The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. Christians believe that three days after Jesus was crucified and died, God raised him from the dead. The Bible clearly teaches that God raised Jesus from the dead, and this event is celebrated each year at Easter. Here is what the Bible says about who resurrected Jesus:
God the Father Raised Jesus
The Bible teaches that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus claimed that he would be killed but rise again, and said that this was the will of God the Father (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31). The apostle Paul writes that God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 15:15, Galatians 1:1). Peter also states that God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 2:24, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:10). The Father demonstrated his power by raising Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20). These verses indicate that God the Father was the one who resurrected Jesus after his death on the cross.
God the Son Raised Himself
While God the Father raised Jesus from the dead, Jesus also claimed that he had the power to raise himself. Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Here he was referring to his body as the temple. Jesus expected that even if he was killed, he would rise again. The Gospel of John confirms that Jesus had this power, stating that he laid down his life of his own accord and took it up again (John 10:18). So while God the Father resurrected Jesus, Jesus also resurrected himself by his own power as God.
The Holy Spirit Raised Jesus
The Holy Spirit is also described as having a role in raising Jesus from the dead. Romans 8:11 says, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” The Holy Spirit raised Jesus, and also gives life to believers. Paul also writes that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). This indicates that the Spirit was involved in Jesus’ resurrection.
The Significance of Jesus’ Resurrection
Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated his power over death and his divinity as the Son of God (Romans 1:4). It showed that God the Father accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for sins on the cross. It confirmed Jesus’ authority and the truth of his teachings (Acts 2:22-24). The resurrection provides believers with hope for their own future resurrection victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Jesus’ resurrection is a vital part of the gospel message preached by the early church (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). The resurrection was a real historical event, evidenced by Jesus’ appearances to his followers over a forty-day period before his ascension (Acts 1:3). It was a miracle that only God could accomplish. The resurrection affirms the faith of Christians that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Eyewitnesses to the Resurrection
The Bible records that there were multiple eyewitnesses who saw the resurrected Jesus. These witnesses help confirm the truth of this event. Some of the witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection include:
- Mary Magdalene (John 20:1-18)
- Other women who went to the tomb (Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-11)
- Peter (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5)
- Two disciples on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-35)
- Ten apostles on resurrection Sunday (John 20:19-23)
- All eleven apostles, including Thomas, eight days later (John 20:24-29)
- Seven apostles by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14)
- Five hundred followers (1 Corinthians 15:6)
- James (1 Corinthians 15:7)
- All eleven apostles at Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:3-9)
- Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8)
The testimony of these eyewitnesses lends credibility to the resurrection as a real historical event. The resurrected Jesus was seen by numerous people on multiple occasions over a forty-day period before ascending to heaven. The eyewitnesses testimony confirms that Jesus rose from the dead.
Alternative Theories Disproven
Those who deny Jesus’ resurrection have come up with various alternative theories to explain away the historical evidence. Here are some of these alternative theories that have been thoroughly disproven:
- Stolen Body Theory: This theory claims that Jesus’ disciples stole his body from the tomb. However, this is unlikely because the tomb was guarded by Roman soldiers, the disciples were hiding in fear, and they would have no motive to die as martyrs for a lie.
- Swoon Theory: This theory argues that Jesus merely fainted on the cross and then revived in the tomb. However, Roman crucifixion was fatal, and Jesus’ injuries were confirmed. Jesus could not have moved the huge tombstone and overcome the Roman guards in his weakened state.
- Hallucination Theory: This theory proposes that the witnesses only hallucinated seeing the risen Jesus. However, it is highly unlikely that different groups of witnesses had the same hallucination on multiple occasions.
- Wrong Tomb Theory: This theory holds that the disciples went to the wrong tomb. However, the women watched Jesus’ burial and the location of the tomb was known.
- Legend Theory: This theory claims the resurrection is merely a legend or myth that developed over time. But the accounts came very soon after the events, did not contain mythological elements, and were recorded and circulated by eyewitnesses.
All alternative theories fail to adequately account for the empty tomb, resurrection appearances, and sudden transformation of Jesus’ terrified disciples. The resurrection has far greater explanatory power than rival theories proposed to deny this event.
The Significance for All Believers
Jesus’ resurrection shows that he conquered death, which is the penalty for sin (Romans 6:23). Believers who trust in Christ’s sacrifice for their sins can look forward to resurrection and eternal life with him after death (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 2 Corinthians 4:14). The power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in all who believe in him, enabling them to live a new life now (Ephesians 1:19-21, Romans 8:11). The resurrection provides the hope of our own future resurrection victory when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). It motivates believers to serve Christ wholeheartedly, since his resurrection proves that he is alive and reigning as Lord (Romans 14:9).
The resurrection is a central truth of the Christian faith. All three Persons of the Trinity – the Father, Son, and Spirit – were active in raising Jesus from the dead. It confirmed Jesus’ identity as the divine Messiah and Son of God. The eyewitness accounts provide solid evidence that the resurrection was a real historical event. Alternative theories fail to account for the evidence. Jesus’ resurrection means that death is defeated for those who put their trust in him. It gives hope of eternal life to all who believe in Christ. This miracle was accomplished by God’s great power, and serves as a preview of the future resurrection of all who are united to the risen Lord Jesus by faith.
