Do you understand the logical basis for faith in Christ? n What if someone asked you this question: “Why Christianity?”

Do you understand the logical basis for Do you understand the logical basis for faith in Christ?faith in Christ?


What if someone asked you this question: What if someone asked you this question: “Why Christianity?”“Why Christianity?”




If you have not heard this question, your If you have not heard this question, your children will.children will.




If you have not heard this question, your If you have not heard this question, your children will.children will.

Christianity is not based upon a “blind Christianity is not based upon a “blind faith” but rather a reasonable faith.faith” but rather a reasonable faith.



(1 Pet 3:15 NKJV)(1 Pet 3:15 NKJV) But sanctify the Lord But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;meekness and fear;

Do you understand the logical basis Do you understand the logical basis for faith in Christ?for faith in Christ?


Christianity is not just a system of Christianity is not just a system of philosophy or values.philosophy or values.



Christianity is not just a system of Christianity is not just a system of philosophy or values.philosophy or values.

It is dependent upon the identity of its It is dependent upon the identity of its founder, Jesus. founder, Jesus.



(Mat 16:13-17 NKJV)(Mat 16:13-17 NKJV) When Jesus came When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” {14} So say that I, the Son of Man, am?” {14} So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” {15} He said to them, “But who prophets.” {15} He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”do you say that I am?”



{16} Simon Peter answered and said, “You {16} Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” {17} Jesus answered and said to him, {17} Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.but My Father who is in heaven.



Contrast this with the religions of Buddha Contrast this with the religions of Buddha and Mohammed.and Mohammed.



If either figure never actually existed, you If either figure never actually existed, you still would have in essence their religion.still would have in essence their religion.



If either figure never actually existed, you If either figure never actually existed, you still would have in essence their religion.still would have in essence their religion.

These systems have no crucial historical These systems have no crucial historical events at their foundations.events at their foundations.

What if there was no Historical Jesus?What if there was no Historical Jesus?What if there was no Historical Jesus?What if there was no Historical Jesus?

Paul knew the consequences! Paul knew the consequences! (1 Cor 15:12-19)(1 Cor 15:12-19)


(1 Cor 15:12-19 NKJV)(1 Cor 15:12-19 NKJV) Now if Christ is Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? {13} there is no resurrection of the dead? {13} But if there is no resurrection of the dead, But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. {14} And if Christ then Christ is not risen. {14} And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. your faith is also empty.


{15} Yes, and we are found false witnesses of {15} Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up; if raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up; if in fact the dead do not rise. {16} For if the in fact the dead do not rise. {16} For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. {17} dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. {17} And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! {18} Then also those you are still in your sins! {18} Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. perished.


{19} If in this life only we have hope in {19} If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.


The apostles are liars.The apostles are liars.


The apostles are liars.The apostles are liars. There is no forgiveness of sins.There is no forgiveness of sins.


The apostles are liars.The apostles are liars. There is no forgiveness of sins.There is no forgiveness of sins. Those who died as a Christian are gone Those who died as a Christian are gone

forever.forever.



forever.forever. Those who make sacrifices to be a Christian Those who make sacrifices to be a Christian

are "of all men the most pitiable.“are "of all men the most pitiable.“



forever.forever. Those who make sacrifices to be a Christian Those who make sacrifices to be a Christian

are "of all men the most pitiable.“are "of all men the most pitiable.“ The Jesus of the Bible is an impostorThe Jesus of the Bible is an impostor


Knowledgeable Atheists will challenge Knowledgeable Atheists will challenge Christianity here.Christianity here.



Could Jesus have been only a good, moral Could Jesus have been only a good, moral man and nothing more?man and nothing more?



Could Jesus have been only a good, moral Could Jesus have been only a good, moral man and nothing more?man and nothing more?

Jesus claimed to be the Son of God! Jesus claimed to be the Son of God!


(John 10:36 NKJV)(John 10:36 NKJV) “do you say of Him “do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? said, ‘I am the Son of God’?


If people believed this claim, they would If people believed this claim, they would radically change their lives to follow Jesus.radically change their lives to follow Jesus.


If people believed this claim, they would If people believed this claim, they would radically change their lives to follow Jesus.radically change their lives to follow Jesus.

Jesus said his words were so important that Jesus said his words were so important that one day men would be judged before God one day men would be judged before God by how they followed them..by how they followed them..


(John 12:48 NKJV)(John 12:48 NKJV) “He who rejects Me, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that and does not receive My words, has that which judges him; the word that I have which judges him; the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.spoken will judge him in the last day.


In light of his claims Jesus was either a liar, In light of his claims Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.a lunatic, or the Lord.



He was a liar if He claimed to be the Son of He was a liar if He claimed to be the Son of God and knew He was not. If this is true God and knew He was not. If this is true He should be exposed.He should be exposed.



He was a liar if He claimed to be the Son of He was a liar if He claimed to be the Son of God and knew He was not. If this is true God and knew He was not. If this is true He should be exposed.He should be exposed.

He was a He was a lunatic lunatic if He claimed to be the if He claimed to be the Son of God but was just a man. Sane Son of God but was just a man. Sane people do not make this claim!people do not make this claim!


In light of his claims Jesus was either a liar, a In light of his claims Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.lunatic, or the Lord.

He was a liar if He claimed to be the Son of God He was a liar if He claimed to be the Son of God and knew He was not. If this is true He should be and knew He was not. If this is true He should be exposed.exposed.

He was a He was a lunatic lunatic if He claimed to be the Son of if He claimed to be the Son of God but was just a man. Sane people do not God but was just a man. Sane people do not make this claim!make this claim!

He is Lord if His claim is true.He is Lord if His claim is true.


There is no middle ground!There is no middle ground!


There is no middle ground!There is no middle ground! So far we have not considered any So far we have not considered any

evidence. We have only identified the evidence. We have only identified the nature of Christianity and the foundation nature of Christianity and the foundation on on which it rests.which it rests.

The Nature of the Evidence - Historical, The Nature of the Evidence - Historical, Eyewitness TestimonyEyewitness Testimony..


Many when they speak of faith think in Many when they speak of faith think in terms of feelings, tradition, and prejudice.terms of feelings, tradition, and prejudice.




This is not the Biblical concept of faith.This is not the Biblical concept of faith.




This is not the Biblical concept of faith.This is not the Biblical concept of faith. Faith is based upon evidence.Faith is based upon evidence.



(Heb 11:1 NKJV)(Heb 11:1 NKJV) Now faith is the Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.of things not seen.



(1 Pet 3:15 NKJV)(1 Pet 3:15 NKJV) But sanctify the Lord But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;meekness and fear;



(John 8:32 NKJV) (John 8:32 NKJV) “And you shall know “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”



Those who say faith is a “blind leap in the Those who say faith is a “blind leap in the dark” are wrong.dark” are wrong.



The Christian is not to "park his brains at The Christian is not to "park his brains at the door".the door".



The Christian is not to "park his brains at The Christian is not to "park his brains at the door".the door".

At the heart of every sermon of the apostles At the heart of every sermon of the apostles is their eyewitness testimony of the raised is their eyewitness testimony of the raised Christ.Christ.



(Acts 2:32 NKJV)(Acts 2:32 NKJV) “This Jesus God has “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all raised up, of which we are all witnesses.witnesses.



(Acts 3:14-15 NKJV)(Acts 3:14-15 NKJV) “But you denied the “But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, {15} “and murderer to be granted to you, {15} “and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are from the dead, of which we are witnesses.witnesses.



(Acts 5:30-32 NKJV)(Acts 5:30-32 NKJV) “The God of our “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. {31} “Him God has by hanging on a tree. {31} “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. {32} “And we are His forgiveness of sins. {32} “And we are His witnesseswitnesses to these things, and so also is the to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”obey Him.”



(Acts 10:39-43 NKJV)(Acts 10:39-43 NKJV) “And we are “And we are witnesseswitnesses of all things which He did both in of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. {40} “Him they killed by hanging on a tree. {40} “Him God raised up on the third day, and showed God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, {41} “not to all the people, but to Him openly, {41} “not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. from the dead.



{42} “And He commanded us to preach to {42} “And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. {43} “To Him all the living and the dead. {43} “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”remission of sins.”



(Acts 13:27-31 NKJV)(Acts 13:27-31 NKJV) “For those who “For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. {28} “And though they found no Him. {28} “And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. that He should be put to death.



{29} “Now when they had fulfilled all that {29} “Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. {30} “But God raised Him from the dead. {30} “But God raised Him from the dead. {31} “He was seen for many days by those {31} “He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His Jerusalem, who are His witnesseswitnesses to the to the people. people.

The Validity of Historical Testimony.The Validity of Historical Testimony.The Validity of Historical Testimony.The Validity of Historical Testimony.

All personal knowledge that we have can be All personal knowledge that we have can be reduced to two categories - testimony and reduced to two categories - testimony and memory.memory.



Testimony deals with things that others Testimony deals with things that others have told us..have told us..



Testimony deals with things that others Testimony deals with things that others have told us.have told us.

Memory relates to those things we have Memory relates to those things we have personally seen.personally seen.



Testimony deals with things that others have told Testimony deals with things that others have told us.us.

Memory relates to those things we have Memory relates to those things we have personally seen.personally seen.

Every day we accept things as true based upon Every day we accept things as true based upon testimony.testimony.


Consider some people of history we accept Consider some people of history we accept from testimony.from testimony.



Napoleon.Napoleon.



Napoleon.Napoleon. Caesar.Caesar.



Napoleon.Napoleon. Caesar.Caesar. George Washington.George Washington.



Napoleon.Napoleon. Caesar.Caesar. George Washington.George Washington. But not all testimony is valid!But not all testimony is valid!



Napoleon.Napoleon. Caesar.Caesar. George Washington.George Washington. But not all testimony is valid!But not all testimony is valid! Many will lie or simply are mistaken when Many will lie or simply are mistaken when

they bear testimony.they bear testimony.


On what basis do we On what basis do we reject reject some testimony some testimony and and accept accept other testimony?other testimony?



Tests for Accepting or Rejecting Tests for Accepting or Rejecting Testimony.Testimony.



Tests for Accepting or Rejecting Tests for Accepting or Rejecting Testimony.Testimony.

Is the person giving testimony in a position Is the person giving testimony in a position to know the facts?to know the facts?



Tests for Accepting or Rejecting Testimony.Tests for Accepting or Rejecting Testimony. Is the person giving testimony in a position Is the person giving testimony in a position

to know the facts?to know the facts? Does he have a ulterior motive in telling his Does he have a ulterior motive in telling his

account?account?


Is this person of good character? Is he Is this person of good character? Is he reliable?reliable?


Is this person of good character? Is he Is this person of good character? Is he reliable?reliable?

Are there other witnesses and do they Are there other witnesses and do they agree?agree?

The New Testament Passes the Test.The New Testament Passes the Test.The New Testament Passes the Test.The New Testament Passes the Test.

Were the apostles in a position to know the Were the apostles in a position to know the facts? facts?


1 John 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life -- the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us –


that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.


Did the apostles have any advantages in Did the apostles have any advantages in lying about the resurrection? lying about the resurrection?


(1 Cor 15:30-32 NKJV)(1 Cor 15:30-32 NKJV) And why do we And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? {31} I affirm, stand in jeopardy every hour? {31} I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. {32} If, Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. {32} If, in the manner of men, I have fought with in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”drink, for tomorrow we die!”


(John 16:1-3 NKJV)(John 16:1-3 NKJV) “These things I have “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. {2} “They will put you out of to stumble. {2} “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. {3} “And these things they God service. {3} “And these things they will do to you because they have not known will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.the Father nor Me.


Are the writings of the apostles historically Are the writings of the apostles historically accurate?accurate?


Are the writings of the apostles historically Are the writings of the apostles historically accurate?accurate?


Was there agreement between the numerous Was there agreement between the numerous witnesses? witnesses?


(1 Cor 15:1-6 NKJV)(1 Cor 15:1-6 NKJV) Moreover, brethren, I Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you you, which also you received and in which you stand, {2} by which also you are saved, if you stand, {2} by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. {3} For I delivered unless you believed in vain. {3} For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, Scriptures,


{4} and that He was buried, and that He {4} and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, {5} and that He was seen by Scriptures, {5} and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. {6} After that Cephas, then by the twelve. {6} After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.the present, but some have fallen asleep.


If you reject the New Testament as being If you reject the New Testament as being unhistorical, you must for consistency reject unhistorical, you must for consistency reject all of ancient history! all of ancient history!


Most knowledgeable atheists recognize this Most knowledgeable atheists recognize this point.point.


Most knowledgeable atheists recognize this Most knowledgeable atheists recognize this point.point.

Their main objections lie in another areas.Their main objections lie in another areas.

The Resurrection SceneThe Resurrection SceneThe Resurrection SceneThe Resurrection Scene

(Mat 27:57-66 NKJV)(Mat 27:57-66 NKJV) Now when evening Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. {58} This also become a disciple of Jesus. {58} This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. {59} When Joseph had taken given to him. {59} When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,


{60} and laid it in his new tomb which he had {60} and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. {61} And Mary Magdalene was departed. {61} And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. {62} On the next day, which followed tomb. {62} On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, Pharisees gathered together to Pilate,


{63} saying, “Sir, we remember, while He {63} saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ {64} “Therefore three days I will rise.’ {64} “Therefore command that the tomb be made secure command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” last deception will be worse than the first.”


{65} Pilate said to them, “You have a {65} Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” {66} So they went and you know how.” {66} So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.setting the guard.


Jesus was Dead.Jesus was Dead.


Jesus was Dead.Jesus was Dead. Hear the description of an eyewitness. Hear the description of an eyewitness.


(John 19:32-36 NKJV)(John 19:32-36 NKJV) Then the soldiers Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. {33} the other who was crucified with Him. {33} But when they came to Jesus and saw that But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His He was already dead, they did not break His legs. {34} But one of the soldiers pierced legs. {34} But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. blood and water came out.


{35} And he who has seen has testified, and {35} And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. is telling the truth, so that you may believe. {36} For these things were done that the {36} For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.”His bones shall be broken.”


Medical authorities today indicate that Medical authorities today indicate that “blood and water” was positive proof of “blood and water” was positive proof of death.death.


The body was placed in a new tomb.The body was placed in a new tomb.


(Mat 27:60 NKJV)(Mat 27:60 NKJV) and laid it in his new and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.of the tomb, and departed.


There would be only one way in and one There would be only one way in and one way out.way out.


A large stone covered the entrance. A large stone covered the entrance.


(Mat 27:60 NKJV)(Mat 27:60 NKJV) and laid it in his new and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.of the tomb, and departed.


This boulder was to prevent any easy access This boulder was to prevent any easy access to the body.to the body.


A Roman seal was placed on the stone. A Roman seal was placed on the stone.


(Mat 27:66 NKJV)(Mat 27:66 NKJV) So they went and So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.setting the guard.


This signified that the full power and This signified that the full power and authority of Rome would stand against the authority of Rome would stand against the one who broke the seal.one who broke the seal.


A Roman Guard was placed at the tombA Roman Guard was placed at the tomb


(Mat 27:65-66 NKJV) Pilate said to them, (Mat 27:65-66 NKJV) Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” {66} So they secure as you know how.” {66} So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.stone and setting the guard.


The tomb was inspected carefully. The tomb was inspected carefully.


(John 20:3-8 NKJV)(John 20:3-8 NKJV) Peter therefore went out, Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. {4} So they both ran together, and the other {4} So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. {5} And he, stooping down and looking in, saw {5} And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. {6} Then Simon Peter came, following him, and {6} Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, lying there,


{7} and the handkerchief that had been {7} and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. {8} Then the other disciple, who itself. {8} Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.saw and believed.


(John 20:11 NKJV(John 20:11 NKJV) But Mary stood ) But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.tomb.

Who Moved the Stone?Who Moved the Stone?Who Moved the Stone?Who Moved the Stone?

Did the Did the Jews? Jews?


(Mat 27:62-66 NKJV)(Mat 27:62-66 NKJV) On the next day, On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, {63} saying, “Sir, we together to Pilate, {63} saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ rise.’


{64} “Therefore command that the tomb be made {64} “Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” {65} Pilate deception will be worse than the first.” {65} Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” {66} So they make it as secure as you know how.” {66} So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.and setting the guard.


The Jews were the very ones trying to The Jews were the very ones trying to prevent the resurrection.prevent the resurrection.


The Jews were the very ones trying to The Jews were the very ones trying to prevent the resurrection.prevent the resurrection.

If so they had a perfect time to present the If so they had a perfect time to present the body 50 days later!body 50 days later!


(Acts 2:32 NKJV) “This Jesus God has (Acts 2:32 NKJV) “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.raised up, of which we are all witnesses.


(Acts 2:36 NKJV) “Therefore let all the (Acts 2:36 NKJV) “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”Lord and Christ.”


Did the Did the Romans?Romans?


Did the Did the Romans?Romans? The Romans would not want to risk their The Romans would not want to risk their

necks for what they would consider as "silly necks for what they would consider as "silly Jewish superstition”.Jewish superstition”.


Did the Did the Romans?Romans? The Romans would not want to risk their The Romans would not want to risk their

necks for what they would consider as "silly necks for what they would consider as "silly Jewish superstition”.Jewish superstition”.

The penalty for a Roman guard's failure was The penalty for a Roman guard's failure was death.death.


(Acts 16:26-27 NKJV)(Acts 16:26-27 NKJV) Suddenly there was a Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. {27} And the keeper of the were loosed. {27} And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.himself.


(Acts 27:42 NKJV)(Acts 27:42 NKJV) And the soldiers’ plan And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape.should swim away and escape.


Did the Did the Disciples?Disciples?


Did the Did the Disciples?Disciples? This was the best explanation the smartest This was the best explanation the smartest

men among the Jews could come up with. men among the Jews could come up with.


(Mat 28:11-15 NKJV)(Mat 28:11-15 NKJV) Now while they were Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. {12} When they had things that had happened. {12} When they had assembled with the elders and consulted assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, {13} saying, “Tell them, ‘His soldiers, {13} saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ while we slept.’


{14} “And if this comes to the governor’s {14} “And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” {15} So they took the money and secure.” {15} So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.this day.


If they were asleep, how did they know it If they were asleep, how did they know it was the disciples?was the disciples?


If they were asleep, how did they know it If they were asleep, how did they know it was the disciples?was the disciples?

Why did the Romans authorities not Why did the Romans authorities not prosecute the apostles as grave robbers?prosecute the apostles as grave robbers?


Did the apostles give their lives for a lie?Did the apostles give their lives for a lie?


Did the apostles give their lives for a lie?Did the apostles give their lives for a lie? Their account is believable.Their account is believable.


(Mark 16:9-14 NKJV)(Mark 16:9-14 NKJV) - Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.


12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. 14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.


Who then moved the stone?Who then moved the stone?


(Acts 13:27-31 NKJV)(Acts 13:27-31 NKJV) “For those who “For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. {28} “And though they found no Him. {28} “And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. that He should be put to death.


{29} “Now when they had fulfilled all that {29} “Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. {30} “But God raised Him from the dead. {30} “But God raised Him from the dead. {31} “He was seen for many days by those {31} “He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.people.

Modern Day Attempts to Deny the Modern Day Attempts to Deny the ResurrectionResurrection


The Swoon Theory.The Swoon Theory.



The Swoon Theory.The Swoon Theory. The enemies were closely watching the The enemies were closely watching the

cross.cross.



The Swoon Theory.The Swoon Theory. The enemies were closely watching the The enemies were closely watching the

cross.cross.



(Mark 15:31-32 NKJV)(Mark 15:31-32 NKJV) Likewise the Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. {32} “Let others; Himself He cannot save. {32} “Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.with Him reviled Him.



(Mark 15:44-45 NKJV)(Mark 15:44-45 NKJV) Pilate marveled Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. {45} So when he found dead for some time. {45} So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.to Joseph.



The burial process itself would have killed The burial process itself would have killed Jesus.Jesus.



(John 19:39-40 NKJV)(John 19:39-40 NKJV) And Nicodemus, And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. {40} Then aloes, about a hundred pounds. {40} Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.of the Jews is to bury.



How could Jesus have done this? How could Jesus have done this?



(Luke 24:13-15 NKJV)(Luke 24:13-15 NKJV) Now behold, two Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. {14} And they talked miles from Jerusalem. {14} And they talked together of all these things which had together of all these things which had happened. {15} So it was, while they happened. {15} So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.drew near and went with them.



(Luke 24:32 NKJV)(Luke 24:32 NKJV) And they said to one And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

The Significance of the ResurrectionThe Significance of the Resurrection..The Significance of the ResurrectionThe Significance of the Resurrection..

Jesus is the Son of God.Jesus is the Son of God.


(Rom 1:3-4 NKJV(Rom 1:3-4 NKJV) concerning His Son ) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, {4} seed of David according to the flesh, {4} and declared to be the Son of God with and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.by the resurrection from the dead.


Our resurrection is certain.Our resurrection is certain.


(1 Cor 6:14 NKJV)(1 Cor 6:14 NKJV) And God both raised And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.power.


(2 Cor 4:13-14 NKJV)(2 Cor 4:13-14 NKJV) And since we have And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, {14} we also believe and therefore speak, {14} knowing that He who raised up the Lord knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.will present us with you.


(Acts 17:30-31(Acts 17:30-31 NKJV)NKJV) “Truly, these times “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, commands all men everywhere to repent, {31} “because He has appointed a day on {31} “because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”all by raising Him from the dead.”


We are compelled to obey the gospel of We are compelled to obey the gospel of Christ. Christ.


(1 Pet 3:21 NKJV)(1 Pet 3:21 NKJV) There is also an There is also an antitype which now saves us; baptism (not antitype which now saves us; baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,


(2 Th 1:7-10 NKJV)(2 Th 1:7-10 NKJV) and to give you who are and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, {8} in flaming fire taking vengeance on those {8} in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. {9} These shall be punished with everlasting {9} These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, from the glory of His power,


{10} when He comes, in that Day, to be {10} when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.testimony among you was believed.


Do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised Do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead?from the dead?


Do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised Do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead?from the dead?

Are you living the Christian life? Are you Are you living the Christian life? Are you ready for judgment?ready for judgment?


Dying words of atheists.Dying words of atheists.


Ingersoll:Ingersoll: "0 God, if there be a God, save "0 God, if there be a God, save my soul, if I have a soul, from hell, if there my soul, if I have a soul, from hell, if there be a hell.“be a hell.“


Voltaire:Voltaire: "I am aban doned by God and "I am aban doned by God and man; I will give you half of what I am man; I will give you half of what I am worth, if you will give me six month's life," worth, if you will give me six month's life," to the doctor treating him. When told it to the doctor treating him. When told it could not be done, he continued, "Then I could not be done, he continued, "Then I shall die and go to hell.“shall die and go to hell.“


Sir Thomas Scott:Sir Thomas Scott: "Until this moment I "Until this moment I thought there was neither a God nor a hell. thought there was neither a God nor a hell. Now I know and feel there are both, and I Now I know and feel there are both, and I am doomed to perdition by the just am doomed to perdition by the just judgment of the Almighty."judgment of the Almighty."

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Do you understand the logical basis for faith in Christ? n What if someone asked you this question: “Why Christianity?”