Firstly, great emphasis is given that the contents of this series are intended to give Biblical information and insights on some of its contents. They are not intended to scare or offend anyone. It is one’s prerogative to read and never be shoved into one’s throat.
This is a simple informative piece on God and bible truthfulness. It doesn’t endorse any form of faith, religion, denomination, congregation or system of beliefs. It is not also preaching any kind of theology.
It is in the “exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference” as provided by The Philippine Constitution that this article was made.
If you find them scary, intimidating or offensive, please feel free to take them with a grain of salt and regard them like a badly written movie script.
Did certain events in the bible really happened
Proving the happening of biblical events like Jesus birth, death, and resurrection are difficult these days because the bible mostly backed them up by eyewitness testimonies, which is weaker than say those with physical or documentary proofs.
This article, however, is focused on other items than that of direct eyewitness testimonies.
Presented below are events and conditions from the bible itself that, when taken collectively and combined, they reinforce why certain events in the bible actually happened years ago.
The consistencies of these stories and their relation with other events in and out of the bible are too much to ignore and declare them as just coincidence.
Here is an example of this story consistencies and relationships:
What would likely happen to a group who wants to push an agenda massively to a population when their leader’s killed? It’s surely not this: they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31, NKJV. When terrified remnants are able to shake off seeing Jesus die by crucifixion, shake off fear of the Jews, transformed as bold messengers of the Good News and willing to die for the cause, it is a sure sign their leader has not really left them.
Christmas and Holy Week
Two of the biblical events that the Christian faith is founded upon are the holidays that the Philippines observe, particularly Christmas and Holy Week.
The bible’s story about Jesus being born in a manger is not fiction and just came out of the writer’s imagination. A series of events, the happening of which depend on different factors, has taken place in order for this very unusual birth situation to be completed.
These combinations of events taking place that led to Jesus being born in a manger points to the unlikeliness that the story of Jesus birth were just a product of pure imagination.
There are too much events happening during Jesus birth, the happening of which and their inter-relationship with other biblical stories and elements eliminate the coincidental aspect of the story.
The same goes with his death and resurrection.
Jesus birth, death, and resurrection was a fascinating story that would be likely construed as a product of imagination and story-telling.
But if one analyze the circumstances surrounding the entire event, the story would lend lots and lots of credibility to its truthfulness, even though it involves supernatural aspects.
Pinpoint consistency: The blind healed by Jesus and Job
The books of John and Job both tell an account of some group making up their mind that sin is the cause of suffering while God and Jesus do not see it that way:
1.1. His disciples were quick to point out that the blind man healed by Jesus is suffering because he sinned: “2Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” John 9:2, ESV
1.2. Jesus finds all parties free from sin despite the suffering: 3Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:3, ESV
2.1. In the book of Job, Job’s 3 friends were quick to point out he was suffering because he sinned: Eliphaz insinuates Job is separated from God: 23If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents, Job 22:23, ESV
2.2. God says Job was a blameless and upright man: 8And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”, Job 1:8, ESV
Here are more proofs why biblical events are not fiction (Click to go straight to specific event):
Christmas: Starting it right
Christmas: The inns in Bethlehem should be full during Jesus’ birth
Christmas: Birth in a manger is the best hiding place from people who knew the couple and keep the virgin birth a secret
Christmas: God did not abandon Joseph and Mary, He sent the right visitors
Christmas: Birth in Bethlehem supports Satan’s attempts to kill Jesus
Christmas: Birth in Manger supports Jesus’ Lamb of God title
Resurrection: Other prophesied events to happen after his death come to fruition
Resurrection: Jesus’ body was never found
Existence of spiritual realm: crucifixion story proves godly intervention
Meeting in the air: Three tabernacles incident a proof of the meeting of Christ in the air?
The blind healed by Jesus and Job
Christmas: Starting it right
If Jesus and his integrity be protected, his existence has to start right. He must grow up in the right family, yet should not be too attached with his earthly parents as they are bound to loss him under the harshest conditions for the good of humankind.
That’s what exactly happened.
It was made clear Jesus did not originate from his earthly mother as she is to get pregnant even without having sex with a man.
26In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 31You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Luke 1:26-28, 31, New International Version
It made clear to his earthly father, who was faithful to the law, that Jesus was not his child but he was to be under his care growing up. This was validated by their marriage not being consummated before Jesus birth.
18This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1: 18-20, 24 NIV
Christmas: The inns in Bethlehem should be full during Jesus’ birth
Spouses Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem for a government sanctioned registration.
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to their own town to register. 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. Luke 2:1-4, NIV
Observe the genealogy of Jesus according to the Gospel of Matthew:
1This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram,
4Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,
7Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, 8Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, 9Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, 11and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
12After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 14Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud, 15Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob,
16and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. Matthew 1:1-16, NIV
This explains the sudden flock of people to this town, causing inns to be full and forcing them to settle for the manger as a sleeping place.
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Christmas: Birth in a manger is the best hiding place from people who knew the couple and keep the virgin birth a secret
Bethlehem is Joseph’s home town, so there should be lots of relatives and friends who could accommodate them. Why couldn’t they?
Simply, Joseph had no choice. The virgin birth must be kept secret from everyone who knew the couple because exposure of Mary’s being pregnant before having sexual relations with Joseph, was a big “no-no” in their rules and practices at that time.
He can’t let his relatives know they were in town. If they will discover Mary’s status then, it would lead them to conclude she had immoral sexual relations.
Joseph’s understanding of what must to happen lead him to protect Mary and Jesus’ welfare by shying away from staying with relatives and friends. There should be no visitors who have knowledge who the couple were.
4and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” John 8:4-5, NIV
God must have let Joseph know birth in a manger is the perfect disguise for any complications brought about by the virgin birth caused by the Holy Spirit.
Christmas: God did not abandon Joseph and Mary, He sent the right visitors
Jesus birth circumstances highlighted God’s work as He did not leave the couple visitor-less during the complex situation, he send them the right visitors, some of them even bearing expensive material gifts.
8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
15So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:8-20 NKJV
1Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
9When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2: 1-11 NKJV
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Christmas: Birth in Bethlehem supports Satan’s attempts to kill Jesus
The birth in Bethlehem is probably more than a census, it was also an attempt of Satan to kill Jesus while he is vulnerable in order to prevent him from fulfilling His destiny.
The devil knew what Jesus’ birth means to humankind and two more plots to kill the infant Jesus can be verified by the regulatory condition when he was born.
The bible was expressly clear about an attempt to kill the infant Jesus due to insecurities through King Herod’s assassination attempt.
13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
16When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2: 13-14, 16 NIV
Here are at least two other plots to kill the unborn and infant Jesus as a result of traveling to Bethlehem:
First, The order for everyone to register in their own town will expose Mary to possible death by stoning because of the spouses being unmarried. Premarital sex cases were major scandals during Joseph and Mary’s time and will clearly result to serious public ridicule which could further lead dire consequences imaginable, including perhaps suicide or death by stoning.
Remember this case: 4and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” John 8:4-5, NIV
The going to Joseph’s town would expose Mary to Joseph’s relatives, people who can vouch and confirm she is pregnant before marriage and can demand protection for their relative
Second, the combination of the effort to lay low from being seen in public and government order also forced the couple to travel alone by foot or animal during Mary’s ninth month of pregnancy, a scenario that could likely cause miscarriage or trouble at the hands of unscrupulous individuals.
The Los Angeles Times say travels like what the couple made are usually done in caravans to discourage bandits from attacking them. The couple couldn’t done this, they could not afford to travel with and be seen by many people.
Here’s the LA Times’ estimation how difficult the journey was for the couple:
Joseph and Mary’s hardships would have begun more than a week before the birth of their son, when the couple had to leave their home in Nazareth, in the northern highlands of Galilee.
They had to travel 90 miles to the city of Joseph’s ancestors: south along the flatlands of the Jordan River, then west over the hills surrounding Jerusalem, and on into Bethlehem.
Strange [James F. Strange, a New Testament and biblical archeology professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa] estimates that Joseph and Mary likely would have traveled only 10 miles a day because of Mary’s impending delivery.
And the trip through the Judean desert would have taken place during the winter, when “it’s in the 30s during the day [and] rains like heck,” said Strange. “It’s nasty, miserable. And at night it would be freezing.”
One of the most terrifying dangers in ancient Palestine was the heavily forested valley of the Jordan River, Strange said. Lions and bears lived in the woods, and travelers had to fend off wild boars. Archeologists have unearthed documents warning travelers of the forest’s dangers, he said.
And “bandits, pirates of the desert and robbers” were also common hazards along the major trade routes like the one Joseph and Mary would have traveled, said the Rev. Peter Vasko, a Catholic priest and director of the Holy Land Foundation. The threat of outlaws often forced solitary travelers to join trade caravans for protection. (Source: The LA Times)
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Christmas: Birth in Manger supports Jesus’ Lamb of God title
The manger was a fitting birth place for “The Lamb of God” In this context, what better place for Jesus to be born than in a sheep’s home, to be visited first by actual shepherds.
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29, NIV
Resurrection: Prophetic events after his death come to fruition
The biblical claim that Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected is perceived to be one of the bible events most difficult to prove but it may not be as hard as one would think.
This is so because the resurrection was not the only event that was prophesied by Christ as a subsequent event following his death. There were two others, both consequential of the resurrection. See how the other prophesied events progressed and doubts of the occurrence of the resurrection will definitely be reduced once you’re done looking at them.
Here they are:
1. The Death of Jesus will result to more believers
Jesus prophetically declared this as evidenced by the book of John:
23Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:23-24, NIV
Here’s how the bible reports the progression of this prophecy happening:
It begins with 500 believers:
5and that He [Jesus] appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Cor 15:5-6, NIV
A group of 3,000 were converted:
40And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Acts 2:40-41, NKJV
A group of 5,000 were converted:
4But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. Acts 4:4, NIV
It doesn’t stop here. Visiting history and current events will only prove the progression continued and is still continuing to this day.
2. The Holy Spirit is dispatched after Jesus’ death
Here is Jesus’ prophetic statement of this event:
7Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 14:26, NKJV
26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26, NKJV
Here is the biblical proof that this prophesy happened immediately after Christ died:
2.1. The disciples received power and performed supernatural acts:
8[Jesus speaking]But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8, NIV
12And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Acts 5:12, NKJV
14Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 17Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14, 17; NKJV
16Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. Acts 16:16-18, NKJV
3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Acts 28:3-6, NKJV
2.2. They shake off the experience of seeing Jesus die by crucifixion, shake off fear of the Jews, were transformed as bold messengers in continuation of Jesus’ ministry and were willing to die for massively pushing the Good News to the general population:
19Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19, NKJV
29Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 31And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31, NKJV
2.3. The disciples spoke in tongues:
1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
6When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Acts 2:1-4, 6-8; NIV
Again, it doesn’t stop here. Visiting history and current events will only prove the Holy Spirit continued and is still continuing to perform His role up to this day.
Resurrection: Jesus’ body was never found
This is the bible’s logical proof that Jesus resurrected from the dead: There was a need for Jesus’ body to be preserved by his enemies. They have the burden to prove He didn’t resurrect and need it to stop the spread of news of His resurrection. . They failed miserably.
Observe how John framed the discovery of Jesus’ missing body: Mary Magdalene and the apostles believed Jesus’ enemies stole his body when they discovered it was gone from the tomb
1Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
3Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in.
6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
11But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
14Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”
16Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). 17Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” 18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. John 20:1-18, NKJV
Compare this to how Matthew framed it: the chief priests and pharisees knew Jesus’ prophetic words that He will rise again so they asked Pilate to secure the tomb, which he did by a stone cover and guarding it with soldiers.
62On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”
65Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” 66So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.
1Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
5But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. Matthew 27:62-66; 28:1-8, NKJV
It was clear there there was too much at stake for Jesus’ enemies if His body disappears from His tomb than the disciples.
The disciples don’t even believe Jesus could come back from the dead. They believed His enemies took His body and hid it.
In contrast, His enemies cannot afford to lose the crucified Lord’s body and they knew it.
It’s not complicated for one to think how Jesus’ enemies [including the devil] could have put an end to Christianity even before it spreads. Presenting the dead body to the public could have easily accomplished this.
And they should have easily done this as we are just talking a span of three days after His death.
Presenting the body of Jesus to the public after the claim of his followers that He has risen will destroy the main foundation of Christianity.
They had far greater resources to show the dead body compared to that of the disciples to hide it. They had the tomb tightly covered and guarded.
They had Jesus followers cowering in fear, having just seen their leader crucified in public. Any resistance to another public display of a deed Jesus should be at a minimal considering the shock of having just seen how their leader became a victim to a gruesome death.
They couldn’t present the body despite these need and advantages.
Big, big reinforcement for the resurrection story.
Existence of spiritual realm: crucifixion story proves godly intervention
The crucifixion story is the easiest to accept as fact. Among the birth, resurrection and death, it is Jesus’ death that has the least resistance as to its truthfulness.
As it should. The execution was done in public, in full view of government authorities, soldiers, religious leaders, and the general public.
They viewed how He was badly injured due to being whipped, beaten, lashed while carrying the cross, nailed to it, and stabbed in the side while hanging.
Further, the roman soldiers refusal to break His legs before bringing Him down is another confirmation that He indeed died.
All these are pointing to Jesus’ truly dying on the cross.
Still, there are some skeptics who insist Jesus may not have died on the cross, that he was very weakened state but still clinically alive.
Bad news for them, insisting Jesus didn’t die at the cross just showed God played a checkmate move on them.
It is so because Jesus not dying on the cross proves the absolute presence of a being that is definitely godlike and has godly powers.
Here’s why:
(1) Assuming without accepting that Jesus didn’t die, the only acceptable explanation how Jesus survived this ordeal is there is a God-like and powerful being responsible for allowing Him to survive the crucifixion.
Being able to survive this kind of ordeal will only be possible if Jesus got, or He was with someone that has, supernatural powers that will allow Him to heal his body at a godlike pace.
(2) In connection with the premise above, if Jesus was just an ordinary man, it would be impossible for Him to appear to Mary and his disciples just three days after his death at the condition he was portrayed to be considering the injuries he had. It would take a lot more of recovery time to allow Thomas to put his hands into the holes produced by the nails than the eight days mentioned in the bible.
24Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
26And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:24-28, NKJV
In conclusion, believers are steadfast on their belief that Jesus died on the crucifixion.
However, regardless of the conclusion whether he died or not, the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion lead to proving a Supreme Being’s existence.
Jesus’ dying during, or literally surviving if skeptics are to be believed, the crucifixion proves several parts of the bible telling about the presence of supernatural beings.
Meeting in the air: Three tabernacles incident a proof of the meeting of Christ in the air?
One of the bizarre correlations made for an incident involving Jesus’ transfiguration on a mountain as recorded by Mark, Luke and Matthew was to relate it to the meeting of Jesus in the air event.
This conclusion looks like a long shot because while Matthew and Mark recorded a relation of the incident to the suffering of Christ and Matthew narrated Elijah is referring to John the Baptist, none of the three gospels mentioned any relation of the incident to the meeting in the air.
This correlation, however, is not far off and is logical if other bible verses are to be consulted as Elijah and Moses both had unique experiences which are clearly associated with the meeting in the air process, referred to as rapture by some Christians.
Let’s take a look first at the incident as recorded by Matthew:
1Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” 10And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. 12But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” 13Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. Matthew 17:1-13, NKJV
This can also be found in Mark 9:2-13 and Luke 9:28-36.
The association from the combination of Jesus, Elijah and Moses cleanly represent conditions that will be existing during the meeting in the air.
Here’s the concept of believers meeting the Lord Jesus Christ in the air as clearly described by Paul:
13But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, NKJV
From these verses, one can conclude that the conditions are: (1) The dead in Christ will rise first; (2) Those who are alive shall be caught in the air; (3) They will meet Jesus in the clouds.
The relation will be enhanced when these other verses are involved:
(1) Moses fell short of entering the promised land, he died at a viewing distance, like those who died ahead of the meeting in the air:
48Then the Lord spoke to Moses that very same day, saying: 49“Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, across from Jericho; view the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel as a possession; 50and die on the mountain which you ascend, and be gathered to your people, just as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people; 51because you trespassed against Me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin, because you did not hallow Me in the midst of the children of Israel. Deuteronomy 32:48-51, NKJV
(2) One interesting incident involving Elijah was he was dragged up to heaven, like what will happen to those who are alive during the event:
11As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. 2 Kings 2:11-12, NIV
(3) Jesus’ ascension after his death provided the template for his coming again from the sky:
9Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-12, NKJV
Is this interaction of Jesus, Elijah, and Moses pure coincidence when it comes to the meeting in the air? The bible is silent here. It’s just really weird that the two bible characters who carry specific attributes related to the meeting in the air interacted with Jesus at a point where His dying was emphasized.
Purpose of the bible
The bible made clear what kind of book is it. It is intended for those who want eternal life. It is not a medical, science, logic or history book. Many tend to forget this.
You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. John 5:39-40, New King James Version
It also made its theme clear. While there are many tales narrated by the bible, one thing remains clear from start to finish: Humans caught in a crossfire between powerful adversaries and one of them, a loving God, is offering redemption/salvation.
The bible says the devil rebelled and continues to rebel against God and dragged humans along to be involved in this godly battle he started.
7And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. Revelation 12:7-8, NKJV
…she [Eve] took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband [Adam] with her, and he ate… And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” So the Lord God said to the serpent…I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed…. Genesis 3: 6, 14-15, NKJV
12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Luke 8:12, NIV
God’s love and the danger posed prompted Jesus to come to earth and provided everyone a way to get out of the mess.
16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16, NKJV
8He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8, NKJV
These verses encapsulate what the New Testament is for. If you are encouraged by these verses, you are invited to search the bible deeper and find out more about Jesus and his teachings.
Conservative approach
The presence of spirits and unexplainable events and multiple scientific, medical, and logical reasons that supports the bible and its authors’ credibility project a possibility that God do exists. If you are still unconvinced of the existence of God despite these proofs, being conservative might be the best alternative here.
Accountants describe conservatism as selecting the option that would show the worst possible financial standing of a business entity when two or more unproven alternatives are available. This is to remove the user of the account’s output be exposed to a bigger risk in case the worst possible scenario happens.
As it stands, the risk of not believing in and obeying God far outweighs the benefits of doubting his existence. It might be best to act conservatively, believe what the bible says, until you have absolutely proven that there is indeed no God nor hell.
By: Armando M. Bolislis
If you are inspired and want to give Jesus a try, continue a deeper search of the bible, especially the New Testament. This will show you how to become his disciple. Always ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your search.
If you feel the want or need to belong to a Christian church or organization, find one that preaches the Word of God and will help you improve your relationship with Christ and lead you to his eternal promises.
The theologies and doctrines about faith contained in this article are solely from God through the bible. The author is just an instrument used to spread the word for the glory of God. The personal opinions and suggestions on issues outside of biblical coverage from the author doesn’t necessarily reflect the stance of Baguio Herald Express management and staff.
