Episode 13: The Resurrection & Ascension | We Believe: A Study of the Apostles Creed

The Resurrection: The Heart of the Apostles' Creed

As Pastor Rich and Pastor Klarc continue to break down the Apostles' Creed, we are excited to dive deeper into one of the most profound truths in Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ! It’s a statement that we affirm every time we recite the Creed: “On the third day He rose again from the dead.” This pivotal moment in history is central to our faith, and understanding its depth helps us appreciate the full scope of the Christian story.

The Significance of the Resurrection

The resurrection is the defining event in Christianity. From the very moment Jesus rose from the dead, the course of human history was forever changed. Christianity has been built upon the truth that Jesus, having died, conquered death and was raised to life on the third day. It was not just a spiritual resurrection—it was physical. He rose from the dead at the tomb, and His appearances to His followers were numerous, confirming that He had truly overcome death.

One remarkable detail in the resurrection story is that the first people to witness the risen Lord were women. In ancient times, women were not considered credible witnesses, so if the resurrection story were fabricated, it would be highly unlikely for women to be the first to report it. Yet, Mary Magdalene and another Mary were the first to see Jesus alive after His death. This fact not only highlights the authenticity of the resurrection but also marks an incredible moment for women in the history of Christianity—Mary Magdalene and the other women were the first apostles to the apostles.

Why Three Days?

The three-day timeline of Jesus' death and resurrection is significant for a few reasons. First, in Jewish tradition, it was believed that a person's spirit could linger for three days after death, possibly to return to the body. Jesus' death and three-day stay in the tomb made it clear to all that He was truly dead—this wasn’t a resuscitation or a trick. He was fully dead, and His resurrection after three days demonstrated that He had conquered death, not just escaped it.

Additionally, the three-day timeline fulfills biblical prophecy. Jesus Himself foretold His death and resurrection multiple times, and His resurrection on the third day confirmed His words and the Scriptures. This aligns with the Passover narrative, where the lamb was sacrificed, and the blood of the lamb marked the Israelites for protection. Jesus, our Passover Lamb, died on the same day as the sacrificial lambs, fulfilling the prophecy and providing ultimate freedom from sin and death.

Eyewitness Evidence

For those who may be skeptical of the resurrection, there is a wealth of evidence supporting the claim that Jesus truly rose from the dead. The most compelling evidence comes from eyewitness accounts. The apostles didn’t just hear about the resurrection; they saw Jesus with their own eyes, touched Him, ate with Him, and spent 40 days with Him after His resurrection. These encounters were not limited to a few individuals but included over 500 people at once, as Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 15.

Moreover, the disciples were willing to die for what they had seen. They didn't recant their testimonies, even under threat of torture and death. They had encountered the risen Christ and were so convinced of His resurrection that they were willing to be martyred for their faith. This is a significant point, as it would be illogical for someone to die for a fabricated story.

Additionally, the empty tomb stands as undeniable proof. The Roman guards and Jewish leaders couldn’t deny that Jesus’ body was no longer in the tomb. The story that the disciples stole the body doesn’t hold water for several reasons, including the fact that the tomb was sealed and heavily guarded. The notion that a group of fishermen could overpower Roman soldiers and move the massive stone is implausible, and the Romans themselves acknowledged the empty tomb, even paying off the guards to spread a different story.

The Resurrection for All

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a theological concept; it’s a truth that invites each of us into a transformative relationship with God. For those of us who already believe, it is the cornerstone of our faith, providing us with hope, assurance, and the promise of eternal life. For those who are still skeptical, the evidence of the resurrection is compelling. It is the key to understanding Jesus' divinity, His victory over death, and the salvation He offers to all who believe.

Hope in the Resurrection: Confidence for Today and Eternity

For us as Christians, the resurrection means more than just a historical event. It is the cornerstone of our hope. When Jesus rose from the dead, it was a powerful declaration that he has authority over life and death. It also affirmed that the Father accepted Jesus's sacrifice on our behalf—our atonement is complete.

This hope extends beyond the grave. As believers, we don’t just hope in this life—we hope in life after death. The resurrection guarantees that our future is secure in Christ. It reminds us that, even in the midst of hardship, there is clarity about our eternal future. When we face the ups and downs of life, we can hold fast to the truth that our eternity is set.

The early church provides a profound example of this hope in action. The apostles, who once ran away in fear when Jesus was arrested, were transformed after encountering the resurrected Christ. They went from being cowards to being bold witnesses, willing to die rather than recant their testimony. This transformation points to the undeniable power of the resurrection, which continues to give us the confidence to live boldly today. In the face of uncertainty, the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us hope. It fuels our confidence in the present and guarantees our future. This hope is what allows us to live fully for Christ today, regardless of the challenges we face.