Understanding Your Religion
7 Major Doctrines that Define Christianity
The Resurrection as Proof
The Doctrine of the Divinity of Christ - Part 2
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is how the resurrection of Jesus shows the inspiration of scripture and how the resurrection is the pivotal teaching of the Christian faith.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Identify biblical statements regarding the inspiration of scripture shown through the resurrection of Jesus.
- Feel: Trust in Jesus as our savior.
- Do: Seek opportunities to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Psalms 110:1 – This Psalm, also written by David, long before the life of Jesus. It prophesied the role Jesus would have as our Savior in defeating death. Although we still die, we do not have to suffer spiritual death. This death was brought about by the sin of Adam and Eve through their disobedience. It further confirms God's promise in Genesis 3:15.
Psalms 16:8-11- This Psalm, also written by David long before the life of Jesus further points to the role of Jesus. In this Psalm we also see that Jesus is not only the Savior of humanity, but a personal Savior. Furthermore, it states similar words from Psalm 110:1.
Both Psalms, show Jesus' role as savior, mediator and conqueror of spiritual death that results from our sin. This points to information that could only come from inspiration.
Although there were others raised from the dead, it is only Christ who died for a specific reason, arose from the dead and continues to live.
As referenced from Matthew 12:38-40, Jesus himself stated that this was a sign of His true identify.
This singular act proves His claim although Jesus did miracles, presented incredible teachings and lived a pure life. Many died by crucifixion, some made claims as messiah, but only Jesus proved the claim through His resurrection.
We have all sinned and deserve death (separation from God) – Romans 6:23. Jesus alone lived a sinless life and was sacrificed unjustly. Had Jesus remained in the tomb, all His claims would have been a lie. The resurrection shows that His greatest claim, overcoming death, was possible because of His sinlessness and divinity.
This is the ultimate basis for our hope. Without the resurrection of Christ then we too would die without hope. However, Jesus demonstrates His divinity and confirms His promise for life through His overcoming physical death (a symbol for spiritual death). This is the meaning of the statements in Hebrews 2:14-15 and John 6:40.
- The Bible claims it.
- The resurrection proves it.
- Eyewitness accounts recorded it.
- Neither Jews nor Romans could find the missing Body.
Note: He appeared publicly on several occasions and to various individuals and groups so one would think they could have approached Him whenever they wanted to.
Jesus overcame death by living a pure life and being resurrected from the dead. Knowing that we cannot live a sinless life, Jesus died for us. However, had He not resurrected, then His life would have been no better than ours and offered us no hope, but He did resurrect. He does reign with God and we do have hope if we obey and trust Him.