The resurrection of Jesus is not simply a spiritual metaphor but a physical reality and moment in history. The evidence for this is clear. First, there is an empty tomb (Lk 24:2). The tomb was guarded so that one one could steal the body (Mt 27:66). Jesus was clearly dead before being sealed inside (Jn 19:33-34). When the women arrived at the tomb they found it empty and angels announced his resurrection (Mt 28:6). Jesus appeared to the disciples (Lk 24:36). He appeared to Thomas and let him physically touch his wounds (Jn 20:27). Jesus appeared to over 500 people at one time (1 Cor 15:6). Jesus’ followers clearly taught that he has risen from the dead (Romans 6:9). His resurrection was seen by them as a fulfillment of the scriptures (1 Cor 15:4).
The Resurrection for Believers
It’s important to establish that Jesus did in fact raise from the dead physically for a number of reasons. First, it means that Jesus did not stay dead, but is in fact alive. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:14 that,”if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” And then in verse 17 he says, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” If Jesus did not rise, then God did not receive and accept his sacrifice. His resurrection is evidence that his work was accomplished. If he is alive then he is able to have relationship with us and receive our worship. If Jesus is not alive, then we have no hope. The fact that Jesus rose means that death could not hold him. It proves that he really is God and really is the Messiah. It means that he himself has the power of life and death and can give us the promise of future resurrection.
In 2 Corinthians 2:14 Paul says, “he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.” Because God raised Jesus, he will also raise those of us who are in him. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul reminds the church at Corinth about the gospel by which they are being saved. He summarizes it saying that Christ died, was buried and then raised, appearing to many. The resurrection is a fundamental aspect of the good news that many people overlook. He says, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor 15:19). The hope he is talking about here is the confidence that we have in our eternal life with Christ. After Jesus rose from the dead he had a glorified body like we will also have one day. Our eternity will not be spent as floating spirits, but as actual people in physical bodies that do not perish (1 Cor 15:42).