MUHAMMAD MUHAMMAD VS. JESUSVS. JESUS

Which One Offered the Ultimate Which One Offered the Ultimate Miracle?Miracle?

Which Religion, Islam Which Religion, Islam or Christianity, or Christianity,

Provides Provides ProofProof It Is It Is from God?from God?

Muhammad’s “Miracle”: Muhammad’s “Miracle”: The Quran. The Quran.

The The onlyonly “miracle” that Muhammad “miracle” that Muhammad offered as proof that he was Allah’s prophet offered as proof that he was Allah’s prophet was was the Quran itself.the Quran itself.

““This Qur'an is not such as can be This Qur'an is not such as can be produced by other than Allahproduced by other than Allah; on the ; on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the worlds.” from the Lord of the worlds.” – SURAH 10:37– SURAH 10:37

Note: Some Muslims believe, Note: Some Muslims believe, even even without evidence in the Quranwithout evidence in the Quran, that , that Muhammad performed many great Muhammad performed many great miracles that went beyond natural law miracles that went beyond natural law based on the based on the HadithHadith (i.e., reports of (i.e., reports of

Muhammad’s sayings and deeds).Muhammad’s sayings and deeds). -- See The Correct Books of -- See The Correct Books of Bukhari, vol. 6, bk. 60, no. 390).Bukhari, vol. 6, bk. 60, no. 390).

To Muslims, what makes the Quran an even To Muslims, what makes the Quran an even greater miracle is that it was greater miracle is that it was written by written by Muhammad who (they believe) was Muhammad who (they believe) was illiterateilliterate..

““Those who follow the apostle, Those who follow the apostle, the unlettered Prophetthe unlettered Prophet, whom they , whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil… ”what is evil… ” -- SURAH 7:157-- SURAH 7:157

Note:Note: Some scholars believe that “unlettered” should be translated as Some scholars believe that “unlettered” should be translated as “gentle” or “heathen.”“gentle” or “heathen.”

Muslims believe there is no way an Muslims believe there is no way an illiterate man could have written the illiterate man could have written the Quran without the help of Allah.Quran without the help of Allah.

““Or do they say, ‘He forged it’? say: ‘Bring Or do they say, ‘He forged it’? say: ‘Bring then a Sura like unto it, and call (to your then a Sura like unto it, and call (to your aid) anyone you can besides Allah, if it be ye aid) anyone you can besides Allah, if it be ye speak the truth!’” speak the truth!’” -- SURAH 10:38-- SURAH 10:38

Muslims believe the Quran is Muslims believe the Quran is great in beauty great in beauty and eleganceand elegance and that and that this is evidencethis is evidence it is it is from Allah and that Muhammad is his from Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet.prophet.

““Say: ‘If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to Say: ‘If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur'an, gather together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereofthey could not produce the like thereof, even if , even if they backed up each other with help and they backed up each other with help and support’.” support’.” – SURAH 17:88 (See also SURAH – SURAH 17:88 (See also SURAH 2:23).2:23).

““Muslims do not claim any miracles Muslims do not claim any miracles for Muhammad. In their view, what for Muhammad. In their view, what proves Muhammad’s prophethood is proves Muhammad’s prophethood is the sublime beauty and greatness of the the sublime beauty and greatness of the revelation itself, the Holy Qur’anrevelation itself, the Holy Qur’an, not , not any inexplicable breaches of natural any inexplicable breaches of natural law which confound human reason.”law which confound human reason.” – Al-Faruqi, Muslim author– Al-Faruqi, Muslim author

Muslims also point to two passages Muslims also point to two passages of the Quran (30:2-4; 89:2) as of the Quran (30:2-4; 89:2) as “fulfilled prophecies” as further “fulfilled prophecies” as further proof that the Quran is a miracle proof that the Quran is a miracle from God.from God.

Jesus’ Miracle: His Resurrection Jesus’ Miracle: His Resurrection from the Dead.from the Dead.

Jesus performed many miracles, as Jesus performed many miracles, as recorded in the gospel accounts (e.g., Mat. recorded in the gospel accounts (e.g., Mat. 4:23; 11:4-5; John 2:23; 11:43; etc.): 4:23; 11:4-5; John 2:23; 11:43; etc.): Even the Quran admits this! (Surah 3:49; 5:110).Even the Quran admits this! (Surah 3:49; 5:110).

The greatest miracle or “sign” Jesus offered The greatest miracle or “sign” Jesus offered was was His resurrection from the deadHis resurrection from the dead that that gave proof that He was the Christ, the Son gave proof that He was the Christ, the Son of God of God (i.e., “the sign of Jonah” -- Mat. 12:38-40).(i.e., “the sign of Jonah” -- Mat. 12:38-40).

Romans 1:4 (NASB) who was Romans 1:4 (NASB) who was declared the Son of God with declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from power by the resurrection from the deadthe dead, according to the Spirit , according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,Lord,

The resurrection of Christ is essential to The resurrection of Christ is essential to the foundationthe foundation of Christianity. of Christianity.

1 Corinthians 15:12-15 (NASB) 12 Now if Christ is 1 Corinthians 15:12-15 (NASB) 12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we witnessed against God that He God, because we witnessed against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. dead are not raised.

WHICH ONE WHICH ONE (Muhammad or (Muhammad or

Christ) PROVIDED A Christ) PROVIDED A TRUETRUE “MIRACLE”? “MIRACLE”?

Did Muhammad Provide a Did Muhammad Provide a TrueTrue Miracle? (i.e, the Quran).Miracle? (i.e, the Quran).

There were There were nono eye-witnesses eye-witnesses of of Muhammad receiving revelation from Muhammad receiving revelation from God (Allah).God (Allah). The Quran comes from The Quran comes from oneone source, source, oneone man alone - man alone -

Muhammad.Muhammad. There are no witnesses, There are no witnesses, no oneno one who can corroborate who can corroborate

his testimony.his testimony. The entire body of “evidence” that the Quran is The entire body of “evidence” that the Quran is

from God is from God is founded on what founded on what oneone man said: man said: MuhammadMuhammad..

There were There were no miraculous signsno miraculous signs performed performed by Muhammad to verify that he had by Muhammad to verify that he had received the revelation of God.received the revelation of God.““The signs are only with Allah, and I am only a The signs are only with Allah, and I am only a plain warner…” plain warner…” -- SURAH 29:50-- SURAH 29:50

The apparent beauty and elegance of the The apparent beauty and elegance of the Quran is Quran is not enoughnot enough to prove that it is from to prove that it is from God (i.e., too subjective, based on man’s God (i.e., too subjective, based on man’s opinion).opinion).

The The OnlyOnly “Prophecies” Made in the “Prophecies” Made in the Quran Were not True Prophecies at All!Quran Were not True Prophecies at All!

Muhammad’s prediction of the victory of Muhammad’s prediction of the victory of the Romans over the Persians (Surah 30:2-the Romans over the Persians (Surah 30:2-4)4) was was too general and vague, not specific in too general and vague, not specific in detaildetail as true prophecy is (e.g., he predicted as true prophecy is (e.g., he predicted victoryvictory in a few years; It took 14 years.).in a few years; It took 14 years.).

Surah 89:2 refers to their sacred season of Surah 89:2 refers to their sacred season of Pilgrimage (first 10 days of Dhul-Hijah), not Pilgrimage (first 10 days of Dhul-Hijah), not 10 years of persecution 10 years of persecution (Too vague to be (Too vague to be prophecy!).prophecy!).

Did Jesus Provide a Did Jesus Provide a TrueTrue Miracle? (i.e., His resurrection).Miracle? (i.e., His resurrection).

Jesus did actually die on the cross!Jesus did actually die on the cross! Muhammad declared, in the Quran, that Jesus never Muhammad declared, in the Quran, that Jesus never

died, but was taken away by Allah:died, but was taken away by Allah:

““They killed him not , nor crucified him, but it They killed him not , nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them… For surely; they killed him appeared so to them… For surely; they killed him not … But Allah raised him up unto Himself” not … But Allah raised him up unto Himself” – – SURAH 4:157-158SURAH 4:157-158

Muslims believe Jesus did Muslims believe Jesus did notnot die on the cross, but instead die on the cross, but instead fled to India! There is a shrine that (supposedly) marks fled to India! There is a shrine that (supposedly) marks Jesus’ burial place in Srinagar in the valley of Kashmir, Jesus’ burial place in Srinagar in the valley of Kashmir, India.India.

Attempts to Deny His Death by Attempts to Deny His Death by Crucifixion:Crucifixion:

Some Muslims have charged that Jesus Some Muslims have charged that Jesus merely “swooned” (fainted and passed into merely “swooned” (fainted and passed into a state of semi-consciousness that was a state of semi-consciousness that was mistaken for deathmistaken for death).).

Other Muslims charge that Jesus had been Other Muslims charge that Jesus had been given a drug that made him given a drug that made him appear to dieappear to die (a (a temporary coma-like state).temporary coma-like state).

However, Jesus However, Jesus refusedrefused drugs to drugs to deaden the pain while on the cross deaden the pain while on the cross (Mark 15:23).(Mark 15:23).

He only received He only received sour winesour wine to to quench his thirst (Mark 15:36; quench his thirst (Mark 15:36; John 19:28-29).John 19:28-29).

Jesus Did in Fact Die by Means Jesus Did in Fact Die by Means of Crucifixion!of Crucifixion!

Even before being crucified, Jesus was Even before being crucified, Jesus was scourgedscourged (Mat. 27:26). (Mat. 27:26).

FLAGRUM FLAGRUM

When it was determined by the centurion in charge When it was determined by the centurion in charge that the prisoner is that the prisoner is near deathnear death, the flogging is , the flogging is stopped and he is led to his crucifixion: stopped and he is led to his crucifixion: Roman Roman floggings usually consisted of 39 lashes or more!floggings usually consisted of 39 lashes or more! (scourged with a (scourged with a flagrumflagrum which has bone and metal to which has bone and metal to lacerate human flesh).lacerate human flesh).

CRUCIFIXION WAS A REAL CRUCIFIXION WAS A REAL PRACTICE:PRACTICE:

In 1968, archaeologists In 1968, archaeologists discovered the remains of a discovered the remains of a

crucifixion victim from the year A.D. crucifixion victim from the year A.D. 70: His two heel 70: His two heel

bones were bones were stillstill fastened together fastened together by a single iron by a single iron

nail to wood!nail to wood!

Crucifixion is Designed to Bring About a Crucifixion is Designed to Bring About a Certain DeathCertain Death As MedicalAs Medical

Authorities Confirm Authorities Confirm (e.g., The Journal of the (e.g., The Journal of the American Medical Association, (March 21, 1986), 1463).American Medical Association, (March 21, 1986), 1463).

With arms outstretched, spikes were driven through the With arms outstretched, spikes were driven through the wrists on to the horizontal crossbar, and with the knees wrists on to the horizontal crossbar, and with the knees bent, spikes were driven through the feet.bent, spikes were driven through the feet.

Hanging on the cross w/ arms outstretched would cause a Hanging on the cross w/ arms outstretched would cause a dislocation of both shouldersdislocation of both shoulders (Ps. 22:14, 16). (Ps. 22:14, 16).

Crucifixion puts stress on the muscles and diaphragm, Crucifixion puts stress on the muscles and diaphragm, putting the chest into the inhaled position; putting the chest into the inhaled position; In order to In order to exhale, the person must push up on his feet.exhale, the person must push up on his feet.

Slowly, but surely, the victim dies as his oxygen level Slowly, but surely, the victim dies as his oxygen level decreases; He soon suffers decreases; He soon suffers hypovolemic shockhypovolemic shock due to the due to the loss of great amounts of blood and eventually loss of great amounts of blood and eventually cardiac cardiac arrest and heart failure.arrest and heart failure.

Roman Guards Roman Guards Verified Jesus’ Death:Verified Jesus’ Death:

They broke the legs of victims of crucifixion to They broke the legs of victims of crucifixion to hastenhasten death (so they could not push upward death (so they could not push upward to breathe). to breathe). In the case of Jesus, they did not In the case of Jesus, they did not break his legs, for break his legs, for he was already deadhe was already dead (John (John 19:33).19:33).

The Roman guard piecing the side of Jesus The Roman guard piecing the side of Jesus indicated his death as both blood and water indicated his death as both blood and water came forthcame forth (John 19:34) (John 19:34) -- medical proof of his -- medical proof of his death! death! (e.g., Samuel Houghton, MD., University of Dublin)(e.g., Samuel Houghton, MD., University of Dublin)

Even if Even if by chanceby chance Jesus survived Jesus survived the cross, he would have the cross, he would have

suffocatedsuffocated by being wrapped by being wrapped with linen wrappings and spices with linen wrappings and spices for his burial for his burial (a hundred (a hundred

pounds! - John pounds! - John 19:39-40).19:39-40).

Jesus Was Jesus Was BuriedBuried in His Own in His Own New Tomb.New Tomb.

Joseph of Arimathea asked for his body and Joseph of Arimathea asked for his body and buried him in a new tomb (Mat. 27:57-60; buried him in a new tomb (Mat. 27:57-60; Luke 23:50-52).Luke 23:50-52).

Jesus was safely Jesus was safely buriedburied (1 Cor. 15:4), not (1 Cor. 15:4), not eaten by birds on the cross nor dug up from eaten by birds on the cross nor dug up from the grave by wild dogs. the grave by wild dogs.

Apostolic Witnesses of Jesus’ Apostolic Witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection Are Credible by Resurrection Are Credible by

AllAll Accounts in a Court of Law! Accounts in a Court of Law! They were They were in a position to know the factsin a position to know the facts, ,

having spent a considerable amount of time having spent a considerable amount of time with Jesus (about 3 years; 1 John 1:1-3).with Jesus (about 3 years; 1 John 1:1-3).

They had They had no ulterior motiveno ulterior motive in preaching that in preaching that Jesus had risen.Jesus had risen.1 Cor 15:30-32 (NASB) 30 Why are we also in danger every 1 Cor 15:30-32 (NASB) 30 Why are we also in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brethren, by the boasting in you, which I hour? 31 I protest, brethren, by the boasting in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If from human If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised,profit me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.tomorrow we die.

They had nothing to gain materiallyThey had nothing to gain materially; Instead, they ; Instead, they received persecution, ostracism, and martyrdom.received persecution, ostracism, and martyrdom.

All the apostles, except for John died martyrs deaths All the apostles, except for John died martyrs deaths according to reliable, ancient tradition:according to reliable, ancient tradition:

Simon Peter, Simon the zealot, Andrews, James, son of Simon Peter, Simon the zealot, Andrews, James, son of Alphaeus, Philip & Bartholomew all crucified.Alphaeus, Philip & Bartholomew all crucified.

Matthew and James, son of Zebedee killed by the sword.Matthew and James, son of Zebedee killed by the sword. Thaddaeus killed by arrows. Thaddaeus killed by arrows. James, brother of Jesus, stoned to death.James, brother of Jesus, stoned to death. Thomas killed by a spear thrust. Thomas killed by a spear thrust. Paul was beheaded.Paul was beheaded.

Apostolic Witnesses of Jesus’ Apostolic Witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection Are Credible by Resurrection Are Credible by AllAll

Accounts in a Court of Law!Accounts in a Court of Law! Their writings are Their writings are historically accuratehistorically accurate (e.g., (e.g.,

Luke 1:1-4; 3:1-2).Luke 1:1-4; 3:1-2).

Sir William Ramsey, regarded as one of the greatest Sir William Ramsey, regarded as one of the greatest archaeologists and historians who ever lived said archaeologists and historians who ever lived said this: this: “Luke is a historian of the first rank; not “Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy… this merely are his statements of fact trustworthy… this author should be placed along with the very greatest author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians. Luke’s history is unsurpassed in of historians. Luke’s history is unsurpassed in

respect of its trustworthiness.” respect of its trustworthiness.” -- -- William Ramsay, St. William Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1982).Books, 1982).

Apostolic Witnesses of Jesus’ Apostolic Witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection Are Credible by Resurrection Are Credible by AllAll

Accounts in a Court of Law!Accounts in a Court of Law! There was agreement between numerous There was agreement between numerous

witnesseswitnesses (1 Cor. 15:1-8), (1 Cor. 15:1-8), includingincluding non- non-Bible sourcesBible sources (e.g., Cornelius Tacitus, (e.g., Cornelius Tacitus, Suetonius, Plinius Secundus, Flavius Suetonius, Plinius Secundus, Flavius Josephus).Josephus).

The Proof That Jesus Offered a The Proof That Jesus Offered a True Miracle – the True Miracle – the UltimateUltimate

Miracle! (i.e., His Resurrection).Miracle! (i.e., His Resurrection). Jesus was buried inJesus was buried in His own His own newnew tomb with tomb with

a large stone against the entrance.a large stone against the entrance.

Matt 27:59-60 (NASB) 59 And Joseph took Matt 27:59-60 (NASB) 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tombhis own new tomb, , which he had hewn out in the rock; and he which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away.the tomb and went away.

““His Own New Tomb”His Own New Tomb” No other dead bodies would be sharing this No other dead bodies would be sharing this

tomb with Jesus tomb with Jesus (e.g., tombs typically held up (e.g., tombs typically held up to six bodies!).to six bodies!). Only one body to account for.Only one body to account for.

The tomb was The tomb was cut out of rockcut out of rock: There would be : There would be only oneonly one entrance which was the only exit. entrance which was the only exit.

““A A large stonelarge stone against the entrance of the tomb” against the entrance of the tomb” prevented people from gaining easy access to prevented people from gaining easy access to the body of Jesus.the body of Jesus.

Jesus Was Buried in a Jesus Was Buried in a Securely Securely SealedSealed Tomb. Tomb.

Matt 27:62-66 (NASB) 62 Now on the next day, which is Matt 27:62-66 (NASB) 62 Now on the next day, which is the one after the preparation, the chief priests and the the one after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, 63 and said, "Sir, Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, 63 and said, "Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I am to rise again.' 64 "Therefore, said, 'After three days I am to rise again.' 64 "Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, lest the disciples come and steal Him away and say to day, lest the disciples come and steal Him away and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last deception will be worse than the first." 65 Pilate said to deception will be worse than the first." 65 Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you them, "You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how." 66 know how." 66 And they went and made the grave secure, And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.

Jesus Was Buried in a Jesus Was Buried in a Securely Securely SealedSealed Tomb. Tomb.

A Roman guard was placed at the tomb and A Roman guard was placed at the tomb and a Roman “seal” was placed on the stone a Roman “seal” was placed on the stone (i.e., stamped w/ the official signet ring of (i.e., stamped w/ the official signet ring of Roman governor).Roman governor).

The seal signified the power and authority The seal signified the power and authority of the Roman Empire!of the Roman Empire!

Those who dared to break the seal would Those who dared to break the seal would incur Rome’s wrath!incur Rome’s wrath!

An edict from the Roman emperor at An edict from the Roman emperor at the time of Jesus’ resurrection the time of Jesus’ resurrection (Tiberius Caesar or Claudius Caesar) (Tiberius Caesar or Claudius Caesar) was uncovered in 1878 at Nazareth, the was uncovered in 1878 at Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus. hometown of Jesus.

This edict, “The Nazareth Inscription,” This edict, “The Nazareth Inscription,” was engraved in marble with the was engraved in marble with the following words… following words…

““The Nazareth Inscription”The Nazareth Inscription”““Proclamation of Caesar. It is my desire that Proclamation of Caesar. It is my desire that graves and tombs graves and tombs remain sealedremain sealed for the benefit of those who have made them for the benefit of those who have made them and for their children, family members and their religion. If, and for their children, family members and their religion. If, however, anyone accuses that another has either destroyed however, anyone accuses that another has either destroyed them, removed the buried, or with ill intent has taken them to them, removed the buried, or with ill intent has taken them to other places in order to wrong them, or has removed the other places in order to wrong them, or has removed the sealing on other stones, I order that person be brought to trial. sealing on other stones, I order that person be brought to trial. Just as a man should respect the gods, so also with regard to Just as a man should respect the gods, so also with regard to me, for me, for all should respect the buried. It is therefore forbidden all should respect the buried. It is therefore forbidden for anyone to disturb them. Should this edict be violated,for anyone to disturb them. Should this edict be violated, the the offender is to be sentenced to capital punishment on the offender is to be sentenced to capital punishment on the charge of violating a sepulcher.”charge of violating a sepulcher.”

Grave robbers would have to Grave robbers would have to

get past the “guard” at the get past the “guard” at the tomb (Mat 27:66; 28:4): tomb (Mat 27:66; 28:4): A Roman “guard” or “watch” A Roman “guard” or “watch” consisted of 16 soldiers!consisted of 16 soldiers!

Who Could Have Moved the Who Could Have Moved the Stone at the Tomb of Jesus?Stone at the Tomb of Jesus?

The Jewish leaders did not move the stoneThe Jewish leaders did not move the stone, , for they attempted to prevent the for they attempted to prevent the resurrection (Mat. 27:62-64).resurrection (Mat. 27:62-64). Had they done so, they could have presented the Had they done so, they could have presented the

body on Pentecost when the apostles preached body on Pentecost when the apostles preached that Jesus had risen (Acts 2).that Jesus had risen (Acts 2).

The Romans did not move the stone:The Romans did not move the stone: The death penalty was often given to the The death penalty was often given to the Roman guard who failed to do his job Roman guard who failed to do his job (e.g., Acts 16:27; 27:42). (e.g., Acts 16:27; 27:42). Ancient historians have recorded (Justinian’s Ancient historians have recorded (Justinian’s

Digest 49.16), that Digest 49.16), that eighteeneighteen offenses of soldiers offenses of soldiers were punishable by death. were punishable by death. There are ancient There are ancient records of the temple guard having their clothing records of the temple guard having their clothing set on fire for being caught asleep on duty!set on fire for being caught asleep on duty!

The disciples did not move the stone.The disciples did not move the stone. Note: Even if somehow Jesus survived the cross (which he did not) Note: Even if somehow Jesus survived the cross (which he did not)

and the disciples stole the body (which they did not), and the disciples stole the body (which they did not), He would not He would not have been seen in his condition as a victorious conquer of death nor have been seen in his condition as a victorious conquer of death nor a Savior!a Savior!

Though they were accused of stealing the body (Mat Though they were accused of stealing the body (Mat 28:11-15), this would of been 28:11-15), this would of been impossibleimpossible for them to do for them to do so.so. The Roman guard typically placed four soldiers to stand guard while The Roman guard typically placed four soldiers to stand guard while

the remaining 12 would sleep in a semicircle. Every 4 hours they the remaining 12 would sleep in a semicircle. Every 4 hours they rotated the soldiers.rotated the soldiers.

The disciples would have to The disciples would have to walk over those soldiers asleep and get walk over those soldiers asleep and get past the four remaining guardspast the four remaining guards posted in front of the tomb! posted in front of the tomb!

The guards were to say they were The guards were to say they were asleep and the disciples stole the asleep and the disciples stole the body, body, yet how could they sleep with yet how could they sleep with a big rock being moved!?!a big rock being moved!?!

Why weren’t the disciples arrested Why weren’t the disciples arrested as grave robbers?as grave robbers?

Only God Could Have Only God Could Have Moved the Stone!Moved the Stone!

Matt 28:2 (NASB) And behold, a severe Matt 28:2 (NASB) And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for earthquake had occurred, for an angel of an angel of the Lordthe Lord descended from heaven and came descended from heaven and came and and rolled away the stonerolled away the stone and sat upon it. and sat upon it.

Acts 13:29-30 (NASB) 29 … they took Him Acts 13:29-30 (NASB) 29 … they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb. 30 "But tomb. 30 "But God raised Him from the God raised Him from the dead;dead;

Credible Eye-witnesses Confirm Credible Eye-witnesses Confirm That Jesus Did in Fact That Jesus Did in Fact

Rise from the Dead!Rise from the Dead! Witnesses saw that the tomb was empty (e.g., Witnesses saw that the tomb was empty (e.g.,

John 20:1-8).John 20:1-8). Several women, the apostles, and over five Several women, the apostles, and over five

hundred brethren saw Jesus who had risen hundred brethren saw Jesus who had risen from the dead! from the dead! (Mat. 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-14; Luke (Mat. 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:13-40, 50-52; John 20:11-28; 21:1-23; Acts 1:3; 1 24:13-40, 50-52; John 20:11-28; 21:1-23; Acts 1:3; 1 Cor. 15:1-8).Cor. 15:1-8).

Eyewitness testimony was at Eyewitness testimony was at the corethe core of the of the gospel message preached to the worldgospel message preached to the world (Acts 3:14-(Acts 3:14-15; 5:30-32; 10:39-43; 13:27-31).15; 5:30-32; 10:39-43; 13:27-31).

Acts 2:31-32 (NASB) 31 Acts 2:31-32 (NASB) 31 he [David] he [David] looked ahead and spoke of the looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christresurrection of the Christ, that He , that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. 32 did His flesh suffer decay. 32 "This Jesus God raised up again, to "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.which we are all witnesses.

Why Why MustMust a Revelation of God Be a Revelation of God Be Proven By a Proven By a TrueTrue Miraculous Sign? Miraculous Sign?

To follow any teaching in religion, To follow any teaching in religion, we must have we must have evidenceevidence that it is that it is from God.from God.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) Now faith is Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the substance of things hoped for, the the evidenceevidence of things not seen. of things not seen.

John 20:30-31 (NASB) 30 Many other signs John 20:30-31 (NASB) 30 Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but 31 but these have been written that you may these have been written that you may believebelieve that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. and that believing you may have life in His name. The apostles of Christ also gave evidence or confirmed The apostles of Christ also gave evidence or confirmed

the Word they preached to be from God by the the Word they preached to be from God by the miraculous signs they performed by the power of the miraculous signs they performed by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:12; Acts 2:4; Mark Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:12; Acts 2:4; Mark 16:20).16:20).

2 Corinthians 12:12 (NASB) 2 Corinthians 12:12 (NASB) The signs of a true apostleThe signs of a true apostle were were performed among you with all performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. wonders and miracles.

To follow any man’s teaching without To follow any man’s teaching without divine, miraculous divine, miraculous proofproof that it is from that it is from God is foolhardy and dangerous to God is foolhardy and dangerous to one’s own soul!one’s own soul! Proverbs 14:12 (NASB) There is a Proverbs 14:12 (NASB) There is a way which way which seems rightseems right to a man, to a man, But its end But its end is the way of death.is the way of death.

Scripture declares miracles have Scripture declares miracles have ceasedceased at the completion of God’s at the completion of God’s revelation revelation (i.e., “the perfect” - 1 Cor. (i.e., “the perfect” - 1 Cor.

13:8-10),13:8-10), therefore therefore all latter day all latter day revelations are false.revelations are false.

The Ultimate Sign of Jesus (i.e., The Ultimate Sign of Jesus (i.e., His resurrection), His resurrection),

Proves to the World Proves to the World That the Gospel Is from God That the Gospel Is from God

and not from Men and not from Men and and Thus It Has the Power to Thus It Has the Power to

Save!Save!

1 Cor. 15:1-4 (NASB) 1 Now I make known to 1 Cor. 15:1-4 (NASB) 1 Now I make known to you, brethren, you, brethren, the gospelthe gospel which I preached to which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 you stand, 2 by which also you are savedby which also you are saved, if , if you hold fast the word which I preached to you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I 3 For I delivered to you as delivered to you as of first importanceof first importance what I what I also received, that Christ died for our sins also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,day according to the Scriptures,