In this day of skepticism and doubt many have lost faith in spiritual things. They wonder things like, “Can there be any certainty of the resurrection?” and “How can we be sure that Jesus was raised from the dead?”
In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 the Apostle Paul presents three evidences for the reality of the resurrection.
1. The testimony of the scriptures. The resurrection of Jesus should have been no surprise to anyone. The prophets and Jesus both foretold it long before it happened. This is one of the greatest testimonies of the certainty of the resurrection. As early Christian apologist Justin Martyr said, “To declare that such a thing shall come to pass long before it is in being and then to bring it to pass, this is nothing but the work of God.” The fact that the resurrection fulfilled the scriptures is great assurance.
2. The testimony of eyewitnesses. There were many who saw Jesus after his resurrection with their own eyes. They were eyewitnesses to the event. This is great evidence. How do we prove anything? We prove things by the number, agreement, and reliability of the witnesses. On this basis the resurrection could be proved in any court of law. Over a century ago, Justice John Gibson of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said, “Give Christianity a common law trial; submit the evidence pro and con to an impartial jury under the direction of a competent court, and the evidence will assuredly be in its favor.”
3. The testimony of changed lives. Since the first apostles who discovered the empty tomb, all who have trusted in Christ have had their lives changed. Deny the resurrection and you must account for the change in the lives of millions of people in some other way.
That’s the evidence! What is the verdict? Assuredly it is what the angel spoke: “He is not here, he is risen even as he said.” The resurrection is a certainty.