Did Jesus really rise from the dead?

Christians believe he did, bodily, on the third day, and that he was seen alive by many witnesses. They argue this best explains the historical facts: the empty tomb, the early testimony, and the transformation of the disciples.

Why is the resurrection important?

Because it is the center of Christianity. Paul wrote that if Christ is not risen, the faith is worthless (1 Corinthians 15:14). The resurrection is God's vindication of Jesus and the ground of Christian hope beyond death.

What is the evidence for the resurrection?

The main lines are the crucifixion, the extremely early creed in 1 Corinthians 15, the disciples' willingness to die for what they claimed to have seen, and the conversion of skeptics like Paul.

Jesus

The Resurrection of Jesus

The resurrection is the heart of the Christian faith: the claim that Jesus, crucified and buried, was raised bodily to life on the third day, and was seen alive by many witnesses. Christians hold it as God's vindication of Jesus and the promise that death is not the end for those who trust him.

What the Bible says

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee.”

Luke 24:6

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

John 11:25

Why it is central

Paul wrote that if Christ is not risen, the whole faith is empty (1 Corinthians 15:14). Everything hangs on it. The resurrection is why the first frightened disciples became bold witnesses willing to die, why the church exists, and why Christians face death with hope rather than despair.

The historical question

The core facts, Jesus’ death by crucifixion, the very early creed proclaiming his resurrection, the disciples’ sincere conviction that they saw him alive, and the conversion of skeptics, are widely granted by scholars. Christians argue resurrection best explains them; skeptics offer other accounts. It is worth weighing the evidence and reading the sources yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Did Jesus really rise from the dead?: Christians believe he did, bodily, on the third day, and that he was seen alive by many witnesses. They argue this best explains the historical facts: the empty tomb, the early testimony, and the transformation of the disciples.
Why is the resurrection important?: Because it is the center of Christianity. Paul wrote that if Christ is not risen, the faith is worthless (1 Corinthians 15:14). The resurrection is God's vindication of Jesus and the ground of Christian hope beyond death.
What is the evidence for the resurrection?: The main lines are the crucifixion, the extremely early creed in 1 Corinthians 15, the disciples' willingness to die for what they claimed to have seen, and the conversion of skeptics like Paul.

One question deeper: Is Jesus God? →

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Come and meet him yourself

You do not have to take anyone’s word for it, ours least of all. The living Christ is not an argument to be won but a Person to be met, and he still draws near to everyone who comes to him with an open heart. Read his own words, watch what he does, and see. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Read the Gospel of John Why Jesus?Ask for prayer

Jesus Christ is Lord.

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