The Resurrection: Fact or Fiction?

Whatever one believes about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, everyone has to acknowledge that something significant happened on that morning. That day changed the course of history, even to the point of changing the calendar from B.C. (before Christ) to A.D. (Latin anno domini - the year of our Lord). So dramatic were the events of that day that it completely changed the lives of eleven men, causing them to endure suffering and even death for the cause of Christ. They would tell us that the tomb of Jesus Christ was empty! Reports of that empty tomb and personal appearances by the resurrected Christ have shaken the foundation of belief and shaped the course of history from that day forward.

If someone wanted to "explain away" the events surrounding Christ's resurrection, they would have to deal with certain FACTS. The fact that something happened in spite of both the Jews' and Romans' security precautions - crucifixion, burial, entombment, sealing and guarding the tomb - makes it very difficult for critics to defend the position that Christ didn't rise from the dead. The remainder of this Holy Week will be dedicated to exploring the facts surrounding the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the mean time, contemplate the words of Paul recorded in I Corinthians 15:5-8:

5. and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.
6. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.
7. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
8. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.