The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important, and the most easily provable event of all human history. Because He defeated death, we know that we can do the same! Death for a Christian is now a paper enemy, like the banner stretched out across the tunnel leading out into a football stadium, ready to be burst asunder as we plow through it and into Heaven! The verses that follow describe the resurrection, and the some of the proofs of the resurrection, things that can give us peace and assurance of the reality of that blessed event.
There were too many witnesses to it for it to be false
KJV 1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 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. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
By the time Paul wrote this, the account of the resurrection had been spread nearly around the world, and the witnesses were still alive to verify it! If there had been any untruth to what he said, it would have readily been known and refuted.
The location of the tomb was unmistakable
KJV Matthew 27:57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 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.
This was no obscure hole in the ground, it was a well-known location owned by a well known man.
There were too many guards for any shenanigans to take place
KJV Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64 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 worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
These soldiers were more than a match for frightened disciples.
In the days that followed, there was too much incentive to produce a body if a body could have been produced
KJV Matthew 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Producing the body would have “solved everything” as far as both the Romans and the priests were concerned. Yet no-one produced a body. There was none to produce. Yet 2000 years later, people like James Cameron are still scratching around for a body that is long since risen and gone.
The only people who had any motive to “stage a resurrection” died as martyrs for the truth of the resurrection!
KJV Matthew 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
If they did not know for a fact He had risen, would Peter been crucified upside down for the truth of the resurrection? Would John have been boiled in oil, exiled for the truth of the resurrection? Would Doubting Thomas have been speared to death for the truth of the resurrection? Would Mark have been killed under Nero for the truth of the resurrection? Would Bartholomew have been skinned alive then crucified upside down. for the truth of the resurrection? Would James have been beheaded for the truth of the resurrection? Would Stephen have been stoned for the truth of the resurrection? Would Andrew have been scourged severely, crucified with chords, not nails, making his agony last 2 days, for the truth of the resurrection?
These men, these followers, were in a position to know the truth, and they were willing to die for the fact of His resurrection!
But what does all of this mean for us? Paul put it this way:
KJV 1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Simply put, since He rose, His children will as well. I am not looking forward to death, but I know that it will not be able to hold me, any more than it could Him! So this Easter, you that have received the risen Lord as your Savior, rejoice! Since He emerged from death as a victor, you will as well.