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Was Jesus' Resurrection Real or Fake?

Did Jesus actually rise from the dead? Did He actually die on the cross and then was later seen walking with, talking with, and eating with His friends? Historians use a set of tools and rules to verify the occurrence of past historical facts. These are called the criteria of authenticity. When these are applied to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, the answers come back, yes, this was real. Jesus did rise from the dead.

There Were Eye-Witnesses to His Death and Life After Death

Jesus Was Dead

Roman soldiers had a lot of experience crucifying people. No one came off the cross alive.

So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him; but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. - John 19:32-34

There was no question he was dead, and no question he was alive several days later. He was seen alive by more than 500 witnesses! The men in power (the Jewish leaders) wanted Jesus dead. If anyone could have provided evidence the disciples were lying about Jesus being alive, they would have been handsomely rewarded. Many of those who had seen him alive were still living when the gospel accounts were written. The eyewitness testimony was that Jesus had risen from the grave proving there truly is life after death.

"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and He was buried, and He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me (Paul) also." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

More Information

Surprising Scholarly Agreement on Facts That Support Jesus’ Resurrection (News Article)

Did the Resurrection Really Happen? (AIG Article)

Is the resurrection of Jesus Christ true? (GotQuestions.org Article)