by R. Larry Moyer, SCC evangelist-at-large and CEO of Evantell Inc.

 
Jesus Christ claimed He was the Messiah. But more than 60 other people have done the same thing. How do we know He was not a phony or some kind of lunatic deceiving Himself?

First, Jesus was preannounced. All the others who claim to be “Messiah” just show up. More than 300 prophecies in the Old Testament in essence said, “He’s coming, and here is what He will look like.” When He came, Christ fit the description of “Messiah” that had been foretold. He fulfilled these prophecies on every account.

Secondly, Romans 1:4 of the Bible says, concerning Christ, “He was declared to be the Son of God.” And then it says, “By the resurrection from the dead.” No other claimed “Messiah” has an empty tomb.

Some years ago, a British agnostic, referring to the other miracles of the Bible, laid out the challenge when he said, “Let’s not discuss the other miracles. Let’s discuss the resurrection. If the resurrection is true, the other miracles are easy to explain. If the resurrection is not true, the other miracles do not matter.”

The resurrection is a pivotal point in Christian history. This is a central element that unites the Christian church. Why is that resurrection so important? Jesus Christ offers the gift of eternal life to those who will simply receive it. No one has the ability to save someone else, unless he has conquered the grave himself. Jesus Christ is the only one who had an empty tomb. This is a truth that no atheist has ever been able to disprove.

 
As sinners, we deserve to be separated from God forever. Because of Jesus Christ’s love for us, He became our substitute and took the punishment for our sins, died, and rose again. He now extends the gift of life eternal to all who will trust Him as their personal Savior. To those who trust Him, He says, “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19).

Makes sense, doesn’t it? If the resurrection is true, the other miracles are easy to explain. If the resurrection is not true, the other miracles do not matter. 
Therefore, if someone questions whether Christ was who He said He was, lovingly challenge them to examine fulfilled prophecy about Christ and investigate the resurrection. I’ve never met anyone who studied the resurrection objectively who did not eventually become a believer. And this week, remember: One way to thank God for the empty tomb is by telling your neighbor about it!

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