There are ancient texts that state that Jesus of Nazareth did not die at the age of thirty-three on a Roman cross. Various historians and theologians wrote that this prophet and healer lived to interact with his disciples and journey into India and other places. The argument that Jesus survived crucifixion still goes on in Christian, Buddhist, and Islamic societies, as well as among non-believers.
What refutes this theory is both scriptural and historical. Using the Bible as evidence is seen by many as foolish, since this collection of writings can be assumed to be biased. However, the truth of the Bible is supported by much outside evidence - secular, historical, and archaeological.
Much of history is based on ancient texts that are not contemporary. The existence of Plato, for instance, is revealed in documents dating no closer to his life than 500 years. Christian beliefs, in contrast, are founded on writings that date to 100 AD. It is true that no personal writings of the twelve disciples have been recovered, but the Jewish method of copying sacred books kept the text consistent throughout antiquity.
The four gospels of the New Testament serve as 'eyewitness' accounts, consistent enough to be considered evidence in a secular court. Matthew and John, Jews and apostles, wrote shared experiences during Jesus's ministry, while Luke, a Greek, and Mark, a Jew too young to be an original disciple, wrote of what they 'knew to be true'.
Under Jewish law, given by God to Moses, only a blood sacrifice can atone for sin. Jesus's own testimony was that he would suffer and die, to be raised again in three days. If he did not die on the cross, lie in the grave, and rise again, the plan of salvation has not been fulfilled. Paul stresses in his epistles that Jesus's death and resurrection are the foundation of all belief in eternal life with the holy creator.
After all, it's not earthly life that counts with God, but the eternal life that Jesus's sacrifice obtained for those who believe that he was the Son of God and accept his payment for their sins and free gift of salvation. Only a perfect life - an unblemished lamb - could pay this price, and only a man both divine and human could live without sin.
One significant proof that this man was who he said he was - the son of God - is the fulfillment of hundreds of years of prophecy. The Bible is full of predictions of the one to come who would save men from death because of sin. There are no prophecies that say Jesus would live long on the earth, travel to other cultures, and share his glory with other teachers.
By eye witness account, this man was born and raised a Jew, lived in Israel, had an open ministry for three and a half years, and died on a Roman cross. He was announced as risen by angels. The Roman soldiers who 'fell asleep' that night were not executed, because the authorities realized at the time that something supernatural had occurred. Although they might have missed the significance of the event, the Messiah had risen from the grave to bring hope to the world.
What refutes this theory is both scriptural and historical. Using the Bible as evidence is seen by many as foolish, since this collection of writings can be assumed to be biased. However, the truth of the Bible is supported by much outside evidence - secular, historical, and archaeological.
Much of history is based on ancient texts that are not contemporary. The existence of Plato, for instance, is revealed in documents dating no closer to his life than 500 years. Christian beliefs, in contrast, are founded on writings that date to 100 AD. It is true that no personal writings of the twelve disciples have been recovered, but the Jewish method of copying sacred books kept the text consistent throughout antiquity.
The four gospels of the New Testament serve as 'eyewitness' accounts, consistent enough to be considered evidence in a secular court. Matthew and John, Jews and apostles, wrote shared experiences during Jesus's ministry, while Luke, a Greek, and Mark, a Jew too young to be an original disciple, wrote of what they 'knew to be true'.
Under Jewish law, given by God to Moses, only a blood sacrifice can atone for sin. Jesus's own testimony was that he would suffer and die, to be raised again in three days. If he did not die on the cross, lie in the grave, and rise again, the plan of salvation has not been fulfilled. Paul stresses in his epistles that Jesus's death and resurrection are the foundation of all belief in eternal life with the holy creator.
After all, it's not earthly life that counts with God, but the eternal life that Jesus's sacrifice obtained for those who believe that he was the Son of God and accept his payment for their sins and free gift of salvation. Only a perfect life - an unblemished lamb - could pay this price, and only a man both divine and human could live without sin.
One significant proof that this man was who he said he was - the son of God - is the fulfillment of hundreds of years of prophecy. The Bible is full of predictions of the one to come who would save men from death because of sin. There are no prophecies that say Jesus would live long on the earth, travel to other cultures, and share his glory with other teachers.
By eye witness account, this man was born and raised a Jew, lived in Israel, had an open ministry for three and a half years, and died on a Roman cross. He was announced as risen by angels. The Roman soldiers who 'fell asleep' that night were not executed, because the authorities realized at the time that something supernatural had occurred. Although they might have missed the significance of the event, the Messiah had risen from the grave to bring hope to the world.
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