The Case for the Cross and Resurrection

For many believers and even more skeptics one pressing question continues to echo through the centuries. If the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ really happened, why isn’t there more historical proof? Shouldn’t we have more manuscripts, more archaeological findings, more eyewitness accounts? Shouldn’t these world-changing events be impossible to deny?

This question isn't just academic; it's personal. For Terri, a listener struggling with this very issue, the perceived lack of evidence makes room for doubt a sentiment many Christians have quietly wrestled with. And it deserves a careful and honest response.

The Reliability of the New Testament

Let’s begin by looking at the mountain of evidence we do have. Contrary to common assumptions, the New Testament is the most well-documented text from antiquity by a landslide.

Consider this:

• Caesar’s Gallic Wars survives in just 10 manuscripts.

• Thucydides’ History? Only 8 manuscripts.

• Tacitus’ Histories and Annals? Just 2 manuscripts.

Yet historians confidently use these texts to reconstruct events from the ancient world.

Now compare that to the New Testament. There are over 5,800 Greek manuscripts and over 25,000 total when including Latin and other translations some of which date within decades of the original writings. That’s not just remarkable; it’s virtually unmatched. No other ancient document comes close in terms of volume and proximity to the original events.

Textual criticism the science of comparing manuscripts allows scholars to reconstruct the original writings with astounding precision. According to biblical scholar F.F. Bruce, “the margin of doubt left in the process of recovering the exact original wording is, in truth, remarkably small.” That’s not Christian wishful thinking it’s an academic consensus shared by scholars across theological and secular lines.

The Crucifixion as Historical Fact

It’s not just the written record that’s compelling. The crucifixion of Jesus is one of the most historically certain events of the ancient world. Even skeptical scholars and critics of Christianity acknowledge that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified under Pontius Pilate. The idea that He never existed, or wasn’t crucified, is a fringe view without historical credibility.

In fact, Roman historian Tacitus no friend to Christians mentions Jesus’ execution. So does the Jewish historian Josephus. These extra-biblical sources provide independent confirmation that Jesus lived, was crucified, and that His followers believed He rose from the dead.

Yet, despite all this, people still ask: Why isn’t belief in Jesus universal? Why is there still so much doubt?

A Heart Problem, Not a History Problem

The answer lies deeper than evidence.

When Jesus walked the earth, performed miracles, raised the dead, and taught with unmatched authority, people still rejected Him. They saw the signs. They heard His words. Some even witnessed Lazarus walking out of the tomb after four days dead and still, they plotted to kill both Lazarus and Jesus (John 11:45–53; 12:10). They weren’t lacking proof. They were rejecting it.

Jesus once said to a crowd asking for more signs, “You do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:26–27). In other words, the problem isn’t the volume of evidence it’s the condition of the human heart.

In Luke 16, Jesus told the story of a rich man in torment, begging Abraham to send someone from the dead to warn his brothers. Abraham replies, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31). Jesus was warning that disbelief isn’t just intellectual it’s spiritual.

This means that even perfect proof isn’t enough to change a heart. Evidence can support faith, but only the Holy Spirit can awaken faith.

The Gospel Is Not Lacking

When people say there’s not enough evidence for Christianity, it’s important to remember what we do have:

• The most well-preserved ancient text in history.

• Eyewitness accounts written within living memory of the events.

• External confirmation from non-Christian sources.

• The historical certainty of Jesus’ crucifixion.

• The explosive growth of the early church including many who died for their belief that they saw Jesus risen from the dead.

But above all, we have the gospel message itself the good news of Christ crucified and risen, which carries a self-authenticating power. As Paul wrote, “We preach Christ crucified … the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23–24). And in Romans 10:17, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

The glory of God in Christ shines through the gospel. It doesn’t bypass the mind but it goes deeper, to the heart.

What Do We Do with This?

So how should we respond to those still seeking proof?

Tell and pray. Tell the story of Christ boldly and clearly. Share the evidence. Point people to the trustworthiness of the gospel accounts. But don’t stop there. Pray — pray for eyes to be opened and hearts to be softened. Because no one comes to the Father unless the Spirit draws them (John 6:44).

We don’t need more manuscripts or archaeological digs to validate the resurrection. We have the risen Christ Himself, alive in His church, living through His Word, working through His Spirit. The gospel is not lacking.

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