No Smoke or Mirrors

No Smoke or Mirrors

The story of Christ's death and resurrection is incredible, but look at the evidence for it.

The story of Christ's death and resurrection is incredible, but look at the evidence for it.

Harold HarkerMar 20, 2023, 12:37 AM

Harold Harker looks at evidence for believing the Bible's account of Jesus' resurrection.

It was the greatest event of history. 

Paul, writing to the Corinthians, commented on the resurrection of Jesus, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Eugene Peterson uses more graphic language when he puts it this way, “And face it—if there's no resurrection for Christ, everything we've told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you've staked your life on is smoke and mirrors” ( The Message ).

You can easily see the implications! If there was no resurrection of Jesus Christ that Sunday morning, then Jesus is not alive today; there's no future, no heaven, no eternal life, and Christianity falls flat on its face!

What happened at Jesus' death?

To find out what happened at the death of Jesus, first look at what the Bible says and then how scholars respond. First, the Bible presents a clear and unequivocal story. Notice how the story is affirmed by each Gospel writer, as they agree on the various aspects of the story:

a) On the Thursday night Jesus had instituted the Communion service with His disciples, and then retired to Gethsemane.

Mary did not know what had happened, saying, “They have taken my Lord away, and I don't know where they have put him” (John 20:13).

When they arrived, John looked in and saw the graveclothes neatly folded and Peter, following him, rushes into the empty tomb. Immediately John realised what had happened. The Bible clearly states that John saw and believed. John was the first to understand that Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive.

Understanding came to the other disciples a little later; first to Mary as she met Jesus in the garden, and for the rest of disciples (except Thomas) that evening as Jesus appeared to them.

For Thomas, belief in the Resurrection came a week later as Jesus again appeared to all of His disciples. The apostle Paul, when speaking of the witnesses who had seen Jesus after the resurrection, mentioned the above appearances, then said, “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living” (1 Corinthians 15:6). Thus there were hundreds of witnesses to this extraordinary event, most still living in the time of Paul.

Attempts to discredit

Some scholars and theologians have attempted to discredit the authenticity of the record of the Gospels. The first to do so were the chief priests and Pharisees— the very ones who had endeavoured to keep Jesus locked in the tomb by requesting a whole Roman guard to make it secure! When it became obvious Jesus was no longer in the tomb, they had to invent another story. Again the Bible exposes their duplicity, lies and corruption—paying the soldiers to say that while they slept the disciples came and stole the body, the priests promising to make it right with the governor.

It is most interesting that in the time immediately after the exceptional event of the Resurrection, Peter, who had been previously scared of the authorities and denied Jesus, was now along with John, proclaiming the Resurrection loudly and widely. When accused by the priests before the Sanhedrin, he boldly asserts that Jesus Christ had been crucified by the Sanhedrin, “but whom God raised from the dead” (Acts 4:10).

The priests did not even attempt to raise their feeble transparent excuse of the disciples stealing the body. Obviously this lie had become too well known, with the many witnesses to Jesus after the Resurrection.

Barbara Thiering, an Australian theologian, has put forward the “swoon theory”—that Jesus did not die after being laid in the tomb and was taken by His disciples, and the Resurrection was simply a figment of the disciples' imagination— or an attempt to give them credence for their actions. But other scholars dismiss this as poppycock.

Scholarly support

Many scholars who have looked objectively at the story of the Resurrection come to the inescapable conclusion that Jesus indeed rose from the grave. Clark Pinnock, a Professor of Interpretation at McMasters University, Toronto, said, “There exists no document from the ancient world witnesses by so excellent a set of textual and historical testimonies, and offering so superb an array of historical data on which this intelligent decision may be made.” Even more striking is the statement by Lord Darling, the Lord Chief Justice of England, in 1976: “No intelligent jury in the world would fail to bring in a verdict that the resurrection story is true.” Lawyers have declared the legitimacy and authenticity of the New Testament documents, scholars have repeatedly attested their accuracy. Sir William Ramsay is quoted by Josh McDowell as saying, “Luke's history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness.” C S Lewis, writer of the Narnia series, was a confirmed atheist in the 1920s.

Yet when he examined the evidence of the Resurrection he was compelled to believe.

No smoke, no mirror

One of the greatest arguments in favour of the reality and truth of the Resurrection is that all the disciples who, scattered over the then-known world, repeatedly affirmed this great fact though facing death. They had nothing to gain if it were a fabrication. They showed that they had everything to gain by its veracity (and everything to lose, if it were otherwise).

No wonder Paul could state so clearly, “What I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

There are no smoke and mirrors; this is no fabrication. Here is the basis of faith, and by faith, eternal life. You can be assured Jesus is alive and will soon return. Salvation is assured. The critics' arguments have been refuted; the biblical record is true.

Secrets of Prophecy

Free PDF Study Guides

Unlock the mysteries of Bible prophecy with the Secrets of Prophecy Study Guides! These step-by-step guides reveal God’s plans for your life, offering clarity on topics like end-time events, the second coming, and the hope of salvation. Perfect for beginners and seasoned Bible students alike, discover the truth that brings peace and purpose. Start your journey today!

Claim Free Offer
Online Bible Study

Join Online Bible Study Group

Join us for an Online Bible Study that will transform your faith journey, restarting January 2025! Explore timeless truths, uncover God’s plan for your life, and connect with a community of seekers like you—all from the comfort of your home. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into God’s Word. Register now and reserve your spot!

Register Now

More Articles

Jesus and His Disciples

Jesus and His disciples known as apostles were 12 men selected by Jesus to become the foundational messengers of His teachings and to carry on His mission after His ascension. Each disciple had a unique background and personality, showing how God draws people from all walks of life into His purpose.

Who Baptised Jesus

Despite his initial reluctance, John consented to baptise Jesus. Later, he publicly acknowledged Jesus' identity, declaring, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). This profound statement identified Jesus not only as the Messiah but also as the sacrificial lamb.

Nazareth: The Cradle of Christianity

Third in Danny Herman’s “New Testament Archaeology” series

The Skeletons in Jesus' Cupboard

Consider the lineage of Jesus and reflects on His ministry on earth.

Oberammergau: A Town of Passions

John Lauder travelled to a small German village to witness what could possibly be the world's longest running play.