Truth Magazine

By Ray Madrigal

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? In these closing statements, I will briefly summarize the evidence that you are asked to weigh. Since this case is one of history, I shall appeal t Verdict on the Resurrection o the primary historical documents. We shall hear the testimony of competent, reliable witnesses of the highest moral character- individuals who would rather die than lie. The case before us: The people [of God] vs. Mr. Cynic concerns the reality of the resurrection of Jesus and demands your most diligent attention.

Four Core Facts

In formulating this case for the defense (Phil. 1:7,17), I am, above all, overwhelmed. Evidence for the literal resurrection of Jesus is more than sufficient to convince any unbiased jury. I trust that you will examine the evidence in an objective manner. For the sake of clarity as well as brevity, I shall not appeal to the great bulk of evidence which supports the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Rather, I will focus on four undeniable facts. Let me remind the court that these four facts are verified and confirmed by virtually all authorities in the fields of history, archaeology, and biblical research. While these scholars do not agree as to the meaning and significance of these facts, the facts themselves are indisputable. It remains up to you, good men and women of the jury, to reach a verdict.

Just as there are four indisputable facts surrounding the events of the case before us, there are also four theories of interpretation. I will discuss each of these, in turn, as we examine the four facts (see Chart).

Fact One: Jesus’ Death by Crucifixion

Although several prejudiced naturalists have proposed theories suggesting that Jesus did not actually die on the cross (The Swoon Theory), but only faked death, such an hypothesis does not hold up under a careful examination of the evidence. The record indicates that Jesus did, in fact, die from the effects of crucifixion (Jn. 19:31-34). According to David Strauss (A New Life of Jesus, 1879) and a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Society, Jesus probably died of asphyxiation long before his body was pierced by the Roman soldier.

Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to his side was inflicted and supports the traditional view that the spearthrust between his right ribs, probably perforated not only the right lung but also the pericardium and heart and thereby ensured his death. Accordingly, interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern medical knowledge (JAMS, March 21, 1986).

Are we to believe that Jesus merely faked death in light of this evidence? Yet for the sake of argument, let us suppose that Jesus was able to convince his disciples, Pilate, the soldiers and the Jews that he was dead. Could he, in such a weakened condition, untie over one hundred pounds of linen cloth and burial ointments (Jn. 19:39)? Could he roll away the huge stone from this newly cut tomb (Matt. 27:60-61) and escape past the Roman guards? If so, what condition would he be in? Would his battered, tattered, and weary body convince his disciples of a victory over death? Lest you remain undecided, kind jury, let us examine the second fact.

Fact Two: Experiences of the Disciples

It is precisely here at this second point that we have an abundance of testimony. Post-resurrection appearances are documented in no less than twelve separate occasions. Below is a list of these appearances in chronological order:

(1) To Mary Magdalene (Jn. 20:14; Mk. 16:9)

(2) To several women (Matt. 28:9-10)

(3) To Peter (Lk. 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5)

+ (4) To the two on Emmaus Road (Lk. 24:13-33, 43)

(5) To ten apostles [without Thomas] (Lk. 24:36 43; Jn. 20:19-24)

(6) To eleven apostles (Jn. 20:26-29)

+ (7) To seven at Tiberias Lake (Jn. 21:1-23)

+ (8) To eleven at Great Commission (Matt. 28; Mk. 16)

(9) To over 500 brethren (1 Cor. 16:6)

(10) To James (1 Cor. 15:7)

+ (11) To the apostles at the Ascension (Acts 1:3-12)

(12) To Paul (Acts 9;22;26; 1 Cor. 15:8)

The court should also acknowledge the following summary statements about these appearances (Acts 1:8,22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:22). Another naturalistic theory postulates that these witnesses were merely suffering from hallucinations. Yet this, too, goes against modern psychiatric research which concludes that two or more people cannot share a common hallucination. Eight of these twelve post-resurrection appearances were witnesses by more than one party. Also, the psychological preconditions for hallucinations are lacking. Another important point to notice, ladies and gentlemen, is the nature of these appearances. The record will show that these witnesses made use of three empirical faculties in witnessing to these appearances: sight, sound and touch. Both Mary and Thomas touched Jesus’ resuscitated body (see 1 John 1:1-2). Not to mention the fact that Jesus ate and digested food with his disciples on at least four difference occasions (see + above)! Let me ask you once again, have you reached a verdict?

Fact Three: Disciples’ Remarkable Transformation

Perhaps the very first theory proposed attempting to refute the reality of the resurrection is the Conspiracy Theory (or Fraud Theory). This theory maintains that the disciples allegedly stole the body, hid it and subsequently conspired to lie about it. Yet this hypothesis, as all the others, does not stand the test of even the most simple examination. Given the facts of the case, it is highly unlikely that anybody stole the body. In the first place, the Jews made careful precautions to prevent the success of possible body-snatchers (Matt. 27:62-66). Secondly, the Roman guard assigned to secure the tomb also witnessed the events of that resurrection morning (Matt. 28:11-15). Notice that the chief priests of the Jews bribed the soldiers to lie and guaranteed their safety should the Roman governor hear about it (Matt. 28:14).

In light of these historical facts, the fraud theory falls flat! The burden of proof rests upon the prosecution: those who would defame the character of these outstanding witnesses and deny the gospel claim of Jesus’ resurrection. Would liars become martyrs? The New Testament records the subsequent suffering and death of many of these early witnesses (Acts 4:13,19-20; 5:28-32,40-2; 7:57f; 8:1-3; 12:2; Jn. 21:19; Rev. 1:9). No naturalistic theory accounts for the utter and remarkable transformation of these whiny, wimpy disciples into bold proclaimers of the risen Christ. The only reasonable explanation of this fact is that these men and women actually had seen, heard and touched the risen Jesus (see 1 Jn. 1:1-2). Suffering, shame or even death did not matter to them.

Although by now the truth must be most apparent to you, let us proceed to the fourth fact (which readily expands on the third fact).

Fact Four: The Experience of Paul

You have been most kind to listen to three lines of evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus. I will but mention one more. The conversion of Saul of Tarsus began with a well-documented appearance of Jesus on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus (Acts 9, 22 and 26). Here we find a most zealous Pharisee engaging in an expanding persecution of the Christian movement when he, too, encounters Christ. Paul first relates this experience to the Galatians (1:16-18) and later testifies to the Corinthians (15:3-8).

You will remember, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, that Paul suffered terrible things for this cause (2 Cor. 11, cf. extra-biblical sources report that he was beheaded for his testimony; see also 2 Tim. 4:6-8). Why did this man change? What motivated this remarkable transformation of life? Only a literal resurrection can account for the conversion of Saul of Tarsus to the Apostle Paul.

Conclusion

While we could explore the evidences of the Christian community [the church], the monuments of the Lord’s day, the Lord’s supper, baptism and the Bible itself, we have focused our attention on only four facts. These four historical realities are conclusive evidences for the resurrection. Nevertheless, the decision is yours, ladies and gentlemen. Have you reached a verdict?

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, pp. 208-209
April 4, 1991

By Andy Alexander

Which church is right? The answer is simple: the one that follows the Bible completely. The Bible is the complete word of God and furnishes us with everything we need to serve him (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3). There is no additional revelation from God to man. God, through the Holy Spirit, delivered his will to man in the first century and that will has been recorded and providentially preserved for all mankind (Jn. 16:13; Jude 3; 1 Pet. 1:25).

The Bible teaches that Christ only has one church (Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23; Matt. 16:18). When we confess our faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, repent of our sins, and are baptized in water for the remission of our sins then the Lord adds us to his church (Rom. 10:10; Acts 2:3 8,47). There is just one church and the person who obeys the Lord’s commands becomes a part of that body. He can then wear the name Christian, because then and only then is he truly a follower of Christ (Acts 11:26).

Must Be Right On Worship

After obeying the conditions given by the Lord, we must worship him as he has commanded. Since there is only one church, we must find the right one so that we can continue to please God. His word plainly teaches that it is possible to worship him in vain (Matt. 15:8-9). The acts of worship that we read about in the Bible consist of prayer, singing, giving of our means, teaching and being taught, and eating the Lord’s Supper on a weekly basis (Acts 2:42; Eph. 5:19; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34). We are commanded not to go beyond the doctrine of Christ and not to participate with those who do, so it is imperative that we find the right church and worship with that body (Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Jn. 9-11).

When a group calling itself the church adds the instrument to their service or takes the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper from their service, then on that point they are wrong. They are not the church we read about in the Bible. We must take our Bibles and find the right church.

In the next article, we will investigate more distinguishing marks of the right church. It must be remembered that in order to be the right church, it must be right on all points. One church may be right on some points and wrong on others which would make it wrong (Jas. 2:10).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, p. 203
April 4, 1991

By John A. Smith

We live in a sex-oriented society. Young people are constantly bombarded by a mixture of messages that encourage them to act on their natural sexual impulses without regard for morals, Everything from tooth paste and blue jeans to shaving cream is sold on the basis of sex appeal. T.V. (soaps in particular), movies and popular music promote a life-style free from moral restraint. On the typical soap opera boy meets girl; they hug, kiss, then go to bed. Unrestrained sexual activity is viewed as the ultimate vehicle for pleasure and purpose in life.

Young people left to themselves face a herculean task in trying to overcome this pressure. With young people getting married later than they did a few years ago, the control of “raging hormones” becomes a more serious concern. What can be done? Education holds the key! Education which begins at home, includes the church and is based upon God’s standard!

God’s Design for Sexual Activity

God approves and sanctions sexual activity as a means of expressing love and bonding two people together. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4). It is an honorable expression of love, affection and bonding when kept within the context of marriage. In the Song of Solomon we find a beautiful tribute to the sexual bonding of two people who are very much in love (Song of Solomon 7:7ff; 8:3ff). This young couple longs for a physical expression of their growing love and do so with the approval and endorsement of their Lord. Within the context of a divinely endorsed marriage, sexual activity can properly provide satisfaction and pleasure (Prov. 5:18-ff). So important is this physical union that God does not want it withheld from either marriage partner (1 Cor. 7:2-5).

Outside of its proper place, sexual activity is damning to one’s soul (1 Cor. 6:9-11) and damaging to one’s self-image. Therefore, God encourages us to flee fornication. “Flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18a). Sometimes it is best to seek safety in flight. The best defense can be a good run! (Just ask Joseph – Gen. 39:7-12.) It is not in our best interest to linger where we may get burnt (Prov. 6:27-33).

Sexual infidelity does injury to part of one’s personality as sexual activity is more than just a physical activity – more than bodies are involved. After telling us to flee fornication, Paul says: “Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18). Even though a person might “protect” himself against some of the physical consequences of premarital sexual activity, no contraceptive can protect one’s mind or reputation.

Remember that it is always best to stay within God’s design. He knows us better than we know ourselves. The wise man Solomon wrote: “Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent . . . Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away” (Prov. 6:27-33).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, p. 205
April 4, 1991

By Don Partain

An expedient is a spiritually advantageous method for carrying out the Lord’s revealed will. The Lord instructed us to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19) and to do so in an orderly manner (1 Cor. 14:40). Expedients to carrying out this command would include hymn books, pitch pipes, song leaders, certain styles of singing, etc.

What qualifies a practice as an expedient? Is an expedient just any practice that seems to work – that seems to produce the desired result? Is it just whatever is easiest or most convenient for us to do?

• An expedient is first lawful (see 1 Cor. 6:12). It does not violate any scriptural principle. For example, the Lord instructed us to preach the gospel to all nations (Mk. 16:15). But using any kind of trickery, gimmickry, or force cannot be justified as an expedient – even if it yields some desirable results. Why? Because these practices violate clear scriptural principles (Eph. 4:25; Jn. 6:44,45). True expedients lie within the scope of direct statement/command, apostolic example, or implication of these. Thus, partaking of the Lord’s Supper on Tuesday night is not an expedient, since it lies outside apostolic example (Acts 20:7). In the same way, evangelistic efforts through a centralized (or “sponsoring”) church are not expedients, even though they might result in many baptisms, because the elders of one congregation are not authorized to supervise the work of other congregations (1 Pet. 5:2).

• An expedient does not lead others to sin. A practice might be lawful, yet still not be expedient (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23). Eating meats sacrificed to idols was, in itself lawful. Yet, in certain situations, it was a stumbling block to weak brethren as it led them to violate their conscience. I remember a get-together of Christians at a local recreation facility where there were two pool tables. Although most of the members saw nothing wrong with playing pool in itself, and even enjoyed playing the game, we simply covered both tables with a sheet to keep from being a stumbling block to one of the families present.
• An expedient is spiritually profitable, yet not necessarily the most convenient thing to do. In fact, an expedient might involve a good bit of work and effort. The three-year Bible study plan the church here in Missoula is using is the most demanding expedient we have had for studying the Bible, since it involves work to be done on a daily basis. Yet, this plan is definitely expedient, spiritually profitable. In the early centuries, many churches found it expedient to assemble before daybreak on the Lord’s day for worship in order to accommodate members who were slaves – members who could not have attended any later. Such a meeting time was not very easy or convenient (I wonder how it would affect our attendance today!), but it was expedient.

A church of Christ in Arizona has found it expedient to devote more time to preparing for partaking of the Lord’s Supper. So they have a brief sermon in addition to a song or two preparatory to partaking. Many might find this practice not only different from what they are used to, but even inconvenient. Yet it is definitely expedient to “do(ing) this in remembrance of Me.”

• An expedient is selected out of love and consideration for all. The leaders of each church must be sensitive to the particular needs and situation of their congregation, and so, be able to select expedients that would work best for them – whether such expedients are used generally by other congregations or not. Needs will differ somewhat according to whether a church is large or small, made up mostly of elderly members or young families, mature Christians or “babes” in Christ, located in the North or the South, in a rural or urban area, etc. Effective expedients will be those that take into consideration the congregation’s particular situation. For example, a large congregation here in the Northwest, due to the various work schedules of the members, has found it expedient to provide two “midweek” study nights. For obvious reasons, though, this practice would not be expedient for small congregations. A church composed mostly of young families might find it expedient to include psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that use a more contemporary style of music, along with the standard hymns.

When serious resistance or objections are raised against using certain proposed expedients, they should not simply be forced upon the congregation. In such a case, even good expedients end up being “blasphemed.” Thus, we are defeated from the very start. We must remember that “the kingdom of God is . . . righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit … So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Rom. 14:16-19). “Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies” (1 Cor. 8:1).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, p. 204
April 4, 1991