Will the Dead Live Again?
As Josh McDowell pointed out: “Of the four major world religions that are based on personalities rather than philosophies, only Christianity claims an empty tomb for its founder. In 1900 BC Judaism’s Father Abraham died. In 483 BC Buddhist writings say Buddha died "with that utter passing away in which nothing whatever remains behind." June 6, AD 632 Mohammed died. In AD 33 Jesus died but came back to life appearing to 500 people over a period of 40 days.5
Of the four major world religions only Christianity
claims an empty tomb for its founder.
Jesus’ resurrection assures us that he has conquered death once and for all. This is the hope of the world in that all who believe in Jesus will also rise from death. This is because when Jesus died on the cross, he died in your place and mine to pay the just penalty for all our sins so we could be freely forgiven and given the gift of eternal life.
Christ's first coming 2,000 years ago is an indisputable fact of history. Jesus is as real a person as was Julius Caesar. The secular historian, Josephus, who lived in and wrote about civilization in Bible times, also verifies the historical Jesus. Had it not been true, Josephus—writing to please the Romans—would never have verified this fact.
Equally profound is the assurance that Jesus is coming back to earth again. Jesus promised he would return. His disciples were troubled when he told them that he would soon be leaving them, so he assured them saying, "There are many homes where my Father [God] lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am going."6
When Jesus left earth, two angels gave the same promise. Two angels appeared to the disciples and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."7
And almost every writer in the New Testament confirms this promise. According to one Bible scholar there are 308 references to Christ's second coming in the New Testament alone. This promise pulsates throughout the entire Scriptures right through to the last page and the last word. "Yes, I am coming soon," Jesus said.8
The critical issue is to make sure you are ready for Christ’s return which is just as certain as was his first coming 2,000 years ago. That day may be much closer than we think. As Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”9 Today, via all the modern means of communication the good news is speeding to the ends of the earth as never before. Jesus is coming again. What if it were today, would you be ready?
For Help: To be absolutely sure that you are ready for Christ’s return, I encourage you right now to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, ask for God's forgiveness for all your sins, and make a commitment of your life to Him. The following prayer will help you to do this:
"Dear God, I confess that I am a sinner and am sorry for all the wrongs that I have done. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Please forgive me for all my sins. I invite you, Jesus, to come into my heart and life as my Lord and Savior. I commit and trust my life and way to you. Please give me the desire to be what you want me to be and to do what you want me to do. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins, for your free pardon, for your gift of eternal life, and for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, Amen."
If you prayed this prayer and truly meant it, please let us know by clicking on the "Yes to God" link below and filling in the form and we will send you, without charge, a copy of the e-brochure, How to Grow, to help you in your Christian life.
1. Hewett, James S., Editor, from Illustrations Unlimited. “The Fog Lifted,” p. 166. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, Illinois. 2. Matthew 28:1 (NKJV). 3. Matthew 28:5-7 (NKJV). 4. Mark 16:9; Luke 24:34; 24:13-21; John 20:19,24; 20:26; 21:1; 1 Corinthians 15:6; 15:7; Luke 24:50,51; and 1 Corinthians 15:8. 5. McDowell, Josh. Evidence that Demands a Verdict. Page 180. San Bernadino, CA: Here’s Life Publishers, Inc., 1979. 6. John 14:2,3 (TLB). 7. Acts 1:11 (NIV). 8. Revelation 22:20 (NIV). 9. Matthew 24:14 (NKJV).
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.