1) The document discusses the resurrection of Jesus Christ as described in the gospels and 1 Corinthians, noting that it is the best established historical event. 2) It argues that believing in the resurrection requires knowledge of Jesus' character and abilities from his life described in the gospels. 3) Philosophical rejection of the resurrection is based on assuming human knowledge is complete, rather than considering the supernatural event's historical evidence and Jesus' demonstrated nature.

1. Faith in Christ Jesus:
2 Timothy 1:12 defines FAITH as knowing the trustworthy character and motives of Jesus, and being confident in His limitless promise-keeping ability,
and consequently committing yourself entirely to His keeping. We are studying the Gospel of John, answering these questions: 1) What is revealed of
Jesus’ character, motives, and abilities? 2) What is indicated that you could confidently commit to Jesus?
John 20:1-18
Jesus. Resurrected!
There are five Biblical accounts of the resurrection of Christ; the four
Gospels and 1 Corinthians 15:4-8. None record the whole history, but rather,
furnish evidences for it. Deceivers(Matthew 28:11-15) had to take real
financial action against it. The converted Saul of Tarsus went to Jerusalem to
“see” (Grk.'historeo' = inquire, examine, investigate) Peter in Galatians 1:18,
and carried his investigation on to every living witness (1 Corinthians 15:6),
because on this event hangs ALL our hope, identity, and persuaded
commitment to Jesus. The fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the best
established in history!! Indeed, if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we
are of all men most miserable!
If the Gospels had begun with the resurrection and
ascension of Christ, believing in their reality would
necessarily be a heathenish faith which stands upon
fantasy and merely religious fanaticism. However, we
have a previous record of the Christ which reveals His
character traits, His motives and mission, His actions
and abilities. We come to this supernatural event able
to accept its reality because Christ has already
demonstrated Who He is and what He is able to do.
“We ought to remember, that the Evangelists, and
afterward St. Paul, are not so much concerned to
narrate the whole history of the resurrection as to
furnish the evidence for it.” - Alfred Edersheim (The
Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah) Such evidences
included the efforts of enemies to discredit it, as well
as its transforming affect on despondent, doubting, and
fearful followers. The historical nature of this event is
inarguable! The reality of the event can only be
rejected on philosophical grounds.
Philosophical rejection of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus
Christ is expressed as, “It did not happen BECAUSE it does not happen, and
it does not happen BECAUSE it cannot happen.” This assumption is based
on the presumption that human observation, experience, and knowledge of
natural law is complete!
Please investigate:
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/
Supreme_Court/ll_sc.nsf/pages/SCO_young110406
Now, let us read together, John 20:1-18.
Do you really believe that Jesus actually
died, rose from the dead, and ascended to
heaven; and that He will actually return to
Earth as descried in the Bible?
I have been asked, “How can you believe that? I can
understand how simple and ignorant people might
cling to such superstition, but you are smarter than
that!” I have attempted, over these two years of study,
to show you that 2 Timothy 1:12 is the pattern,
template, of our answer.
FIRST, we must have both an historical (from the
Bible) and personal (from experience) knowledge of
Christ's trustworthy character and motives.
SECOND, we must demonstrate a John 15 lifestyle,
which bears fruit (John 15:5), answered prayers (John
15:7 and 16), and overflows with joy (John 15:11).
Selah! These actually demonstrate that we are
persuaded and confident in Christ's present and current
abilities.
THIRD, we must commit ourselves into His keeping
for today and for ever regardless of (whether because
of or in spite of) our circumstances.
Based entirely on knowing Jesus and being persuaded
of His love and power, we are to trust Him in poverty
or wealth, sickness or health, for better or worse, and
forsaking all others loves keep ourselves for Him
alone. Not even death shall separate us from Him!
Selah!
Verse 1 How does the empty tomb affect you?
Verse 5 How do the empty grave clothes affect you?
Verses 11-18 What is revealed of Jesus' character and
motives in this exchange with Mary? What is revealed
of Jesus' abilities in this account?
Verse10, 11 Peter and John returned to their lodgings.
Mary remained, weeping. Though Jesus was the center
of their thoughts, He was not the center of their
actions... yet!
How do these things affect you?