Did Jesus Really Die On the Cross?
Christ Crucified (c. 1632) by Diego Velázquez
|
Did Jesus really die on the cross? Some critics claim he didn’t die on the cross, but only appeared to be dead, and later awakened in his tomb, and escaped. Let’s look at the evidence.
“But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water” (John 19:33,34 NIV).
Some skeptics claim that Jesus somehow survived his crucifixion, and was unknowingly placed alive in the tomb, where he revived, and early on Sunday morning escaped from the tomb alive. This is quite a far-fetched story, but nevertheless, many people believe it. However, when we carefully consider all the known and pertinent facts, such a theory flies in the face of all the evidence.