Truth Magazine

By Thomas G. O’Neal

(Note: The following article by Tom O’Neal was written for Walking In Truth in May 1973 and published again in 1976. Brother O’Neal was dealing with the false teaching of the grace-unity movement under the leadership of Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett, specifically promoted among us by Edward Fudge. We think the article needs to be reproduced because some are still confused about who are false teachers.)

To some there is no such thing as a false teacher, thus there could be no such thing as false doctrine.

Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves . . . Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt. 7:15-20). In these verses Jesus said (1) false teachers exist, (2) they do not appear as false teachers, they are deceptive, (3) they produce fruit and (4) we can know who they are by their fruit.

Paul said some were “false apostles” (2 Cor. 11: 13). Jesus said there would be “false Christs” (Matt. 24:5,24). Christ said there would be “false prophets” (Matt. 24:11,24).

Living False Teachers

The fact that Christ and the apostles warned of false teachers does not mean that all false teachers died in the first century and none are living today. The average religious paper comes from a false teacher. The average religious radio or TV program is sponsored by false teachers. In fact, most all religious instruction today is coming from false teachers.

False teachers will not admit to being false teachers However, John says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1).

Just how then can one identify false teachers? I may recognize one and not his name. One can recognize a policeman and not know his name. So it is with a false teacher. Let us notice some ways not to identify a false teacher and then some ways by which we may know them.

Not By

(1) Appearance. This does not tell us whether or not one is a false teacher. Jesus said wolves would appear as sheep (Matt. 7:15). Paul said false apostles would appear to be apostles of Christ (2 Cor. 11:13-14).

(2) Voice. How one sounds does not identify as to “sound doctrine.” Paul said “by good words and fair speeches” the “hearts of the simple” are “deceived” (Rom. 16:18).

(3) Personality. A false teacher will always put forth the very best he has. Paul said some would transform themselves into “ministers of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:15). The personality of a false teacher is one of his powerful assets. Put the false teacher under the searchlight of God’s word and watch his personality change into that of viciousness. When exposed by God’s word that false, thin veneer of sweetness is gone and the real wolf is then exposed. I have never seen a false teacher yet, when put under the pressure of God’s word, that didn’t lose his sweetness.

(4) Numbers. One can not learn who is a false teacher by how many follow him. Peter warns us that “many shall follow their pernicious ways” (2 Pet. 2:2). The majority has always on any question been on the side of the Devil from the beginning of God’s dealing with man. The way to destruction is the broad way which “many there be which go in thereat” (Matt. 7:13).

(5) Claims. Jesus said many would claim to have worked in his name but Christ said, “I never knew you . . . ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:23). False teachers have always made such claims (see Matt. 24:5,24-26).

How to Identify a False Teacher

(1) Who Enjoys Their Message? John said, “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them” (1 Jn. 4:5). The world will approve the message of the false teacher. Men like Billy Graham can always have a crowd to listen to their false doctrine but a faithful gospel preacher in the same town would have few to listen to the Lord’s message of salvation.

(2) What Fruit Do They Yield? Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-20 that a false teacher was a “corrupt tree” that brought “forth evil fruit.” Christ said a “corrupt tree” could not “bring forth good fruit.” The logical consequence of all false teaching is the practice of false doctrine in life. Jesus calls false teachers “corrupt trees” because of the fruit they produce (Matt. 7:17).

(3) What Is Their Authority? Jesus said all religious teaching is either from (1) heaven or (2) men (Matt. 21:25). What authority does a false teacher give for his doctrine? Not the word of God. Paul said some gave heed to “fables and commandments of men” (Tit. 1:14). John said that those who knew God “heareth us” that is, they will hear the apostles (1 Jn. 4:6). The individual “that is not of God heareth not us” (1 Jn. 4:6). Paul said that if one claimed in his day that he was a prophet or had some spiritual gift that he was to “acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). What Christ or the apostles said means nothing to a false teacher. Any false teacher will avoid the plain statement of Scripture. Read the word of God to a false teacher and he will take the commandments of men any time before he will take the word of God. Try it and see.

(4) Who Associates With Them? John said the false teachers “are of the world” (1 Jn. 4:5). They speak “of the world” (1 Jn. 4:5). The world will hear the false teacher. The world will always side with the false teacher; the false teacher will always side with the world. The false teachers will always join together with the world to oppose the teaching of Christ. False teachers who do not agree with each other, who will at times oppose each other, will band together when a gospel preacher starts opposing false doctrine. False teachers admire men’s person because of the advantage they are given by them (Jude 16). Paul said, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5: 11).

How Should I Regard False Teachers?

(1) Love Their Souls. God loves all men and wants them to be saved (Jn. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Pet. 3:9). This includes the false teachers; God would that they repent and be saved. I should love them (Matt. 5:44) and want them to be saved by gospel obedience.

(2) Beware of Them. Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets” (Matt. 7:15). We would beware of a rattlesnake because of the physical harm it would do to us. A false preacher is just as dangerous to us spiritually as a rattlesnake is to us physically.

(3) Do Not Fellowship Them. Paul said, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11). False teachers can not be fellowshipped. I will not announce a service in which a known false teacher is the speaker. What good does it do to announce such, and then turn around in almost the same breath and say that he will teach some things with which one might not agree?

(4) Avoid Them. Paul said, “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17).

(5) Rebuke Them. Of certain false teachers Paul said, “Rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Tit. 1: 13). Paul said instead of fellowshipping with them we should “rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).

(6) Don’t Bid Them God Speed. John said, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed; For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 Jn. 9-11).

(7) Watch for Them. Paul told Timothy, “Watch thou in all things.” The reason was: “for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:1-5). One should keep his eyes open for false teachers.

To watch the dip stick of your car motor will keep you from burning up the engine; to watch for false teachers and doctrine will keep one from being taken by them. The result of false teachers and doctrine is destruction (Matt. 15:14).

Every teacher that one sees will not be a false teacher. When one goes squirrel hunting, every animal seen in the woods is not a squirrel, but the hunter is looking for and quickly identifies one.

False Teachers Inside and Out

Paul said to the Ephesian elders, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:29-31).

(1) Wolves enter. Into the flock of God Paul said wolves would enter. Here are false teachers coming from the outside of the church into the church. These false teachers need to be watched, for from time to time such will enter into the church.

They may come in the form of people coming into the Lord’s church under the notion of being converted when really they have not been. They have just transferred their membership. I have known cases when people left some denomination and were admitted into the fellowship of brethren who had never been baptized into Christ. In time, this will always cause trouble.

(2) “Also of your own seives shall men arise, speaking perverse things, ” Here are false teachers arising from within the church. Many never seem to think that false teachers could be found among the flock of God. False teachers who arise among the people of God will do more damage to the flock than those who enter from the outside.

Paul said some were “false apostles” (2 Cor. 11:13). There were “false brethren” in New Testament times (2 Cor. 11:26) and they are not all dead. Paul mentions false gospels (Gal. 1:6-9). Peter warned there would be “false teachers” (2 Pet. 2:2).

False teachers and those practicing false doctrine were named in New Testament times (1 Tim. 1: 19-20; 2 Tim. 2:17; 3:8; 4:8,14-15). False teachers today both in and out of the church should be named. It is not popular to do so now, but such is the New Testament practice.

Characteristics of False Teachers

(1) Titus 1:9-16 teaches that false teachers are unruly, vain talkers, deceivers, subverters, teach just for money, liars, instruct in fables and the commandments of men, their mind and conscience is defiled, they deny God while professing knowledge of him, and are disobedient.

(2) 2 Timothy 4:1-5 shows false brethren will not endure sound doctrine, their ears will itch and after their own desire they will find false teachers to scratch their itching ears as they turn from truth to fables.

(3) 2 Peter 2:1-3 shows false teachers among brethren will deny the Lord, bring in damnable heresies, lead astray many, they will be covetous, will use feigned words, and will make merchandise of brethren.

(4) Revelation 2:20 tells us at Thyatira was a false prophetess named Jezebel that even seduced the servants of God to commit fornication and eat things sacrificed to idols. In 2 Peter 2:2 pernicious ways are lascivious ways.

Paul told Titus, “A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject: knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself” (Tit.3:10-11).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, pp. 210-212
April 4, 1991

By G.K. Wallace

A good leader will display tender consideration for the old, young, weak and unfortunate. Jacob knew this when he said to Esau, “I will lead on gently.” He realized, “If they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die” (Gen. 33:14). A good leader will not overdrive.

We may overdrive by continual controversy about “words to no profit” (2 Tim. 1:14). It is so easy to reject the weak if they have not reached the heights of the strong (Rom. 14:1). It is tempting to condemn the young if they do not know life as we who are older know it. We may require of the young and weak a degree of courage and other graces which in their case may be only buds.

We may “overdrive” by preaching nothing but severe truth, threatening and punishment, and never emphasize the great promises of God. It is ours to console as well as to condemn. The great comforting passages of the Bible should not be reserved for funerals only.

We may “overdrive” by manifesting austerity, suspicion and harshness toward those who disagree with us. We must do good unto all men (Gal. 6:10). To return good for evil is indeed a golden rule (Matt. 7:12). Faultfinding has a place, but not to the neglect of worthy praise.

“Fathers, provoke not your children that they be not discouraged” (Col. 3:21). We may discourage even the strong by dwelling upon the woes and trials of Christianity and saying little or nothing about its joys.

Jesus had a special place in his heart for the poor and downtrodden. He was tender and kind and to the most sinful. Even to those who would become leaders he said, “I have many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now” (Jn. 16:12). We should not drive like Jehu, but lead like Jesus. We move a lighted candle slowly lest it go out. A fire almost expiring can be put out by a strong wind. A tender plant can be watered too much. In dealing with the weak we would do well to follow the hospital rule: “Walk softly and speak quietly.” We were all little children first and had to learn to walk. “The Lord’s servant must not strive.” We must have “a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another . . . and love which is the bond of perfectness” (Col. 3:12-14). These qualities help to make a good leader. (The above article was quoted from Four State Gospel News [Feb. 1991].)

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, p. 212
April 4, 1991

By Wayne Moore

The Holy Spirit revealed the New Testament. The night that Jesus was betrayed, denied, and forsaken, he promised his apostles that they would be guided into “all truth.” He said, “But the Comforter), Which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto” (Jn. 14:2). “Howbeit, when He the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall he speak: and He will show you things to come” (Jn. 16:13).

Paul said that he and those with him spoke words that the Holy Ghost taught: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13). He further spoke of that revelation in Ephesians 3:3-5: “How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His apostles and prophets by the Spirit.”

When John wrote Revelation, he explained that the Spirit spoke through the word. Seven times he said, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22).

The New Testament teaches one how to receive forgiveness of sins – redemption, righteousness. The night that Jesus was betrayed, he said that the Spirit was to reprove the world of sin: “if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (Jn. 16:7-8). The New Testament shows how the Spirit did this.

After Jesus’ resurrection, he told the apostles that “repentance and remission of sins, should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk.24:47). To them he said, “For John truly baptized with water; but we shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). In Acts 2:4, “. . . they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” That day in Acts 2 the Holy Spirit reprove, convicted and convinced people of their sins. In Acts 2:14-36 is recorded the sermon Peter preached. Peter, speaking by the Spirit, preached that Jesus was approved of God, was delivered by God’s counsel and foreknowledge, was crucified, was raised from the dead, was exalted to the right hand of God, sat on the throne of David, received the promise of the Father, shed forth what they were seeing and hearing that day, and was made both Lord and Christ. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?'” (Acts 2:37) “Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost'” (Acts 2:38).

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” “And the Lord added unto the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). Today when one today believes this message, repents, and is baptized, he receives forgiveness of sins.

The New Testament tells why it was written. In that first century nineteen hundred years ago, the writers told why they wrote. John said, “. . . these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (Jn. 20:30-3 1). One becomes a believer in Jesus by reading what is written.

I Luke, in speaking of those things which were believed among them, wrote to Theophilus that he “might know the certainty of those things” wherein he had-been instructed (Lk. 1:1-4). The word was first preached orally; then it was later written. Today we have what was written in that first century. As Theophilus could know, we can know if we read what the Spirit revealed. In Acts 1:1 the writer (Luke) said, “The former treatise have I made, 0 Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and to teach until the day in which He was taken up.” We today can learn what Jesus did and taught by reading the hew Testament.

Jude tells the sanctified, preserved, called, beloved to “contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). The faith – the gospel – was once delivered unto the saints. It was once for all time delivered to the saints, not to a hierarchy.

Paul said, “. . . the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor 14:37). “He made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:3-4). Understanding comes by reading what the Spirit revealed. Furthermore, Paul said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There is no unprofitable Scripture. The Scriptures show us the teaching we need, reprove us of our guilt, correct our errors, instruct us how to live, and complete us unto all good works.

John said, “And these things write we unto you that your joy’may be full” (Jn. 1:4). Also he said, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not” (1 Jn. 2:1). Peter wrote so that “ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance” (2 Pet. 1:15). Furthermore, he said, “. . . I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand” (1 Pet. 5:12).

Through knowing the New Testament we can become believers in Christ Jesus, know the certainty of truth, become acquainted with what Jesus did and taught, learn how to contend for the faith see the commandments of God, understand Paul’s knowledge, be furnished unto all good works, be filled with joy, learn not to sin, be put in remembrance of the grace of God.

The New Testament that the Holy Spirit revealed is final, complete, all-sufficient. Jude said, “Contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). The faith is the organized body of truth. The faith, the gospel, was once for all delivered to the saints. It was not discovered; it was delivered. It was delivered to the saints, not to a hierarchy. Peter said, “According to his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. . . ” (2 Pet. 1:34). All that pertains to life and godliness! Partakers of the divine nature! Who could want more!

The word of God, the New Testament, is called “grace.” “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Tit. 2:11-12). Peter said, “I have written briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand” (1 Pet. 5:12). The grace has been preached, has been delivered, has been written, has brought salvation. What else is needed!

The word produces faith: “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). The word cleanses: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (Jn. 15:3). The word sanctifies: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). The word reconciles: “God . . . hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19).

The word saves. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:15-16). Peter was to tell Cornelius “words whereby he and his household could be saved” (Acts 11:14). Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation unto every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). “. . . it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor 1:21). The Ephesians had “heard the word of truth”; it was the gospel of their salvation (Eph. 1:13). James said, ” . . .receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (Jas. 1:21). The word is able to save because it teaches of Jesus’ death for our sins, his burial, his resurrection, and his being seen (1 Cor. 15:1-5).

The word is the instrument that the Holy Spirit revealed through which one is born again: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Pet. 1:22-23). Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. . . Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. . . Ye must be born again” (Jn. 3:3,5,7).

The word is able to build one up and to give him an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32). God has summed up all things in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:10). That includes revelation, Scripture, the word of God the New Testament. There is no Scripture past the first century. No one has added one truth to God’s word since then. One was complete in Christ then (Col. 2:10). One is complete now.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 8, pp. 226, 247-248
April 18, 1991

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