How do we know?

Maybe you’re wondering if all this is true, that Jesus’ death was a perfect atonement for our sin. Anyway, how can we know? How can we be really sure? 

The supreme proof of the whole truth of Christianity and the saving value of Christ’s death is the fact that he rose from the dead. This totally unique historic event demonstrates for all time the divine nature of Jesus, the Son of God. It was the first emphasis of the disciples’ proclamation, just seven weeks after the crucifixion, in the very town where Jesus had died. Having seen the risen Christ, spoken with him, eaten with him – even touched him, they were authentic eye-witnesses to the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. They simply proclaimed the powerful truth, and thousands were convinced and became the first believers of the Christian church in Jerusalem. 

Numerous efforts have been made by those antagonistic to the Christian faith to deny these historic events: none have proved to be compelling. The Master had taught the apostles to speak the truth. They would never have lied about his resurrection since they witnessed it. Liars do not keep lying in the face of the persecution, even to martyrdom; the disciples suffered for the truth that they would never deny. 

The apostle Paul sums up what he preached: “That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas [Peter], then to the twelve [apostles]. Then he appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive… Then he appeared to James… Last of all … he appeared to me” (1 Corinthians 15.3-8).

The resurrection of Christ therefore proves at least three things:

1. That Jesus had spoken the truth when he predicted he would rise again. Few people realise the astounding fact that on several occasions in his public speaking, Jesus had prophesied that he would rise from the dead after three days. No-one else has ever predicted their resurrection, have they? If they did, did it happen? Of course not! But Jesus did! (Check it out: Mark 8.31; 9.31, 10.33-34, similarly reported by Matthew, and by Luke). Jesus also made other allusions to his resurrection. He declared: “I lay down my life of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10.17). The night he was arrested he fixed a meeting place with his disciples: “After I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee” (Matthew 26.32). This is surely mind-boggling!
2. That Jesus was indeed the divine Son of God. He was “declared to be the Son of God with power by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1.4). This is an integral part of who Jesus was. Christians believe it because the evidence is right there in the historic records.
3. That his sacrificial death for the saving of sinners was approved by God the Father who raised him from the dead. The resurrection was the Father’s way of showing that the atoning sacrifice had been perfectly accomplished.

This means that God has intervened in history; he has spoken to mankind; he has created the way for sinners to be forgiven by Christ’s atoning death. Jesus has conquered death; he is alive and able to receive all who turn to him in repentance and faith. That furnishes experiential proof, so believers know it is true.

Clive Every-Clayton