The Cross of JESUS
(2)

 

Welcome to Page Two on the topic of the Cross of JESUS.  The reality of the cross used for crucifixion is an historical fact.

 


Historical Fact - 

The act of the crucifixion of JESUS is a proven historical fact.

 

The resurrection of JESUS is central to the Christian faith.  JESUS HIMSELF said that HE would be raised from the dead on the third day, and HE did rise from the dead, HIS claim was true.  There is more historic evidence to support for the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the grave than any other single event in the history of the world.  Historians from every background have studied the facts of the resurrection are convinced beyond a doubt, that the resurrection of JESUS is a fact.

The resurrection is the only plausible explanation for the empty grave.  Roman soldiers closely guarded the tomb where JESUS' body was laid. Moreover, the grave's entrance was sealed by an enormous boulder.  The Roman guard, which was usually composed of 16 members, would have made it impossible for the disciples to steal the body.  There are numerous eyewitnesses to the resurrection.

After he rose from the dead, JESUS appeared at least ten times to those who had known him and to as many as 500 people at one time. These appearances were not hallucinations; JESUS ate and talked with HIS followers and they touched HIS resurrected body.  The resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the beginning of the Christian movement.

Christianity was born with the resurrection and glorification of JESUS CHRIST. Without the explanation of the resurrection, the records found in all four of the Gospels [Matthew, Luke, Mark and John] would make no sense.  With JESUS' resurrection, a new faith was born.  Even those who at first questioned the 'empty tomb' or the accounts of the resurrection of JESUS cannot deny the reality of the 'resurrection faith' of the early Christians.

Both godly and secular historians carefully related all the details of the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.


Pilate wept!


Pilate wrote a full description of the "JESUS issue" to Ceaser.  He describes how he wept at the sight of bent and broken Joseph of Arimethia ascending Pilate's steps, stained with the blood of JESUS, asking for the dead body of his friend and LORD.

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 Caiaphas sees resurrected JESUS!


Caiaphas gives two accounts of his actions to the Sanhedrin.  In the latter, he describes himself locked in his bedroom, studying the scriptures for prophecies concerning the Messiah.  Suddenly, the resurrected JESUS appears before him and offers him salvation if he would but believe in the risen SON of GOD. Caiaphas is convicted and forlorn.  He resigns his position as high priest, unable to perform its functions with honor and integrity.  Was he saved at the last?

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Said Ignatius (A.D. c. 50-115), Bishop of Antioch and pupil of the
Apostle John:

"HE was crucified and died under Pontius Pilate.  HE really, and not merely in appearance, was crucified, and died, in the sight of beings in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.  .. at the sixth hour HE was crucified; at the ninth hour HE gave up the ghost; and before sunset HE was buried."

 


 "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.  By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.  Otherwise, you have believed in vain.  For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance:  that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that HE was buried, that HE was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that HE appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.  After that, HE appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.  Then HE appeared to James, then to all the apostles."

1 Corinthians 15:1-7

To continue your study on the Cross of JESUS click on the button below - 

 

Love - 

The act of the crucifixion is the greatest act of love known to mankind.


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