Was the Resurrection Real?

To many modern minds, schooled in skepticism, the resurrection of Jesus seems like a fantasy. A legend that defies logic. Just a nice story with a happy ending.

The fact is that a growing percentage of people do not believe that Jesus really rose from the dead. In the UK, a BBC survey revealed that half of all people don’t believe in the resurrection (including a fourth of those claiming to be Christians). Similarly, according to recent research, only 65 percent of Americans believe in Jesus’ resurrection.

This growing skepticism reveals many things about modern society. Perhaps most importantly, it challenges the core of our beliefs. It changes how we look at Jesus and our attitude toward the Christian faith.

Paul understood the importance of the resurrection. For him, this was not a fantasy or superstition. In fact, he had a personal encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6). Paul also described how the risen Jesus had appeared to hundreds of men and women, and “last of all” to him personally (1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

Some early believers were skeptical, and doubted the resurrection. Most prominent among these skeptics was Thomas. But after Jesus appeared to him, all doubts were gone, and he became a fervent believer (John 20:24-28).

What is your attitude toward the resurrection? Is this just a story? Or did Jesus really rise from the dead? Bring any doubts you may have to Jesus Himself. Let Him prove to you that He still lives. That He really rose from the dead. And realize that the resurrection proves central principles about our faith. Eternal life. Miracles. That change is possible. The fact that God can do anything.