The Rationality of the Resurrection
George T. Frey, Jr.
The Christian faith is a rational faith, and that’s true of all our doctrines that are founded in scripture, including that of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We are quickly approaching the annual Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, commonly called Easter Sunday.
When Jesus Christ conducted His ministry here on earth the doctrine of resurrection was contested within Jewish society much as it is today in our society. In a recent survey conducted by The Barna Group only 42% of Americans said that the meaning of Easter was the resurrection of Jesus.
An encounter between Jesus and a faction of Judaism then known as the Sadducees highlights this controversy. (please read Matthew 22:23-32)
The Sadducees asked Jesus a question designed to prove that the doctrine of resurrection is irrational. Jesus’ response speaks to both the rationality and the reality of resurrection. He says, “You are mistaken not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)
The Greek word translated “mistaken” in this verse communicates the idea of being deceived, lead astray from the truth, and therefore wandering in ones understanding. So are all who share the views of the Sadducees concerning resurrection.
In Jesus’ rebuke of the Sadducees we find two necessary foundations of rationality for all people, but especially for Christians.
The first is the scriptures (the Bible) which effectively makes the Church “the pillar and ground of truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15) Throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth He confirmed the quality of scripture as divine in its source, unfailing in its accuracy, and authoritative on all matters of temporal and eternal life that it addresses. It is the communiqué of omniscience.
And the second is the power of God. Here Jesus is referring to God’s omnipotence, which is His irresistible, intrinsic ability to accomplish His purposes; and which cannot be restricted by the limitations and laws which He Himself set over His creation, but not over Himself.
Jesus shows the Sadducees that the doctrine of resurrection, and God’s ability to accomplish it, is clearly established in scripture.
New Testament centers around the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Gospels provide us with the historical record of Jesus’ resurrection. In the Acts of the Apostles we see the historical course of the initial proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection by those who witnessed it. (a witness which is uncontested by any first century historian) The letters of the New Testament give us a reasoned defense of both the witness and the doctrinal integrity of Jesus’ resurrection, as well as an explanation of what it means to mankind and especially believers. And in Revelations we see how it all plays out through the ages into eternity.
Jesus queried Martha concerning this at the grave of her brother Lazarus, saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Jesus then proceeded to demonstrate the immutable will and power of God by actually calling Lazarus back from the dead and presenting him alive again. (please read John 11:1-45)
Don’t be like the Sadducees, deceived, led away from the truth and wandering in doubt and unbelief. Believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and that because you believe in Jesus, though you may die, you shall live eternally with Him.
Barna researcher David Kinnaman further observes from the results of their survey that for most Christians “their personal beliefs about Jesus have not yet translated into a sense of urgency for having spiritual conversations with their acquaintances.”
Christian integrity requires that we establish our faith on the rationale of scripture, demonstrate our faith in our style of living, and proclaim our faith with boldness and conviction.
Our Christian faith is not simply a private or personal matter, but must always be a public proclamation of the only way of salvation. We are constrained under the words of our Lord Jesus Christ to proclaim it to every creature. (Mark 16:15-16)
The matter is urgent and the witness is true, give your voice to the proclamation of the salvation that’s in Christ Jesus!
