Did Jesus Rise From the Dead?: The Resurrection Debate

[This] is the most important question regarding the claims of the Christian faith. Certainly no question in modern religious history demands more attention or interest as witnessed by the vast body of literature dealing with the Resurrection. James I. Packer says it well in his response to this debate: When Christians are asked to make good their claim that this scheme is truth they point to Jesus resurrection. The Easter event so they affirm demonstrated Jesus deity; validated his teaching; attested to the completion of his work of atonement for sin; confirms his present cosmic dominion and coming reappearance as Judge; assures us that his personal pardon presence and power in peoples lives today is fact; and guarantees each believers own reembodiment by Resurrection in the world to come. The Apostle Paul considered the Resurrection to be the cornerstone of the Christian faith. If Jesus did not rise from the dead the whole structure Christianity collapses. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:14-17 And if Christ has not been raised our preaching is useless and so is you faith. More than that we are then found to be false witnesses about God. . . . And if Christ has not been raised your faith is futile [emphasis added]. The Christian faith-and its claim to be Truth-exists only if Jesus rose from the dead. The heart of Christianity is a living Christ.