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.
For another, the 'eyewitness' accounts are remarkably similar. They are consistent enough to be acceptable as evidence in a secular court of law. The events of Jesus' life, as well as many of his deeds and sayings, were recorded by Matthew and John, who were with him during his three years of ministry in Israel, and by Luke and Mark, who were contemporaries of his followers and wrote after the crucifixion.
The plan of salvation, which ushers a Christian believer into eternal relationship with God, is founded on the crucifixion. It has been said that the Messiah was born to die. Paul writes of this in his epistles, saying that if Christ had not died and risen, Paul's preaching is in vain. Under Jewish (God's) law, only a blood sacrifice can atone for sin; Jesus's death on the cross paid for the sins of the whole world as the final atonement for all.
God does not reward earthly life that is not redeemed by the blood of his son. A 'good' life is not sufficient to atone for sin that separates man from God. Only those who accept that they are sinners, deserving to die, and that Jesus's death on the cross paid their penalty can become the children of God. The Lamb paid the price for all, and his resurrection made him the firstborn of all who have new life in Christ.
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.
For another, the 'eyewitness' accounts are remarkably similar. They are consistent enough to be acceptable as evidence in a secular court of law. The events of Jesus' life, as well as many of his deeds and sayings, were recorded by Matthew and John, who were with him during his three years of ministry in Israel, and by Luke and Mark, who were contemporaries of his followers and wrote after the crucifixion.
The plan of salvation, which ushers a Christian believer into eternal relationship with God, is founded on the crucifixion. It has been said that the Messiah was born to die. Paul writes of this in his epistles, saying that if Christ had not died and risen, Paul's preaching is in vain. Under Jewish (God's) law, only a blood sacrifice can atone for sin; Jesus's death on the cross paid for the sins of the whole world as the final atonement for all.
God does not reward earthly life that is not redeemed by the blood of his son. A 'good' life is not sufficient to atone for sin that separates man from God. Only those who accept that they are sinners, deserving to die, and that Jesus's death on the cross paid their penalty can become the children of God. The Lamb paid the price for all, and his resurrection made him the firstborn of all who have new life in Christ.
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.
