some of the historical theories opposing the r
Stolen-body; swoon; wrong-tomb / Passover Plot; resurrection as non-historical eschatological event; Bultmann’s demythologizing / subjective vision; excited…
Lesson 8 · Course 56
What We Believe About the Resurrection
Empty tomb to the right hand — Christianity’s central historical truth.
At a glance
Summary
Empty tomb to the right hand — Christianity’s central historical truth. The resurrection is Christianity’s central historical truth: empty tomb, eyewitnesses, transformed disciples, and the church’s emergence.
Auto-graded 10/10 (9/9 objective) on attempt 1. Essays not graded yet. Attempts used: 1 of 3. Quiz has 9 true/false items plus 3 essays.
Big ideas
What to teach and remember
- The resurrection is Christianity’s central historical truth: empty tomb, eyewitnesses, transformed disciples, and the church’s emergence.
- It means renewed life, reunion of body and spirit, victory over death, new glory, spiritual life for believers, and a glorified body.
- The ascended Christ ministers now as intercessor and advocate at the Father’s right hand.
- Opposing theories to reject: stolen body, swoon, wrong tomb/Passover Plot, non-historical eschatological, Bultmann demythologizing, excited imagination, and Keim’s mystical vision.
- The Christian lives in two worlds — already raised with Christ in standing, still walking in this age until He comes.
Key terms
People, places, and words that matter
List proofs that the literal physical resurrection of J
Empty tomb; grave clothes; agreeing eyewitnesses; transformed disciples; rapid church; group and individual appearances; James’s conversion; Paul’s living…
List and explain the six elements of a definition of th
1) Renewed life — truly died, truly rose. 2) Reunion of body and spirit. 3) Victory over death’s power. 4) New glory — former glory restored plus…
Structure
Outline / timeline
- What are some of the historical theories opposing the resurrection?
- List proofs that the literal physical resurrection of Jesus Christ actually occurred.
- List and explain the six elements of a definition of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Must remember
Facts to keep straight
| Quiz score | 100% (1 attempt) |
|---|---|
| Key claim | The resurrection is Christianity’s central historical truth: empty tomb, eyewitnesses, transformed disciples, and the church’s emergence. |
| Key claim | It means renewed life, reunion of body and spirit, victory over death, new glory, spiritual life for believers, and a glorified body. |
| Key claim | The ascended Christ ministers now as intercessor and advocate at the Father’s right hand. |
For the pulpit
Sermon hooks
- The resurrection is Christianity’s central historical truth: empty tomb, eyewitnesses, transformed disciples, and the church’s…
- The ascended Christ ministers now as intercessor and advocate at the Father’s right hand.
- Opposing theories to reject: stolen body, swoon, wrong tomb/Passover Plot, non-historical eschatological, Bultmann…
Quiz drill
Quiz drill / review · open to practice · 9 items
Quiz score: 100% · 1 attempt
1. The resurrection is the fundamental truth of Christianity.
TrueWithout it, preaching is empty. With it, everything holds.
2. Rudolf Bultmann was a strong proponent of the reality of the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ.
FalseBultmann demythologized — he did not champion a physical resurrection.
3. The first proof of the resurrection was the empty tomb.
TrueThe tomb was empty — the first public fact.
4. A major proof of the resurrection was the numerous post-resurrection appearances of Jesus.
TrueMany appearances to many witnesses.
5. At the crucifixion, the disciples were fully expecting to see the resurrected Christ.
FalseThey were shattered, not expecting Him.
6. When Jesus was raised from the dead, His resurrection body was identical in every way to the body that had been crucified.
FalseSame essential body, but glorified — not identical in every way.
7. The Christian actually lives in two worlds. .
TrueMoodle punctuation kept. Already raised with Christ, still in this age.
8. At this time, Christ is actually seated at the right hand of the Father.
TrueAscended and seated — ruling and representing.
9. In Jesus' present ministry, He is our intercessor and advocate.
TrueHe prays for us and advocates for us now.
Essay themes
If you preach or review
What are some of the historical theories opposing the resurrection?
Stolen-body; swoon; wrong-tomb / Passover Plot; resurrection as non-historical eschatological event; Bultmann’s demythologizing / subjective vision; excited imagination; Keim’s mystical-message vision. All refuse a literal bodily rising.
List proofs that the literal physical resurrection of Jesus Christ actually occurred.
Empty tomb; grave clothes; agreeing eyewitnesses; transformed disciples; rapid church; group and individual appearances; James’s conversion; Paul’s living testimony; OT correlation; NT purpose/cause/results; enemies unable to produce a body; shift to first-day worship; early testimony (e.g. Ignatius). Converging evidence for a literal physical resurrection.
List and explain the six elements of a definition of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1) Renewed life — truly died, truly rose. 2) Reunion of body and spirit. 3) Victory over death’s power. 4) New glory — former glory restored plus intercessor/advocate ministry. 5) Spiritual life for believers who share His resurrection. 6) Glorified body — identifiable wounds, able to eat and walk, yet transformed beyond ordinary limits.