as a fundamental article of faith, affirmed through scripture, tradition, and personal experience. The truth of Jesus’ resurrection transcends empirical evidence. Whether regarded as a historical event or a theological mystery, the resurrection of Jesus continues to inspire awe, wonder and devotion among believers around the world.
