The actual, historical, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is significant for several reasons. Most obviously, it means that our biggest fear and our biggest enemy, death, has been overcome. We will live forever after all, for there is in fact life after death. Less obviously, it validates Jesus’ teaching and proves that God does indeed exist.

Jesus said that he received his teaching directly from God: “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak” (John 12:49-50). This claim does not immediately separate him from all the other religious leaders who also claim to have received their teachings from God.

But Jesus also predicted his resurrection, not just once but several times….