The physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is probably the most attacked truth of Biblical Christianity. This is because not only does the Gospel of the Grace of God stand or fall on this one essential fact of history, but so does the validity of the entire Bible. When we refer to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we mean that it is a historical fact that He literally rose physically from the dead three days after He was crucified. Three days after His death, He emerged from the grave very much alive. While it was the same body that had suffered on the Cross, in His Resurrection it was, and will continue to be forever, in a glorified state. He showed His disciples the proof that He was not simply appearing to them as a spiritual apparition as they first thought. He did this by showing them the physical evidence and inviting them to handle it for themselves (see Lk. 24:36-40). They were allowed to put their hands on His body and even touch the scars in His hands and feet where He had been nailed to the cross to relieve their doubts about Him really being alive (Lk. 39-40; also see Joh. 20:24-28).
Having shed His blood on the cross, His resurrected body was of “flesh and bones,” just as it had been before His crucifixion and while He hung on the cross. But, in its glorified state of resurrection, there were spiritual qualities about it that we who live in mortal bodies of corruption cannot fully understand. In His glorified body the Lord Jesus was able to conceal His identity from His disciples when He chose to (Lk. 24:15-16, 30-31). He was able to sit down and eat a meal (Lk. 24:30, 42-43) and then disappear “out of their sight” (Lk. 24:30-31). He could also suddenly appear wherever, to whoever, whenever He chose (see Matt. 28:1-10, 16-18; Mk. 16:6-7, 9-14; Lk. 24:13-16, 30-31, 33, 36; Joh. 20: 14-17, 19, 26; 21:1, 14; Acts 9:1-5; I Cor. 15:4-8). This brings us to our question, “Must a Christian Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?” The answer is, to be a Biblical Christian, yes, they must.
The Bible tells us that the Gospel of salvation is “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (I Cor. 15:3-4). Many who claim the title of “Christian” today do not think that belief in the actual, physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is necessary, and some even deny that it happened. But, this leaves them with a “dead savior” who has no power to save anyone. Those who believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins and rose again the third day as the Bible says He did are trusting in a “Living Savior” who has the authority to forgive their sins and the power to give them eternal life. He is not only alive today, but He is seated “at the right hand of God” where He “maketh intercession” for those who trust in Him (see Rom. 8:33-34; I Tim. 2:5-6). If you believe in a Christ that is not risen from the dead, you have no hope beyond this life and you will die in your sins (see I Cor. 15:16-19). But, if you believe in the Christ who is risen from the dead in victory over sin and death, you will receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of Eternal Life (see Acts 16:31); Rom. 3:23-26; 4:24-25; I Cor. 15:20-22; II Cor. 4:14; Eph. 1:19-20; I Thess. 1:10; etc., etc.). Jesus Christ is alive today and is able and willing to save all who come to Him through faith. Do you believe this? Your eternal destiny depends on it.
BEREAN BIBLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 587
Slinger, WI 53086
Phone: 262-644-5504
E-mail:bbi@bereanbibleinstitute.org
