7 Reasons Why I Know that Jesus Rose From the Dead

Did Jesus really die and rise again? Paul tells us if He didn’t, our faith is worthless and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:14-17) so it is an important question to settle in our for our faith.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com. Subscribe and set notifications on YouTube at https://revtrev.com/tv and visit https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

Here are 7 Reasons Why I Know that Jesus Rose From the Dead

1. Eyewitness Accounts

Emphasizing the significance of eyewitness testimonies, various individuals and groups claimed to have seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion. These accounts are documented in the New Testament, with appearances to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and over 500 people at once. See John 20:11-18, Matthew 28:9-10, Luke 24:13-35, John 20:19-23, John 20:24-29, John 21:1-14, Matthew 28:16-20, 1 Corinthians 15:6-7

2. Empty Tomb

The discovery of Jesus' empty tomb is another critical point. The tomb was found empty by women, whose testimonies were not highly regarded at that time. This detail adds credibility to the story, as it would be unlikely to fabricate such information. See Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12 , John 20:1-10

3. Transformation of the Disciples

Initially fearful and in hiding after Jesus' death, his disciples became bold proclaimers of his resurrection after claiming to have seen him alive. This transformation from fear to courage, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom, supports the truth of their claims. See: John 20:19 vs Acts 4:13 and see below.

4. Early Christian Writings

Early Christian creeds and writings referencing the resurrection, some dating back to shortly after Jesus' death, suggest that belief in the resurrection was foundational to early Christian faith. This indicates that the belief was not a later development but an integral part of early Christianity. See: Justin Martyr "Dialogue with Trypho", Chapter 108. Tertullian "On the Resurrection of the Flesh", Chapter 48. Origen commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Book 2, Chapter 24.

5. Historical Impact

The rapid growth of Christianity from a small group to a major religious movement within a few centuries is used to argue for the authenticity of the resurrection. Such a significant impact is believed to be difficult to explain without an extraordinary event like the resurrection. There are reasons that Rome made it possible, but why Christianity and not the cult of Mithras? It had even more advantages in the same time period of Roman history.

6. Disciples Zeal

All (but maybe 1 - who was tortured and persecuted*) died because they told people Jesus rose from the dead.

• Peter: Crucified upside down in Rome, around AD 64-68 during the persecution under Emperor Nero.
• Andrew: Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece, around AD 60-70.
• James, son of Zebedee: Beheaded in Jerusalem around AD 44 by Herod Agrippa I.
• John*: Died of natural causes in Ephesus around AD 95-100, although there are some traditions that suggest he was martyred.
• Philip: Martyred in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) by hanging or crucifixion around AD 80.
• Bartholomew: Flayed alive and then either crucified or beheaded in Armenia or India.
• Matthew: Killed by a sword in Ethiopia or Persia.
• Thomas: Speared to death in Mylapore, India, around AD 72.
• James, son of Alphaeus: Stoned and clubbed to death in Egypt or Jerusalem.
• Thaddaeus (Jude): Martyred with arrows in Beirut or Edessa.
• Simon the Zealot: Crucified in Persia or Samaria.
• Matthias: Stoned and beheaded in Jerusalem.

Who dies for a good person or to sustain a lie? But this makes sense if they saw Jesus after his death.

7. The difference it’s made in my own life.

So far I’ve stuck with historical, researchable topics, but this reason is my most personal. I’ve confessed with my mouth “Jesus the Lord” and believed in my heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9) and I am saved… not only that I know one day I’ll be with Him forever, in a new glorious body and enjoy Him forever, but also from and through the crap that this life can be in the meantime.

Do you have another reason you believe Jesus rose from the dead? Tell me in the comments.

Check out other topics on Jesus

Who is Jesus? - Theology

• Why did Jesus call himself the Son of man instead of the Son of God? https://revtrev.com/live-loved/why-did-jesus-call-himself-the-son-of-man-instead-of-the-son-of-god/
• How can God consist of three gods? https://revtrev.com/live-light/how-can-god-consist-of-three-gods/
• The Nicene Creed with Scripture References https://revtrev.com/living-light/the-nicene-creed-with-scripture-references/
• Why do Christians believe Jesus is God? https://revtrev.com/live-light/why-do-christians-believe-jesus-is-god/
• Did Jesus really claim to be God? https://revtrev.com/live-light/did-jesus-claim-to-be-god/
• Why does the empty tomb matter? https://revtrev.com/living-light/why-does-the-empty-tomb-matter/
• How to know and experience our Triune God today - Why the trinity is so essential https://revtrev.com/living-light/trinity-essential/
• Why Jesus not salvation is the Greatest Gift to us https://revtrev.com/live-loved/jesus-not-salvation-greatest-gift-us/

What difference does Jesus mean to me?

• How to Abide in Christ in the day-to-day of Everyday https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-abide-in-christ-in-the-day-to-day-of-everyday/
• Do you know the rhythms of Jesus? https://revtrev.com/manifesto/understand-rhythm-jesus/
• YIELD to Jesus as Lord https://revtrev.com/livecasts/yield-to-jesus-as-lord/
• Do you follow the path and pattern of Jesus? https://revtrev.com/manifesto/learn-path-and-pattern-of-jesus-today/
• Can my weary soul rejoice again? https://revtrev.com/livecasts/can-my-weary-soul-rejoice-again/
• Why good works matter even more today https://revtrev.com/living-light/why-good-works-matter-even-more-today/
• Will you RISK for real community? https://revtrev.com/livecasts/will-you-risk-for-real-community/
• 7 tips to have conversations that open the door to Christ https://revtrev.com/podcast/podcast-7-tips-to-have-conversations-that-open-the-door-to-christ/
• I look for opportunity to Share Jesus and His Love https://revtrev.com/livecasts/negativity-fast-reflection-day-10-i-look-for-opportunity-to-share-jesus-and-his-love/
• What’s to BLAME when you don’t seek the Lord? https://revtrev.com/living-light/whats-to-blame-when-you-dont-seek-the-lord/
• Love Like Jesus - Part 1 https://revtrev.com/podcast/love-like-jesus-part-1/
• Love Like Jesus - Part 2 https://revtrev.com/podcast/love-like-jesus-part-2/
• 17 reasons to seek the Lord https://revtrev.com/living-light/17-reasons-to-seek-the-lord/
• 7 Reasons Gratitude Benefits You https://revtrev.com/live-light-academy/7-reasons-gratitude-benefits-you/
• How to understand and enjoy the gifts God has for you Today https://revtrev.com/message/how-to-understand-and-enjoy-the-gifts-god-has-for-you-today/

Learn and Experience All You Can About Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit is very God. And there is always more to learn and experience about God. Learn more and check out the links of all the discussion on Holy Spirit on RevTrev.com.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com. Subscribe and set notifications on YouTube at https://revtrev.com/tv and visit https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

Weekend discussion

"Last weekend someone asked me, 'Why don’t pastors seem to do sermons on the Holy Spirit anymore?'” I was a little shocked. My response was “You haven’t been listening to my podcast?” I felt I’ve always talking about Holy Spirit and His work in my life.

So as we talked, every question that came up I looked for teaching I had on it. I’m not saying it’s all complete-after all, we’re talking about God-but I think this is a good start on it.

I also realized I’ve never created a resource with everything I’ve taught on Holy Spirit, so I decided I should do this up. I will update this post over time. For now let’s start with an understanding with How Holy Spirit works in the Bible. This is from the Bible Project on YouTube.

Understand How Holy Spirit Works in the Bible

Transcript of video

The transcript is a discussion about the Holy Spirit, starting with the term's introduction and its significance in the Bible. It begins by explaining that to understand the Holy Spirit, one must start from the very beginning of the Bible. God's spirit hovers over the chaotic, uncreated world, ready to bring life, order, and beauty.

The video introduces and explains "ruach," the Hebrew word for spirit. It can mean wind, breath, or spirit, emphasizing the concept of invisible energy that is powerful and life-sustaining. This term, used in the Bible, describes God's personal presence, which, like wind and breath, is invisible yet vital and powerful.

The narrative continues by showing how God's ruach empowers individuals throughout the Bible. For instance, Joseph has the ability to interpret dreams, and Bezalel has artistic wisdom and skills. God's spirit empowers the prophets to perceive and communicate God's perspective on historical events.

The prophets also foresee a future where God's spirit will transform human hearts, enabling people to love God and others genuinely. This transformation links to Jesus arriving, as the Holy Spirit descends upon him at his baptism, marking the start of a new creation.

Jesus' ministry, his healing, and forgiveness acts demonstrate God's spirit bringing life where there was once death. Even after Jesus' death, the spirit raises him from the dead, marking the beginning of a new creation that continues as Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit onto his disciples.

In conclusion, the Holy Spirit continues to be active today, guiding people towards Jesus, transforming, and empowering them to love God and others. The Christian hope is that the spirit will complete the work, culminating in a new humanity living in a world filled with God's love and life-giving spirit. The Bible Project aims to explore such biblical themes through their videos, available for free on YouTube.

What I’ve Taught on Holy Spirit

Check out my messages and blog posts on Holy Spirit. I’ll keep this updated. Let me know if there is a specific topic you want covered in the comments.

• How to know and experience more of our triune God today https://revtrev.com/living-light/trinity-essential/
• Is Spiritual Growth is on your vision board? https://revtrev.com/living-light/is-spiritual-growth-on-your-vision-board/
• How to be confident you’re being led from Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/living-light/be-confident-led-holy-spirit/
• God is with us will I be with Him? https://revtrev.com/living-light/god-is-always-with-us-will-i-be-with-him/
• How to understand and and enjoy the Gifts God has for you Today https://revtrev.com/message/how-to-understand-and-enjoy-the-gifts-god-has-for-you-today/
• Buying the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/buying-holy-spirit/
• How to Release the gift of words of wisdom https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-to-release-the-gift-of-words-of-wisdom/
• 70 Functions of the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-light/70-functions-of-the-holy-spirit/
• How can I Receive the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-today/how-can-i-receive-the-holy-spirit/
• 3 ways to know it’s the Holy Spirit Speaking https://revtrev.com/live-hopeful/3-ways-to-know-its-the-spirit-speaking/
• How to let the Fruit of Holy Spirit Transform you https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-let-the-fruit-of-holy-spirit-transform-you/
• 5 things to know about Spiritual Growth https://revtrev.com/livecasts/5-things-to-never-forget-about-spiritual-growth/
• 11 ways the Holy Spirit Speaks to you https://revtrev.com/live-today/11-ways-the-spirit-speaks-to-you/
• Do Spirit-Filled Believers Leak the Spirit? https://revtrev.com/live-today/do-spirit-filled-believers-leak-the-spirit/
• How to use God’s Gifts for Another https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-use-gods-gifts-for-one-another/
• I build myself up reflection https://revtrev.com/livecasts/day-42-i-build-myself-up-reflection-livecast/
• 4 Tips I’ve learned To Hear the Spirit Speak https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/4-tips-ive-learned-to-hear-the-spirit-speak/

As I’ve stated above, this list will keep on growing. If you have a topic about the Holy Spirit you’d like covered, tell me in the comments or contact me.