It's Easter—that most pleasant of springtime holidays—when children stuff themselves with marshmallows and stain their fingers with pastel dyes. In reality, of course, Easter is about something darker and more fantastic. It's a celebration of the final act of the Passion, in which Jesus rose from his tomb in his body three days after his execution, to reside in heaven with God. The Gospels insist on the veracity of this supernatural event. The risen Lord "ate barbecued fish [Luke] and walked through doors [John]," is how a friend of mine, an Episcopalian priest, puts it. This rising—the Resurrection—remains at the center of the Christian faith, the narrative climax of every creed. Jesus died and rose again so that all his followers could, eventually, do the same. This story has strained the credulity of even the most devoted believer. For, truly, it's unbelievable.
When I read what this author had to write, I was with her until she got to her last two sentences. Then I had to shake my head in disagreement. I consider myself a devoted believer. The historical account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ has NOT strained my credulity. I believe in the resurrection of Christ because the evidence for his resurrection is quite compelling. And why should it be unbelievable? If Jesus Christ IS who he claimed to be (and the Bible declares him to be) then he is none other than God incarnate. And since he is God - then why should we think that he being resurrected from the dead is all that "unbelievable?" After all, as God he has power over death!
This week, I will go on to discuss the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Evidence, that when considered with an open mind, shouts loudly to all who will listen, "He is not here. He has risen just as he said!" (Matthew 28:6). I hope you will stop back.
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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