#DailyDevotion The Resurrection Of Jesus Is Fact
2 Cor. 15:5-10 5Peter saw Him, then the twelve, 6then more than 500 Christians at one time; most of these are still living, but some have gone to their rest. 7Then James saw Him, then all the apostles. 8Last of all I saw Him, I who was like one prematurely born, since 9I am the least of the apostles and not fit to be called an apostle because I persecuted God’s church. 10God’s grace made me what I am, and His grace wasn’t wasted on me. But I did far more work than all the others — not I but God’s grace that was with me.
Some skeptics of Christianity will simply dismiss Paul’s witness here of the resurrection. Some because they don’t think this is authentic writings of the apostle Paul. Others will because they think Paul and the other apostles are outright lying to promote this “new” religion, mind you it’s not new but the fulfillment of the Jewish faith. Some will claim it was a mass hallucination, but let’s forget these witnesses didn’t see the risen Jesus at the same time. Skeptics will also have to suspend the fact the Corinthians, any of them who doubted, could indeed get in contact with any of the witness as quickly as anyone could just before we invented the telegraph or train, for the roads were good and safe and the seas were fairly safe as well.
Indeed, this is something important as Paul notes in verse 3. Jesus of Nazareth, the LORD, rose from the dead on the third day as he said he would. Who are the witnesses of this? Peter, the other Apostles Jesus chose, more than 500 other witnesses (most likely Jesus’ other disciples many of whom were probably in Jerusalem during Pentecost), James (the LORD’s brother), then all the apostles (I’m guessing these were other close disciples of Jesus because the 12 were previously mentioned). Any of these could be contacted without too much difficulty at this time in the Roman empire. I think this is a pretty good argument to the fact of the resurrection from the vast number of witnesses that could have been contacted.
Finally, Paul saw the risen LORD. He saw him on the road to Damascus. He was instructed by Jesus in the wilderness. We know he appeared to him at least one other time towards the end of his ministry. As Paul says, he was the least of the apostles and one untimely born, because he persecuted the Church of Jesus. Paul was not a Roman plant to subvert the faith of Christians as some are spreading around today. Paul confessed the same things at Peter, John and the other apostles having been extended by them to him the right hand of fellowship. Paul who persecuted those who proclaimed Jesus is the Christ risen from the dead now proclaims the same. This is a big turn around for such a person. It is a big deal. Paul even claims he worked harder than all the others in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
So Jesus is risen from the dead. What does this mean? It means all mankind will be risen from the dead on the Last Day. Some, those who believe and trust in Jesus risen from the dead will rise from the dead to live eternally with God shine like the stars. Others, those who reject this faith in Jesus, will rise to be cast into perdition, cast into the Lake of Fire to suffer with the angels who also rebelled against their LORD and God. So, where are you going to be on that day?
Heavenly Father, you raised your Son Jesus Christ from the dead so mankind may have the hope of the resurrection to eternal life and communion with you. Always give us this faith so we may rise on the day of our LORD Jesus Christ and dwell with you forever. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.