A myth may be defined simply as a widely held but false belief or idea. Fiction describes something imaginary or invented. Reality refers to real things or the real nature of things rather than imagined, invented or theoretical ideas. Fact refers to something that is known to have happened or to exist, especially something for which proof exists or about which there is information. With these definitions in mind, the question then arises: Is the Resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ a fact, fiction, myth or reality?

Any attempt to ascertain whether an individual rose from the dead must begin with establishing the fact that the individual was born, lived in this world, died/certified to be dead and was buried.

Thus, a proof of the resurrection of an individual ought to incorporate proofs/evidence(s) of birth, life, death and burial of the individual. All these will be taken Into Consideration as they relate to the resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ from the dead.

Was He ever born and did He ever live in this world? Biblical records confirm that The Lord Jesus Christ was born and lived in this world (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20). Apart from Biblical records, some historical records indicate that Jesus Christ was born and lived on earth for a period of time.

Such non-Biblical records include the writings of Flavus Josephus (37-100 AD), a Jewish historian who mentioned Jesus in his book “Antiquities of the Jews” (18:3.3); Tacitus (56-120 AD), a Roman historian who mentioned Jesus and his execution by Pontius Pilate in his work “Annals” (15.44) and Thallus (52 AD) who wrote a three-volume history of the world which includes an account of the crucifixion and the darkness at the time of Jesus’ death. There are also some other historical records which confirm that the Roman Empire conducted censuses, including one during the reign of Augustus.

Astronomical records confirm that a rare astronomical event, possibly a comet or planetary alignment occurred around 6-4BC, which some Scholars link to the Star of Bethlehem which accompanied the Wise Men who were searching for Jesus to the place where He was laid as a Baby in a Manger.

In addition, there are some archaeological discoveries in recent times that suggest that The Lord Jesus Christ was born and lived in this world. A stone inscription discovered in Caesarea Maritima, in Israel confirms the existence of Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor who ordered Jesus’ crucifixion. There is also a stone description discovered in Antioch, Turkey which confirms the census ordered by Quirinus, the Roman Governor of Syria which is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke.

The Biblical and non-Biblical sources referred to above offer significant evidence as per the birth of The Lord Jesus Christ who lived in this world. His birth and life were not fables, fiction or myths but they were facts and realities Thus, having established the fact that He was born and lived, the next question to consider is: Did The Lord Jesus Christ die?

There is enough evidence in the Bible to confirm that The Lord Jesus Christ actually died. The rulers of the Synagogue made several attempts to kill The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:14; Matthew 26:3-4; Mark 3:6; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2; John 5:16; John 7:30, 44 and John 11:47-53). It is worth noting that those who orchestrated His crucifixion and death certainly wanted Him dead and so they left no stone unturned to ensure that He died.

Death by crucifixion was a practice that guaranteed the death of the individual. It was one of the most cruel and shameful death that could be devised. It is believed to have been invented by Semiramis, queen of Nimrod, who founded the Babylonian system of mysteries. It was a Roman practice inflicted only upon slaves and worst criminals. The person was nailed to the cross, each hand extended to the utmost stretch.

The feet were nailed together, and then the cross was lifted and dropped into the hole with a violent thud which disjointed the whole body. The weight of the whole body hung on nails through the hands and feet. A victim was left on the cross until he died of pain and untold sufferings.

To be continued tomorrow.

Ogboghodo is a Pastor and retired Professor, Department of Soil Science and Land Management, University of Benin, Benin City. Nigeria.