Chapter Eight: Why Should I Trust Jesus in the Midst of
Suffering and Death
Jesus
died by Roman crucifixion.
The disciples had encounters with who they believed was the risen Jesus.
The conversion of James the brother of Jesus and Saul of Tarsus.2
2. Pages 141-142.
3. Page 142.
4. Pages 143-144.
5. Page 144.
Forthcoming: Highlight of Chapter Nine: Why Should I Trust Jesus When I Have Failed So Many Times?
The
answer to this question is as Sterrett writes:
Because of the resurrection of Jesus
Christ, we can face any physical difficulties and sorrows with the assurance
that our bodies will be transformed supernaturally after death so that we can
spend eternity with Him.1
But
why trust that the resurrection occurred physically; historically? Sterrett,
referencing the work of Dr. Gary Habermas, presents twelve facts that virtually
all scholars from a range of theological convictions agree are historically
true regarding Jesus and His followers.
Here are some of them:
The disciples had encounters with who they believed was the risen Jesus.
The conversion of James the brother of Jesus and Saul of Tarsus.2
Sterrett
also utilizes an acronym developed by Hank Hanegraff in defense of the
resurrection of Jesus – FEAT.
Fatal
Torment: The death of Jesus by
crucifixion “is as sure as anything historical can be” according to John
Dominic Crossan.3
Empty
Tomb: The empty tomb is part of the early
source material used by Mark. The early information transmitted by Paul in 1
Corinthians implies an empty tomb. The empty tomb account is simple and the
testimony of women is included when it was considered worthless in
first-century Palestine culture. A debate between Drs. William Lane Craig and
Gurd Ludemann is the source Sterrett references for these pieces of evidence.4
Appearances: The appearances of Jesus alive are part of an
early creed found in 1 Corinthians 15. 5
Transformation: The transformation of the disciples from men
running and hiding to men boldly proclaiming a risen Jesus is best explained by
the resurrection.
Sterrett
concludes the apologetic for the resurrection with the additional evidence of
the martyrdom of the apostles. People will die for a lie they believe to be
true, but people will not die for lie they made up. This is the position the
apostles were in!
We
have substantial reasons to trust that the resurrection occurred and thus to
trust in Jesus.
Stand firm in Christ,
Chase
Footnotes:
1. Page 140.2. Pages 141-142.
3. Page 142.
4. Pages 143-144.
5. Page 144.
Forthcoming: Highlight of Chapter Nine: Why Should I Trust Jesus When I Have Failed So Many Times?
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