Jesus Christ lived a real human life, but no ordinary life. Most people I speak with who are familiar with Jesus are certain that he represents some of the best human teaching and good deeds. Those who identify themselves as Christians believe even more. They believe that Jesus is the divine Son of God who died as substitute for their sin. They believe Jesus rose from this death and ascended to heaven, where he lives today, alive forever as Lord of the universe.
If what I just summarized is what Christians believe, then it stands to reason they should have a bold outlook on their faith's relationship to others in the world. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, if they really happened, warrant clarity in our faith. If Jesus resurrected, clearly, mere opinions and fashions of the day should not dampen spirits of those who know it to be true.
Doubt and timidity saps vitality
All of us lose what we call the innocence of youth sooner or later. Our experiences of suffering or evil accelerate the conclusion that something is wrong with the world. Our expectations for happiness are not met. Understandably, many people who are not taught Christianity early in life are slow to believe it. Our individual experiences and our shared values shade Christianity negatively. For some, even those who profess to accept Christianity at the end of the day, it is difficult to have confidence in your knowledge of Jesus. At least we are not sure that bold claims like; "Everyone needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ!"
Can we find warrant for confidence in a Christian life?
In thinking about this issue I have been studying the Gospel of Luke chapter 24. From the point of view of Luke, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ really happened! Knowing this historical news, this Good news, that Jesus Christ indeed fulfilled everything God intended through his suffering and glory warrants boldness.
Boldness means it we believe what everyone believes about God matters and must be taken seriously. But our boldness submits to the even greater obligation we have to love. What else should those who believe that the love of God was given freely in Christ dying for us? Love motivates us to do whatever we can to also communicate and live with clarity. I have heard several bold defenses of the truth of Jesus resurrection, but perhaps none as clear as that of NT Wright.
Wrights video on the resurrection carefully and clearly shows that the resurrection of Jesus Christ could not have been an idea developed by the followers of Jesus to perpetuate their teachings. The only consistent explanation for the empty tomb of Jesus and the post crucifixtion appearances of Christ is that He really did resurrect, bodily, but in a new transformed body.
What difference this could make?
For people today who are exploring the Christian faith or reexamining it, Jesus Christ resurrection should be your central question. Because if Jesus really did defeat death and come out as a glorified Lord, then many of the finer details become just that. And if we cannot know if Jesus rose from the dead, then the seeker does not have to bother with some of the difficult concepts or moral demands of Christianity.
If you are a person who professes to believe the Christian faith, remembering that the Gospel is true news not disputable insights, can give you a stronger resolve for the boldness required to continue to receive the love of God and share it with others.
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