The Resurrection of Jesus: Fact and Foundation of the Christian Faith

The Resurrection of Jesus: Fact and Foundation of the Christian Faith

J. Neil Daniels 

Historical Factuality of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth stands at the heart of the Christian faith—not merely as a metaphor or theological idea, but as a historical event. The New Testament presents the resurrection not as a private spiritual experience, but as a public, bodily event witnessed by numerous individuals. According to 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, Paul recounts a list of eyewitnesses—many of whom were still alive when he wrote—that included Peter, the Twelve, over five hundred believers, James, and finally Paul himself. This early creedal formulation, widely recognized by scholars as predating the letter itself, demonstrates that the resurrection belief arose within months or at most a few years of the crucifixion, not generations later.

The tomb was empty. While alternate theories abound—such as the stolen body hypothesis, hallucination theories, or the claim that Jesus only swooned—each fails to adequately account for the convergence of historical data. The consistent testimony of the empty tomb, the transformation of disheartened disciples into bold witnesses, and the willingness of many to suffer and die for their proclamation of the risen Christ form a cumulative case for the factuality of the resurrection. Even non-Christian scholars such as E. P. Sanders, Gerd Lüdemann, and Bart Ehrman concede certain minimal facts (e.g., the crucifixion, the belief in appearances, and the rise of the resurrection proclamation) that demand historical explanation.

Theological Significance of the Resurrection

The resurrection is not an ancillary doctrine—it is the linchpin of Christian theology. According to Paul, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Cor 15:17). The resurrection vindicates Jesus’ identity as the Son of God (Rom 1:4), affirms the efficacy of His atoning death (Rom 4:25), and inaugurates the new creation and the hope of bodily resurrection for all believers (1 Cor 15:20–23). Without the resurrection, the crucifixion would be a tragic martyrdom at best. With it, the cross becomes the triumph of divine love and justice, the turning point of redemptive history.

Furthermore, the resurrection serves as the guarantee of future judgment (Acts 17:31) and the firstfruits of the eschatological kingdom. It is not only about the past or future, but about the present: Christ’s resurrection life empowers believers now through union with Him (Rom 6:4–11). The risen Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for His people and building His Church (Heb 7:25; Matt 28:18–20).

A Living Hope in a Dying World

The resurrection of Jesus is not only true; it is good. It confronts the darkness of death with unquenchable light. In a world haunted by despair, injustice, and mortality, the resurrection proclaims that evil will not have the last word. Jesus has conquered death, and all who belong to Him shall share in His victory.

Easter, then, is not merely a springtime celebration of new life. It is a thunderous declaration that the grave is not the end, that sin has been defeated, and that the risen Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. Christians do not gather on Easter Sunday to wish upon a myth or indulge in sentimental hope—they gather to proclaim what the angels declared: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said” (Matt 28:6).

This resurrection changes everything. It compels belief, demands repentance, empowers mission, and sustains joy. Let the empty tomb speak: Christ is risen—He is risen indeed.

Suggested Scripture for Reflection

🔸1 Corinthians 15

🔸Romans 6:4–11

🔸Matthew 28:1–10

🔸Acts 2:22–36

🔸1 Peter 1:3–5