The physical resurrection of Jesus is foundational to our faith. 

Without it, Paul says your faith is “futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). It is of “first importance” (verse 3). Jesus predicted it. It is one of the reasons he now reigns as Lord.

But some people challenge the idea. They say that Jesus never really died. He only appeared dead, and then walked out of the tomb when he regained consciousness. 

This is one of the oldest (and longest-lasting) conspiracy theories. But it’s not valid. Here’s why. 

Crucifixion was a torture too brutal to survive. Romans were torture experts. Victims were flogged. The whips had pieces of bone, metal or glass on the end to rip the skin from the flesh, sometimes even exposing bone. The blood loss could result in hypovolemic shock.

The spikes were 5 to 7 inches long. Arms dislocated from the shoulders. The naked victim started to drown in their own internal fluids. It was also a public shaming ritual designed to warn others.

Our English word “excruciating” actually comes from this. It means “out of the cross.”

John 19:34 says: “one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” National crime expert J. Warner Wallace says this is a piece of “hidden science” which confirms Jesus was already dead. When someone has this sort of stab in the side it results in a pericardial effusion and a pleural effusion. After death, liquid comes out with the appearance of blood and water. 

In the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. William D. Edwards wrote: “interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern medical knowledge.”*

If this is new to you, it may be hard to hear about the excruciation of the cross. But a better understanding equips us against the many conspiracy theories we face. 

What happened is what the Bible said happened. That he rose from the grave! 

Jesus went through all of that… for you. 
He suffered… for you. 
He died… for you.
And he really did rise… for you.

That same God loves you, gives you new life, and helps you walk today in the footsteps of our risen King.

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Notes and extra content:

–“Did the resurrection really happen? (Part 1) Explaining and defending our foundational belief.” Sermon. April 7, 2024. Click here.

–*William D. Edwards, et al., “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ,” Journal of the American Medical Association (March 21, 1986), 1455-63.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.