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(#12) There Would Be Harmony in the Resurrection Accounts (Preface)

When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Matthew 28:17 Over the last several days, we have looked at some of the charges levelled against the resurrection accounts due to supposed conflicts in numbers, timing, events and places. I believe a rational view of these things, however, leads us to see them as harmonious rather than contradictory. This is especially true when ...

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If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#11) God Would Have Recorded the Places Inerrantly

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 We have now come to what I believe is the most difficult of the resurrection issues. This has to do with the supposed contradictions associated with when and where Jesus met with the disciples and w...

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If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#10) God Would Have Recorded the Events Inerrantly

We have already dealt with several events that have come under the charge of critics: the guards, the women and the angels. There are others that involve a supposed contradiction in where they took place. These are the most difficult, and we will leave those for tomorrow. Today, we will look at the remaining events that have been called into question. You should notice this gets easier for u...

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If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#9) God Would Have Record the Numbers Inerrantly

On Day 8 we looked at the accusation that the resurrection accounts have contradictions regarding when the women came to the tomb—a contradiction of timing. Today we will deal with the contradictions of numbers. Charges have been understandably leveled at the Gospel accounts because of the conflict in how many women and angels were at the tomb. Concerning the women were there one, two,...

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If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#8) God Would Have Recorded the Times Inerrantly

The resurrection has, of course, been the subject of countless attacks seeking to dismiss it as legend or hoax. And rightfully so on the surface, for the gospels do not fit together in several of the details. In the overall account, however, there is no doubt that they each proclaim the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. But the apparent contradictions in the details give rise to the accu...

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If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#7) the Disciples and Peter Would Have Known It

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19 I’ve tried to put myself in the shoes (or sandals) of the disciples. Saturday must have been a tough day. Nothing, of course, like the arrest and crucifixion, which...

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If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#6) the Women Would Have Known It First

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead...

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If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#5) the Angels Would Have Announced It

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead...

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If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#4) Creation Knew It and Clapped Its Hands

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake… Matthew 28:1 The earth clapped its hands in joy when its Maker arose. The guards weren’t thrilled, but the whole of heaven must have erupted in song. The Bible is full of literary devices as one might expect. ...

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If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#3) the Guards Knew It

When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, it should not be a surprise to find here a focus of critique and skepticism. Yes, there are also accusations regarding other aspects of Jesus’ life, primarily wherever there are miraculous events, like the virgin birth, walking on water or healing a man born blind. But, because the death, burial and resurrection are the foundational historical e...

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