Ancient texts state that Jesus of Nazareth, the center of Christian faith, did not die on the cross. The story is that he met with his disciples in Jerusalem and then traveled to other parts of the world, notably India. However, if Jesus survived crucifixion, the foundation of Christianity is missing and the hope of millions taken away.
The main refutation of this theory is the Christian scriptures, the Bible. Of course, it's to be assumed that this book of history and doctrine of the Christian religion should follow the 'death on the cross' story line. However, there are many reasons why the scriptures carry more weight than other ancient documents.
Much of history is based on ancient texts that are not contemporary. The existence of Plato, for instance, is revealed in documents dating no closer to his life than 500 years. Christian beliefs, in contrast, are founded on writings that date to 100 AD. It is true that no personal writings of the twelve disciples have been recovered, but the Jewish method of copying sacred books kept the text consistent throughout antiquity.
The four gospels of the New Testament serve as 'eyewitness' accounts, consistent enough to be considered evidence in a secular court. Matthew and John, Jews and apostles, wrote shared experiences during Jesus's ministry, while Luke, a Greek, and Mark, a Jew too young to be an original disciple, wrote of what they 'knew to be true'.
Under Jewish law, given by God to Moses, only a blood sacrifice can atone for sin. Jesus's own testimony was that he would suffer and die, to be raised again in three days. If he did not die on the cross, lie in the grave, and rise again, the plan of salvation has not been fulfilled. Paul stresses in his epistles that Jesus's death and resurrection are the foundation of all belief in eternal life with the holy creator.
After all, it's not earthly life that counts with God, but the eternal life that Jesus's sacrifice obtained for those who believe that he was the Son of God and accept his payment for their sins and free gift of salvation. Only a perfect life - an unblemished lamb - could pay this price, and only a man both divine and human could live without sin.
This man said he was the Son of God and that whoever had seen him had seen the Father. Hundreds of years of prophecy foretold the coming of such a one to restore the covenant God made with Abraham. Prophet after prophet revealed truths that could only have come from God. There are no prophecies about a ministry for the Son of God on other continents and shared with other teachers.
The sufferings of anyone nailed - not bound - to a cross are horrific, but mere suffering does not qualify anyone to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. It is the resurrection that brings this assurance and the hope of eternal life to anyone who believes, accepts, submits, and follows.
The main refutation of this theory is the Christian scriptures, the Bible. Of course, it's to be assumed that this book of history and doctrine of the Christian religion should follow the 'death on the cross' story line. However, there are many reasons why the scriptures carry more weight than other ancient documents.
Much of history is based on ancient texts that are not contemporary. The existence of Plato, for instance, is revealed in documents dating no closer to his life than 500 years. Christian beliefs, in contrast, are founded on writings that date to 100 AD. It is true that no personal writings of the twelve disciples have been recovered, but the Jewish method of copying sacred books kept the text consistent throughout antiquity.
The four gospels of the New Testament serve as 'eyewitness' accounts, consistent enough to be considered evidence in a secular court. Matthew and John, Jews and apostles, wrote shared experiences during Jesus's ministry, while Luke, a Greek, and Mark, a Jew too young to be an original disciple, wrote of what they 'knew to be true'.
Under Jewish law, given by God to Moses, only a blood sacrifice can atone for sin. Jesus's own testimony was that he would suffer and die, to be raised again in three days. If he did not die on the cross, lie in the grave, and rise again, the plan of salvation has not been fulfilled. Paul stresses in his epistles that Jesus's death and resurrection are the foundation of all belief in eternal life with the holy creator.
After all, it's not earthly life that counts with God, but the eternal life that Jesus's sacrifice obtained for those who believe that he was the Son of God and accept his payment for their sins and free gift of salvation. Only a perfect life - an unblemished lamb - could pay this price, and only a man both divine and human could live without sin.
This man said he was the Son of God and that whoever had seen him had seen the Father. Hundreds of years of prophecy foretold the coming of such a one to restore the covenant God made with Abraham. Prophet after prophet revealed truths that could only have come from God. There are no prophecies about a ministry for the Son of God on other continents and shared with other teachers.
The sufferings of anyone nailed - not bound - to a cross are horrific, but mere suffering does not qualify anyone to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. It is the resurrection that brings this assurance and the hope of eternal life to anyone who believes, accepts, submits, and follows.
About the Author:
You can visit www.truthaboutjesus.com/ for more helpful information about What Happens If Jesus Survived Crucifixion.