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What are some of the examples shared by Dr. Groothuis which provide evidence for Jesus’ resurrection?
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Jesus was publicly crucified by the Romans, His death was well known. He was buried in a a known tomb and the tomb was reported to be empty afterwards. Women witnessed the empty tomb. The burial was done by a rich man. These were facts.
However to strengthen the case for resurrection we have: there were repeated appearances of Jesus over 40 days afterwards, to various people in various situations. There were records of Jesus being touched, seen and the he ate with His disciples in His resurrected body. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul speaks of the resurrection of Jesus a few years after His death, so you cannot say his disciples made it up a long time later. People were believing and worshipping the resurrected Lord early in the Christian story. The disciples were transformed from being dejected and hopeless to being inspired and courageous, preaching Christ crucified and resurrected to an unbelieving world; the Jews and Romans. In a background of monotheism where miracles were possible, we have reliable evidence which explains that Jesus did rise from the dead.
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I think it is important to touch on some basic facts about Christ’s death and burial. These are claims that are deemed factual by people of varying faiths as well as agnostic and atheist scholars. Jesus was crucified by Romans, He was buried in a tomb, and at some point after His death the tomb was empty. All four writers of the Gospel, who were either eyewitnesses or who were partnered with witnesses, reported that the tomb was empty. Scripture documents women as witnessing the empty tomb. And concerning His resurrection, for an approximate 40-day period Jesus Christ was seen, was touched and was spoken to by many witnesses. We also see the transformation of the lives of those who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ after witnessing His resurrection. They determined to fulfill the Great Commission even if it meant they would lose their lives. As you will recall prior to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, His disciples abandoned Him and scattered, and at least one even denied Jesus. Their bold faith after Christ’s resurrection is a testament to what they knew to be true, that Christ indeed had arisen.
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He was truly executed, was buried, his grave was empty, and he appeared to various people at various times after his death.
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The empty tomb
The women who witnessed the empty tomb
Jesus appeared to multiple people over 40 days -
Some of the examples shared were: (1) women were witnesses, (2) only one burial story, (3) the early church is created with the belief of Christ’s resurrection, (4) the disciples were transformed and even died for the belief of Christ’s resurrection.