The Case for Christ: Is Jesus Really God?

First of all Yes and here’s why,

The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: A Look Through The Case for Christ

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ stand as the cornerstone of Christianity. Without the resurrection, as the Apostle Paul put it, “our faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). But is there credible evidence that these events actually happened? In The Case for Christ, investigative journalist and former atheist Lee Strobel sets out to answer this question using historical, medical, and psychological evidence. His journey, rooted in skepticism, leads him to a compelling conclusion: the death and resurrection of Jesus are not just theological claims but historical realities supported by strong evidence.

The Evidence for Jesus’ Death

Skeptics have long argued that Jesus may not have truly died on the cross. However, Strobel interviews medical experts who debunk the “swoon theory,” which suggests that Jesus merely fainted and later revived in the tomb.

1. The Brutality of Roman Crucifixion

• Roman executioners were skilled at their job. They ensured death, especially in cases of crucifixion. Before Jesus was even nailed to the cross, he endured a severe flogging that tore through his skin, exposing muscle and bone. This alone could have caused fatal hypovolemic shock (extreme blood loss).

• On the cross, asphyxiation was the primary cause of death. As the victim struggled to breathe, he would have to push himself up, causing excruciating pain until complete exhaustion set in.

2. The Final Blow: The Spear in His Side

• The Gospel of John records that a Roman soldier pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, resulting in a flow of blood and water (John 19:34). Strobel’s medical experts explain that this indicates Jesus had already died. The “water” likely represented fluid buildup in his lungs, a sign of death by asphyxiation.

• Roman executioners wouldn’t leave a crucified person alive, as their own lives depended on completing their duty.

  
  

• Given this evidence, the idea that Jesus survived the cross and later revived in the tomb is medically implausible.

The Empty Tomb: A Historical Reality

Even if Jesus undeniably died, skeptics still challenge the resurrection. However, The Case for Christ presents several key arguments supporting the empty tomb.

1. Women as the First Witnesses

• All four Gospels report that women discovered the empty tomb. This is significant because, in the first century, women’s testimony was not considered legally reliable. If the disciples were fabricating a story, they would have made men the primary witnesses. The fact that they didn’t suggests authenticity.

2. Enemy Confirmation

• Jewish authorities, rather than denying the empty tomb, claimed the disciples stole the body (Matthew 28:11-15). This indirectly acknowledges that the tomb was, in fact, empty.

3. The Missing Body

• If Jesus’ body had been stolen or moved, Roman and Jewish leaders could have produced it to disprove the resurrection claims. However, no body was ever found.

The Resurrection Appearances

• Beyond the empty tomb, multiple witnesses reported seeing the risen Jesus. Strobel highlights the overwhelming evidence for these encounters:

1. Multiple, Independent Testimonies

• Paul records that Jesus appeared to Peter, the Twelve, over 500 people at once, James, and Paul himself (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

• The Gospel accounts provide different resurrection appearances, showing a variety of experiences.

2. Transformation of the Disciples

• Before the resurrection, Jesus’ disciples were fearful and in hiding. Afterward, they boldly proclaimed his resurrection, even facing imprisonment and execution. People don’t willingly die for something they know is a lie.

3. The Conversion of Skeptics

• James, the brother of Jesus, was initially a skeptic but later became a leader in the early church after encountering the risen Christ.

• Saul of Tarsus (Paul) was a fierce persecutor of Christians but transformed into Christianity’s greatest missionary after his encounter with Jesus.

Conclusion: Faith Built on Evidence

Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ provides a compelling argument that Jesus’ death and resurrection are not just theological beliefs but historical facts backed by strong evidence. The brutality of crucifixion confirms Jesus’ death, the empty tomb suggests something extraordinary happened, and the eyewitness accounts—including those of former skeptics—point to the reality of his resurrection.

For skeptics, the challenge remains: if Jesus truly rose from the dead, what does that mean for us today? For believers, the resurrection is the foundation of faith, proving that Jesus is who he claimed to be—the Son of God, the Savior of the world.