Explore the resurrection and ascension of Jesus and their significance to Christian faith.
Last lesson you explored Jesus's death on the cross and its significance. Here are 4 questions to refresh your memory.
The most important event in Christianity is Jesus's resurrection—his rising from the dead.
Key scripture: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve... After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time" (1 Corinthians 15:3–6).
What happened: After Jesus died on Friday and was buried, he rose from the dead on Sunday (the third day). The Gospels describe his tomb being empty. Jesus appeared to his disciples multiple times—to Mary Magdalene, the apostles, and over 500 believers.
Why it matters: Without the resurrection, Jesus would just be a executed criminal. With it, he is the saviour and conqueror of death.
After appearing to believers for 40 days, Jesus ascended to heaven.
Key scripture: "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven'" (Acts 1:9–11).
What it means: Jesus returned to God the Father. But his ascension is not goodbye—it is a promise that he will come again. Christians believe Jesus now sits at God's right hand, ruling and interceding for believers.
Christians disagree about what "resurrection" means:
| PHYSICAL RESURRECTION | Jesus rose bodily. His tomb was empty. He could eat and be touched. This is traditional, supported by the Gospels. Most Christians hold this view. |
| SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION | Jesus rose spiritually. His spirit/soul survived death. Disciples experienced visions. The physical body stayed in the tomb. Some liberal theologians favour this. |
Evidence for physical: Empty tomb accounts, Jesus eating fish, being touched, physical body clues in Gospels.
Evidence for spiritual: Paul lists the resurrection as part of a creed, doesn't emphasise the empty tomb. Spiritual interpretation is less miraculous, fits modern worldviews.
The resurrection proves Jesus is God's son and the saviour. It shows God has power over death and offers eternal life to believers. Without it, Jesus is just a failed rabbi. With it, he is Lord.
Frightened disciples who fled after the crucifixion became bold proclaimers willing to die for their faith. Something happened—whether physical resurrection or spiritual experience—that transformed them.
Christians believe the resurrection is the foundation of hope in eternal life. "Because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19). Resurrection is not just Jesus's victory but the promise to every believer.
Eschatology = study of the end times. Jesus's resurrection is the beginning of the "age to come." Christians believe they too will rise when Jesus returns.
Catholics affirm physical resurrection. It is central to faith and linked to the Eucharist. The risen Christ is present in the bread and wine. Ascension means Jesus is still with the Church spiritually.
Protestants emphasise personal faith in the risen Christ. Resurrection shows Christ's victory over sin and death. Believers are "united with Christ" in his resurrection through baptism and faith.
Orthodox theology sees resurrection and ascension as deification. Christ's resurrection raises human nature into divine life. All believers will be transformed at the final resurrection.
Some modern theologians see resurrection as metaphorical—Jesus's influence living on, his values persisting. Or as spiritual experience of disciples, not literal body revival.
Drag each argument to the box it supports. Is it an argument FOR or AGAINST physical resurrection?
Statement: "'Without the resurrection, Christianity would not exist.' Evaluate."
What this means: How important is the resurrection to Christian faith and the birth of Christianity?
Structure: