The Resurrection and Genesis

By Lita Sanders

On Easter, Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a central event in Christianity. The Resurrection is a crucial doctrine because it offers hope for salvation from sin. However, the idea of resurrection was not widely accepted in the first-century pagan culture or by non-Christians today. Some skeptics argue that Jesus' resurrection was not a physical event but rather a hallucination or spiritual manifestation.

To understand the historical nature of Jesus' resurrection, it is important to define what we mean by "historical." There are different definitions used by scholars, and it is necessary to explore these definitions to determine how we can consider Jesus' resurrection as a historical event.

Historical Event: A Simple Definition

The simplest definition of a historical event is something that happened, regardless of its significance or whether there is documentation or witnesses. By this definition, Jesus' resurrection qualifies as a historical event. New Testament scholar N.T. Wright refers to this definition as "history as event." Another definition is "history as significant event," which most people who believe in the resurrection would agree with.

However, the provability of Jesus' resurrection is often disputed by skeptics. They argue that the accounts in the Gospels were written decades after the events and do not depict the actual moment of the resurrection. They suggest that mythology took over during those intervening years and created a resurrection story to explain the missing body of Jesus. But this view overlooks several important points.

The Earliest Evidence

The Gospel accounts are not the only evidence we have of early Christian writing about the resurrection. The earliest evidence comes from 1 Thessalonians, one of Paul's letters written around 50 AD. This means that about two decades after Jesus' death, there were already people who believed in His resurrection. The Gospel accounts, although written decades later, are based on early oral tradition and do not appear to be influenced by theological interpretations.

The Gospel Accounts

Critics often point out alleged contradictions in the resurrection accounts found in the four Gospels. However, many of these supposed contradictions are what we would expect from different accounts of an event several decades later. For example, differences in the composition of the group of women who went to the tomb or whether there was one or two angels present are not contradictory but rather different details remembered by various authors. These minor discrepancies do not undermine the overall narrative of Jesus' resurrection.

The Early Church

One of the strongest pieces of evidence for the historical nature of the resurrection is the transformation of Jesus' disciples and the early church. After Jesus' death, His followers went from being fearful and hiding to boldly proclaiming that He had risen from the dead. Many of them were martyred for their faith, which suggests they genuinely believed in Jesus' resurrection. This belief was contrary to Jewish expectations of a general resurrection at the end of time. The disciples would not have made up a story about Jesus' resurrection if it did not align with their beliefs and experiences.

Implications for Believers

The belief in Jesus' resurrection had significant implications for early Christians. From early on, His resurrection was used to explain what believers would experience in their own resurrection. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul states that Jesus' resurrection is the basis for the Christian's future resurrection when He returns. Other passages, such as Philippians 3:20-21, affirm that believers will have bodies like Jesus' resurrected body.

Christ as the Firstfruits and Last Adam

Paul's theology of the resurrection emphasizes the contrast between Adam and Christ. Adam's sin brought sin and death into the world, affecting all humanity. In contrast, Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide redemption and reconciliation for believers. Paul calls Jesus the "firstfruits" of the resurrection, assuring that those who belong to Him will also be raised when He returns. This comparison between Adam and Christ requires both to be historical figures with significant influence over humanity.

The Importance of a Historical Adam

The historicity of Adam is crucial for understanding the Gospel and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. Without a historical Adam, we lack an explanation for the origin of sin, death, and the need for redemption. If sin and death were always a part of the created order, death could not be considered an enemy. The historical connection between Adam and Christ helps us understand the consequences of their actions and our need for salvation.

Why This Matters

Understanding the historical nature of Jesus' resurrection and the importance of a historical Adam provides a solid foundation for Christians. These beliefs are not merely theological ideas but have profound implications for our faith. They offer hope for salvation, assurance of our future resurrection, and an understanding of why Jesus' sacrifice was necessary.

Think About It

Consider how the historical nature of Jesus' resurrection impacts your faith. Reflect on the significance of a historical Adam in understanding sin, death, and redemption. How does this knowledge shape your understanding of the Gospel message?