The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just the cornerstone of Easter Sunday — it’s the hinge point of all of human history. In this week’s message at The Ocean Church, Pastor Maddie laid out a clear, evidence-based case: Did Jesus actually rise from the dead on the third day? Here’s a summary of seven reasons the answer is yes.
- The Old Testament Prophesied It
Centuries before Jesus was born, King David wrote in Psalm 16:10: ‘You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.’ Apostle Peter, in his very first sermon in Acts 2:31-32, identified this as a resurrection prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. How do you explain a prediction made 1,000 years before the event — that came true?
- The Empty Tomb
Jesus’ burial location was publicly known. When the women arrived on the third day, the tomb was empty. Those who wanted to disprove the resurrection — the Romans and Jewish leaders — never produced the body. Instead, they paid people to say the disciples stole it. The empty tomb is the most established fact of the resurrection.
- Women Were the First Witnesses
In first-century culture, women’s testimonies were not legally admissible. If the gospel writers were fabricating a story, they would have used more credible witnesses. The fact that women are recorded as the first witnesses is evidence of truth — no one invents an inconvenient detail like that.
- Over 500 Post-Resurrection Appearances
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15 that Jesus appeared to Peter, to the twelve, and then to more than 500 brothers and sisters at the same time — many of whom were still alive when he wrote the letter. He was essentially saying: go ask them yourself.
- The Disciples ‘ Dramatic Transformation
After Jesus was arrested, the disciples hid. But after the resurrection, they came out of hiding and began boldly proclaiming Jesus as alive — knowing it would cost them everything. Peter, James, Andrew, Mark — they all died for this truth. People don’t die for a lie they invented.
- Paul ‘s Conversion
Saul of Tarsus was violently persecuting Christians — until he personally encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He gave up his prestige as a Pharisee, was repeatedly imprisoned, and was eventually executed. Why would someone who hated Christianity fabricate an encounter with the person he was trying to erase?
- Christianity Is Still Alive
For 300 years, the Roman Empire tried to destroy Christianity through persecution. The empire fell. Christianity is still here. The existence of the church today — 2,000 years later — is itself evidence that something extraordinary happened on that third day.
So What Does This Mean for You?
The resurrection isn’t just a historical event — it’s a present reality. Because Jesus rose, you can too. In Christ, all will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22). Watch the full message and let this truth ask you one question: Will you let him pay for your sins?
