And, we could all leave it at that, marvelling at the fact that the storyline that is most likely to be the true narrative of events is actually the most surprising. We could wonder at how each of the naturalistic explanations have insurmountable problems, and how the claims of the disciples, totally unexpectedly, actually make the most sense. And then we could get on with our lives feeling pleased that we have gone some way to settling a centuries old problem in our own minds.

But is that a reasonable, rational response? If Jesus’ resurrection is indeed true, or even simply the most likely explanation, then a more suitable response would surely be to try and learn more about the God who, on balance, has probably influenced human history by raising a man from the dead, asserting his existence in the most dramatic fashion. The resurrection of Jesus, if true, surely changes everything.

Now if we are to accept this explanation, then we must also accept that miracles can happen and that there is a supernatural God who can and is willing to perform them. For many people that might be hard to accept. And yet, the evidence here points to the fingerprints of a divine being intervening in human history. In fact, here is how the Bible describes this most astounding event:

“[God] has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”[1]

Indeed, this is evidence not only for God’s existence, but also that he plans to do something with the world. This is the assurance that he is going to act again in our world. The fact that this is the most reasonable theory for what happened nearly 2,000 years ago is a witness to God, for only he could have intervened and caused something to occur that is outside natural possibility.

It’s also important to realise that this is not the only grounds on which people believe in the existence of God. The Bible’s authors don’t expect its readers to believe something without justification and without any evidence for God. Put this alongside thoughts about the origin and originator of the universe, (known as the cosmological argument), observations about how our universe is finely tuned, (known as the teleological argument – about seeing purpose within the physical world), and a whole host of other reasons to take the Bible seriously, a powerful case is made for God, Jesus and the Bible[2].

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything.

So, if we follow the footprints of history to where they lead, we are brought to a realisation of our place in the grandeur of this universe, knowing that there is actually a God ‘out there’ who is intensely interested in our world. Interested enough to intervene nearly 2,000 years ago in order to change the course of human history. The tomb of Jesus was indeed empty, but we can fill what would otherwise be a gaping hole in the annals of history with confidence, and in doing so, we are confronted with the presence of God. The resurrection of Jesus changes everything and if you and I spend time getting to know the God who has acted in human history, then we will have much to be overjoyed about and certainly a huge amount to look forward to when he acts again!

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Footnotes

[1] Acts 17:31

[2] See the Further Reading appendix.