Why Should I Believe That Jesus Rose From The Dead?

I became a Christian despite coming from a non-Christian background. All of my friends were non-believers so learning to live a Christian life didn’t come naturally.

Since then, I’ve discovered that being a Christian is a lifelong process that involves learning and acknowledging the truth about Jesus.

Do You Have Doubts About The Bible?

For over two decades I have been pastoring churches that focus on reaching cynical sinners, atheists, and even Satanists. I talk to many people who don’t believe Jesus was real or who don’t trust most of what the Bible says. The idea that Jesus rose from the dead is probably at the top of that list.

When given the opportunity, I try, as graciously as I can, to share the evidence that ultimately convinced me. One thing I like to say to my non-believing friends is, “You should WANT this to be true.” They usually give me funny looks, but I smile and let them know that I’m completely serious.

Perhaps, you’re reading this, and you have doubts about whether the Bible is true. I would tell you the same thing. You should WANT this to be true. Read on to learn a few of the reasons why.

How Do You Know What To Believe?

In the song “Mr. Jones,” Adam Duritz sings, “Help me to believe in something, ‘cause I don’t believe in anything, and I want to be someone who believes.”

I think somewhere deep inside, we all want something to believe in. The problem is we’re too intelligent to have blind faith. We want something to believe in but first, we need to know if it’s true. We wonder whether or not there’s anything worthy of our faith.

If the resurrection of Jesus really happened and we can prove it’s true, we don’t have to wonder anymore. Because there are other philosophies, there have been other insightful teachers, but no one else has ever defeated death.

The resurrection separates Jesus from all other philosophies and teachers. If it happened, it validates Jesus and means his truth is THE TRUTH. He is the one we should believe in.

Does It Really Matter?

It’s ironic that many of the people who don’t care whether Jesus rose from the dead do care deeply about seeking justice for the poor, alleviating hunger and disease, and protecting the environment.

It really doesn’t make much sense. If you believe this world is an accident, or that someday it’s all just going to burn up, why focus on making it a better place? Ultimately, it won’t matter.

But, if the resurrection of Jesus happened, then people matter, values matter, the earth matters, and there is a reason to pour your life out for the needs and injustices of this world.

Is This Life All There Is?

I saw a bumper sticker once that said, “If life were a fish, I’d throw mine back.” Unfortunately, I’m afraid many people feel that way.

Many people wonder if life has a point or a purpose. Many of them decided there was nothing.

• Cartoonist Ralph Barton wrote in his suicide note,“I am fed up with inventing devices to fill up 24 hours of the day.”
• Artist Paul Gaugin wrote three questions on his last painting before attempting suicide, “Whence come we? What are we? Whither do we go?”
• Singer Kurt Cobain wrote in his suicide note, “I don’t have the passion anymore.”

I don’t know about you, but I hear a universal message within each of those notes. Were they searching for something more significant in their life? Could it be that each was searching for an answer to the question, “Unless there’s a higher purpose, what’s the motivation to live?

Let’s be honest for a moment. If this life is all there is or if our eternal future is to spend forever rotting in a grave, then life is meaningless, and I have to agree with them. But, if the resurrection really did happen, then there’s more to living than just this life. It means our lives do have significance and meaning.

And, that part of us that asks, “Is this all there is?” is a clue that God’s given us to help us find real and eternal life with him.

Will Things Ever Get Better?

Many people will admit that they struggle with feelings of hopelessness. We wonder if things are ever really going to get better. Sometimes it seems like they won’t.

If the resurrection of Jesus really happened, we’re offered sincere hope. If Jesus took our sins on the cross, then he took them to his grave. Even better, he left them in his grave and walked out.

Maybe our sins really can be forgiven. Perhaps our past can go away, and maybe there’s more to this life than living and dying and making some money in-between.

We can find genuine and reliable hope in this life. If there’s power sufficient to say, “Jesus come out of the grave,” there’s got to be enough power to say, “Marriages will come back together,” “Addiction will be broken,” “Broken hearts will be healed.”

It’s Not Wishful Thinking

You want this to be true. That’s what I tell my friends. But I also say to them that it’s a decision they have to make. It doesn’t have to be wishful thinking.

There are volumes of evidence. But the truth is, it’s not about evidence, it’s about your heart.

In this 40-day devotional book, Bart Millard dives deep into his own story of transformation, offering the truths he has learned on his own journey with God as a son, husband, father, artist, and minister. Covering topics such as God’s forgiveness, redemption, and the hope of Heaven, Bart shares personal and scriptural insights with words of encouragement in a simple and practical format. Purchase the I Can Only Imagine 40-Day Devotional and pursue a deeper level of maturity in your walk with the God, who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.