And so it is. This Sunday, Discovery Channel is airing "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" in which the claim is made that a tomb in Jerusalem has been discovered in which the bones of Jesus may have resided, along with His mother and father, his wife Mary Magdalene, and His children. (Where have we heard a similar story recently? That one was well-addressed too: audio, notes, power point.)
Numerous websites and articles have provided helpful insight into this issue as well. See, for instance:
- Darrell Bock ("Hollywood Hype" and "No Need to Yell")
- Nathan Busenitz
- Ben Witherington
- Al Mohler (Larry King Live and Al Mohler's radio program)
For a growing list of other helpful sites, please also see Justin Taylor or The Shepherd's Fellowship. All of these authors point to truth that makes our faith defendable. We have a reason for the hope within us, and we have a literal and credible object of faith — Jesus Christ.
Given that so many are saying so many right, good and true things in analysis of this television show, I do not feel compelled to add my voice to that part of the chorus.
There is something else that must be added to the song being sung, however. And it is a voice of encouragement to the church to be vigilant in defending the faith. Maybe this event will pass with only a small measure of impact on the culture and the church. And maybe not. The case has been made that The DaVinci Code came and went with little influence on the church. Perhaps. Perhaps not.
As I reflect on over 15 years of pastoral ministry and nearly 40 years in the faith, it appears to these eyes that the attacks on the credibility of Christ and the Christian faith are becoming more frequent and more brazen, yet with a lower inflammatory impact, both in the church and the culture. The general attitude is a shrug of the shoulder, and a "what's new?" as if Christ's resurrection is of little importance.
It is of great importance.
Paul says the resurrection is of first importance. Was this hyperbole? Hardly.
- The resurrection of Christ is of first importance because if there is no resurrection, there is no salvation.
- If there is no resurrection of Christ, ministry and preaching is a waste of time and effort.
- If there is no resurrection of Christ, there is still accountability for sin (there is no forgiveness!).
- If there is no resurrection of Christ, there is no life for anyone.
- If there is no resurrection of Christ, life is pitiful for those who say they are followers of Christ.
The resurrection of Christ is a central doctrine and tenet of the faith — it is an issue worth defending (cf. 1 Cor. 15:12ff and 2 Tim. 2:16-19 to see what Paul thought about those who distorted Christ's resurrection) and an issue for which we will die, if necessary.
Why would men be so compelled to vigorously attack the resurrection of Christ? What's in it for them? Lawlessness and sin. If Christ is denied, if the resurrection is desecrated, then the authority of Christ is removed and sin is allowed to reign. This is Christ's word: "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold" (Mt. 24:10-12). There you have it from the lips of Christ: if truth is removed, sin is allowed to reign, and people can "enjoy" hearts that are cold to Christ without the conviction of their consciences. The conscience is dead.
Further, a denial of the resurrection of Christ is a Satanic attack on the truth, designed to keep those who are blind to the gospel in that condition (2 Cor. 4:4). Wherever there is an assault on the truth, you can be sure that it is initiated by the one whose very name means "deceiver." His work is to deceive people, making his lies appear attractive and like the truth so that they will believe and follow him instead of the glorious Creator (2 Cor. 11:13-14). His destiny is eternal hell, and his desire is to keep as many as possible from being satisfied in Christ and joining him in his assured destiny.
And even more tragically, attacks on the truth are also designed to upset the faith of believers. During the week preceding His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus taught His disciples that at the end of time, there would be "false Christ's and false prophets [who] will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect" (Mt. 24:24; my emphasis). This attack on the resurrection of Christ is not merely to confirm the blind in their blindness. It is to confuse the seeing so that they too will be blinded.
Attacks like this distort the truth and upset the faith of believers (2 Tim. 2:16-19). And that is the greatest tragedy of all. People who earnestly seek the truth and the Savior are dissuaded from following Him because of a horrid lie perpetrated by the Deceiver.
Will this attack pass? Perhaps (though I am skeptical that it will pass). But the truth of the resurrection is worth defending; it must be defended. It is of first importance. If we will not defend Christ's resurrection, we will defend nothing. And that will be to the spiritual detriment of Christ's chosen and elected people — perhaps even ourselves. It's time to sing the song of truth in defense of the faith.
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