Basics of the Christian FaithSample

The third day He rose again from the dead…

“Jesus rose from death early on the first day of the week.” (Mark 16:9, ERV)

Jesus Christ was murdered. He died on a cross and His body was buried. It seemed like He had been conquered by His enemies. But no! On the third day after His death, Jesus rose again. His body came to life again and He appeared to people. At first, His disciples could not believe this was real. But when they had seen for themselves that Jesus was alive, they could no longer deny it. Jesus Christ had triumphed over death!

The bodily resurrection of Jesus is probably the most disputed and ridiculed element of the Christian faith. It has always been. But as the apostle Paul says, “If Christ has not been raised from death, then your faith is for nothing; you are still guilty of your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17, ERV). If Jesus had remained dead, He had not completed His mission to save humans. Then there would be no hope for us; no way to escape eternal death.

But the Biblical account leaves no doubt here. Other historical sources from that time support this Biblical claim. Jesus really rose from death. That is the best news the world has ever heard. Do you accept it as true?