Twenty-seven years ago construction workers near Jerusalem dug up a tomb. Archaeologists were called in and they discovered ten ossuaries (stone boxes containing human bones) in the tomb. Six of these boxes had names inscribed on them: Jesua, son of Joseph; Mary; Mary; Mathew; Jofa and Judah, son of Jesua. A recent television “documentary” speculated that these ossuaries might contain the remains of Jesus, His wife Mary Magdalene and their children. If this were true, then everything that Christians have believed for 2,000 years is a lie.

Why? Because the Bible’s testimony is that Jesus rose from the tomb in which He was laid. If Jesus’ bones were found in that tomb, then the resurrection is a lie and “you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Though informed archaeologists have stated that the documentary’s claims are false; yet our faith is not based on what they say.

Christ’s crucifixion is the central act which won salvation and the forgiveness of sins, and His resurrection is the central proof that forgiveness is won. The Bible states, “Jesus was delivered over because of our offenses and was raised again because of our justification” (Romans 4:25). That means that without the resurrection of Jesus we could not be certain of God declaring us innocent on the last day.

God’s Word clearly and repeatedly teaches Christ’s resurrection—even in the Old Testament. St. Peter quoted David’s Psalm to prove the resurrection, “my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay” (Acts 2:26-27). Amid his suffering Job declared, “I know that me Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). A redeemer pays a price to set someone free. God’s Redeemer paid the price of His life to set all sinners free from their sins; yet He lives.

Even though Christ’s resurrection from death to life defies our experience and reason; yet it is an historical event witnessed by over 500 people at one time. The Bible says, “He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people” (Acts 13:31). The message of the Christian Church was that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Then St. Paul lists some of those who saw the resurrected Christ. Most of these people were still alive when Paul wrote this letter. If someone did not believe Paul, they could speak to those who saw Jesus alive.

Christ’s resurrection is more than an historical fact; it is a vital pillar of our faith. St. Paul declares that “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). All who believe and confess that Jesus is the God-man who died for sin and rose again are personally rescued from sin and death and given life in heaven. They have a “living hope” based on what Jesus said: “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19).

Satan continues to find new ways to attack Christ’s resurrection—whether they are through magazine articles, books of fiction, false archaeology, or the ancient writings of Gnostic heretics. He knows that without the resurrection, Christianity would be like any other religion.

Christianity is not like the other religions because Jesus has conquered death by rising to life. In heaven, our risen Savior declares, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.” (Revelation 1:17-18).

Theodore Gullixson is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin.