Because He Lives | Pastor Nate Keeler
When we talk about faith, few claims are as bold—or as essential—as the resurrection of Jesus. It’s not just a story Christians tell at Easter. It’s the foundation of why millions believe today. But let’s be honest: believing someone rose from the dead isn’t exactly an everyday idea. So why should we believe in the resurrection of Jesus?
That’s the question I found myself reflecting on recently. And surprisingly, the answer isn’t just about blind faith. It’s about something that happened—something so powerful that it reshaped history.
Something Happened in 33 A.D.—And It Changed Everything
Even if you’re unsure about miracles, one thing is undeniable: around 33 A.D., a movement exploded in Jerusalem. Overnight, thousands of people began declaring that Jesus—who had been publicly executed—was alive. Within two centuries, this movement of marginalized, powerless people had transformed the Roman Empire.
How do we explain that? Something extraordinary happened. And according to 1 Corinthians 15, Paul tells us exactly what it was: the resurrection of Jesus.
Two Reasons You Can Trust the Resurrection of Jesus
Paul doesn’t ask us to believe without reason. He gives us two compelling foundations for confidence:
1. Fulfilled Prophecies in the Bible
Long before Jesus was born, the Scriptures pointed toward His life, death, and resurrection. We’re not talking about vague predictions. These are detailed prophecies, written centuries before Jesus, that described where He’d be born, how He’d suffer, and even how He would die—by crucifixion, a method not invented until hundreds of years later.
Think about it. When someone keeps their promises over and over again, trust grows. That’s what we see in Scripture. God did exactly what He said He would do.
2. Eyewitnesses to the Resurrection
We often forget how shocking the resurrection claim really is. Imagine attending a friend’s funeral. You see them laid to rest. Three days later, you walk into your local gym and there they are, working out like nothing happened. That’s how mind-blowing it was for Jesus’ followers.
Paul lists people who saw the risen Jesus—Peter, James, the 12 disciples, and over 500 others at one time. And here’s what’s fascinating: when Paul wrote this, most of those witnesses were still alive. It was like he was saying, “If you don’t believe me, go ask them yourself.”
These weren’t gullible people eager to start a religion. Many were skeptics, doubters, even enemies of Jesus—like Paul himself. Yet every one of them was transformed because they saw something they couldn’t deny.
The Resurrection of Jesus: More Than a Story
Critics have suggested for centuries that maybe Jesus didn’t really die, or that His followers imagined it all. But history doesn’t support those theories. The Romans were brutal experts in execution. Jesus was fully dead. And yet, three days later, the tomb was empty.
The resurrection wasn’t just a private vision or a hopeful idea. It was a public event witnessed by hundreds. That’s why these early Christians were willing to risk everything—even their lives—because they knew what they saw.
Why It Still Matters Today
You might be thinking, “That’s interesting history, but what does it have to do with me?”
The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a past event—it’s a present invitation. It’s proof that death isn’t the end, that hope is real, and that God keeps His promises.
Life throws us challenges, doubts, and questions. But the resurrection reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God is working in ways we can’t always see. If He can bring life out of a sealed tomb, imagine what He can do in your life.
An Invitation to Explore
If you’re curious—or even skeptical—that’s okay. Faith isn’t about shutting down questions. It’s about following where the evidence leads. And the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is stronger than many realize.
So, are you willing to take a closer look? Whether it’s joining a class, reading Scripture, or just asking honest questions, the journey is worth it.
Because if Jesus really did rise from the grave, then everything changes. And that’s a truth too powerful to ignore.