The Life of Jesus (44)

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The Life of Jesus (44)
Did Jesus Arise from the Dead? Examining Theories
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• Last lesson We examined the conduct of the
  eyewitnesses which argues for His resurrection

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Theories refuting resurrection
Jesus was a spirit, hallucination Jesus proved
His physical resurrection Lk. 2439-43 1 John
11 They handled, heard, and saw
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Theories refuting resurrection
Jesus was a spirit, hallucination Epistles
referenced a physical resurrection cf. Jn. 121,
Acts 315, 1329-30, Rom. 424, 63-5, Col.
212, etc. Appearances do not fit a vision or
hallucination groups, multiple appearances,
etc.
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Theories refuting resurrection
Body stolen by disciples Cf. Matt. 2811-16 Why
would his disciples (and leaders) die and give up
all they did for a known deception? Too many
disciples for none to admit it was a fraud Does
not explain appearances
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Theories refuting resurrection
Body stolen by enemies Why did they not produce
the body when resurrection was preached? Account
of bribing the soldiers. Does not explain
conversion of Paul and James
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Theories refuting resurrection
Wrong tomb Several women, Joseph and Nicodemus
all knew the place. It was Josephs tomb! As
they began to preach resurrection, the correct
tomb and/or body would be produced and refute
disciples
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Theories refuting resurrection
The Swoon Theory States Jesus didnt really
die, but passed out. IN grave, He recovered.
Then He appeared to disciples
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Theories refuting resurrection
The Swoon Theory The Roman executioners knew
their job. Verified his death His body was
handled The degree of punishment would not lend
toward Jesus swooning.
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Theories refuting resurrection
The Swoon Theory The quality of His appearances
not a weakened state. IF Jesus didnt die on
cross, when did HE die? Where was His tomb? Also
lives of disciples!
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Theories refuting resurrection
The Swoon Theory Jesus claimed He would
arise! Also, prophecies Isa. 53, Ac. 22,
etc. What would be odds of such claims being
accompanied by one not dying when condemned?
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Theories refuting resurrection
Jesus was not crucified Proposed by some Muslims
(cf. Gospel of Barnabas) Body not produced. Who
was buried? The empty tomb still recorded!
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Theories refuting resurrection
Other theories Mistaken identity God destroyed
the physical body, appearances spiritual Spiritual
appearance, but they never visited the tomb ALL
such theories fall short!
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Other observations!
Why so much opposition to the resurrection? To
disprove the resurrection is to disprove
Christianity!To validate other systems, the
resurrection must be refuted!
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Other observations!
His enemies did not deny the resurrection! Gospel
preached with resurrection. While they mocked,
it was never refuted. Cf. Acts 2518-19, 2623-28
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Other observations!
Jesus mentioned in external sources! Tacitus
(55-120 AD), Roman historian, a most mischievous
superstition) Annals, 1544
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Other observations!
Jesus mentioned in external sources! Josephus
(37-97AD), Jewish historian, had condemned Him
to the cross,for He appeared to them alive again
the third day) Antiquities, 1863
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Other observations!
Jesus mentioned in external sources! Lucian (2nd
century satirist), spoke of Christians speaking
of being immortal and they had contempt for death
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Other observations!
Jesus mentioned in external sources! Celment (ca.
95 AD), Ignatius (110-115 AD), Justin Martyr (ca
150 AD) church fathers referenced resurrection
in their correspondence.
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• Muhammads tomb occupied!
• Buddhas tomb occupied!
• Confucius tomb occupied!
• Jesus tomb EMPTY!

Where is your hope?