The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus

Gary R. Habermas

Michael R. Licona

The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus

© 2004 by Gary R. Habermas and Michael R. Licona

Published by Kregel Publications, a division of Kregel, Inc., P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations in printed reviews.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible. © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked niv are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. niv®. © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked nlt are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Cover design: John M. Lucas

ISBN 0-8254-2788-6

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

How to Use This Book and Software

Part 1: A Life to Die for

Introduction to Part 1

Chapter 1: Unwrapping the Gift

Chapter 2: History 101

Part 2: “Just the Facts, Ma’am”

Introduction to Part 2

Chapter 3: A Quintet of Facts (4 + 1)

Chapter 4: A Quintet of Facts (4 + 1)

Part 3: “Yes, but …”

Introduction to Part 3

Chapter 5: Always Looking for a Way out

Chapter 6: Mind Games

Chapter 7: Stopping at Nothing

Chapter 8: Naturally Speaking

Part 4: Wait! There’s More!

Introduction to Part 4

Chapter 9: Heavenly Vision or Bodily Appearance?

Chapter 10: Who Did Jesus Think He Was?

Chapter 11: What Does God Have to Do with This?

Chapter 12: Some Final Issues

Chapter 13: People Skills

Conclusion

Appendix

Bibliography

Index

To Jennifer, Richard, James, and Austin.

—Gary

To Debbie, my bride and the love of my life.

—Mike

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders;

make the most of every opportunity.

—Colossians 4:5 niv

Preface

At some point in their Christian walk, many believers ask some difficult questions: Is Christianity really true? Are there any good reasons to know which religion is true? Could it be that God does not really exist? These are important questions, and we have an intense interest in their answers. After all, if atheism is true, then why should we subject ourselves to the teachings of Jesus? Why should we insist on views that alienate others, especially the claim that Jesus is the only way to heaven? If the Christian view of reality is wrong, we may be missing out on something. At least we are needlessly straining relationships with others. More important, if Christianity is false, let’s find the truth about God and live accordingly. Even if it would disappoint others, why should we keep faith in a system that fails to provide what we want...