Many Convincing Proofs

"After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3)

The verity of the Christian faith is not based upon a fleeting apparition of Christ after his death. It rests upon many convincing proofs that Jesus had given that he was truly bodily resurrected from the dead. For if God were to make a statement concerning the true path to life, He would have to do something so amazing that it would leave little doubt. With so many religions, how can we know which path if any is the true one. While Jesus lived on earth, he claimed that he came from heaven as the one and only path to God. After he was put to death, he rose from the dead and gave many convincing proofs.

First, notice that the testimony is not just "I saw" but "He showed himself." He actively appeared to them, approached them. They did not just catch a glimpse of him risen, but they actually interacted with him! Second, notice the resurrection was not just witnessed by one individual, but by many. Many religious leaders claim to have been visited by an angel or seen a vision. But no one else witnessed it. With the Christian faith, there were many witnesses, more than 500!

Third, notice that Jesus not only showed himself, but He spoke with them. He conversed with them, he taught them, he instructed them after he had risen. And that there would be absolutely no doubt in these witnesses, he appeared to them not once but many times over a period of 40 days. This is what sets Christianity apart from Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judism, you name it. The Christian faith makes an adament statement that it is true. It goes through great lengths to make this statement. The Apostle Peter makes this emphatic statement:

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. (2 Peter 1:16-18)

Because Jesus did so many miracle and rose from the dead, doing what no one else ever did, we are left without excuse if he reject him and fail to receive him as Lord and Savior.

O Lord, thank you that you have made the path of truth and life clear that we may be able to truly believe. It is such blessing that you have given us many convincing proofs so that our doubts may be wiped away and our hearts assured. For there are many who oppose you and try to discredit your honorable name. Yet you have done what none has ever done. You have conquered physical death. Your word is truth.
Amen