Is Jesus currently living? 1. Introduction to the Question The query “Is Jesus currently living?” speaks to a core teaching found in numerous passages. This question concerns whether the person known as Jesus of Nazareth remains alive in a literal sense after His crucifixion, emphasizing resurrection and ongoing existence. 2. Scriptural Testimony of the Resurrection The Berean Standard Bible consistently affirms that Jesus rose from the dead. In Matthew 28:6: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” This declaration is foundational to the claim that His resurrection is more than a symbolic act—it is a historical event. After His resurrection, Jesus showed Himself to many witnesses over a span of days. Acts 1:3 relays that “He presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many convincing proofs.” Such passages assert that Jesus did not merely appear in visions; He maintained a bodily presence and interacted in physical, tangible ways (Luke 24:39). 3. Ongoing Life and Ascension Biblical texts also teach that Jesus ascended to heaven and maintains a living role as mediator and High Priest. According to Hebrews 7:24–25, “...He holds His priesthood permanently... He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him.” This indicates His continuing activity on behalf of believers. Additionally, in Revelation 1:18, Jesus declares, “I am the Living One. I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!” This declaration establishes the risen Christ as eternally alive, reinforcing the belief that He did not return merely to die again, but to remain alive perpetually. 4. Historical Corroborations and Testimonies Beyond Scripture, several extra-biblical sources reference Jesus and the nascent Christian movement. The first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus mentions Jesus’ crucifixion and the earliest Christian claims about His resurrection. Early Roman sources, such as Tacitus, confirm that followers of Jesus continued to spread belief in His resurrection despite persecution. Archaeologically, the Dead Sea Scrolls have enhanced our confidence in the preservation of Scriptural prophecy relevant to the Messiah. Although those texts predate Jesus’ birth, they confirm the reliability of the Hebrew Scriptures that the New Testament claims He fulfilled. This consistent textual transmission underscores that the manuscripts we have are likely faithful to the original writers who bore witness to His resurrection. 5. Philosophical Considerations of a Living Christ If Jesus is alive, it shapes one’s worldview. The Gospels insist that the resurrection was a verifiable event (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). From a philosophical standpoint, if He indeed rose, we must address why the disciples, who were once fearful, became bold proponents of this claim, often at the cost of their own lives. Improbable as it may seem for a mass conspiracy to lead to personal sacrifice without retraction, this radical devotion supports the idea that they were profoundly convinced Jesus lives. 6. Intelligent Design, Miracles, and the Ongoing Presence The assertion that Jesus is alive correlates with belief in a God who intervenes in creation. Numerous cases throughout history, highlighted in mission fields and documented healing ministries, continue to suggest miraculous intervention. In John 14:12, Jesus states, “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing, and he will do even greater things...” Suggestive of continued divine activity, these modern reports of healing and transformation point to a Living Christ still at work. Furthermore, the framework of intelligent design underscores a universe with evidence of fine-tuning, suggesting a purposeful mind behind creation. If the Creator is personal, it follows that He could—and did—raise Jesus from the dead. Geologic and paleontological data, interpreted through the lens of a young-earth paradigm, support a distinct creation account, setting the stage for supernatural events, including the resurrection. 7. The Theological Dimension: Why It Matters Scripture teaches that the resurrection is the keystone for salvation (Romans 10:9). By trusting in Him who conquered death, believers receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. The living Jesus thus confers living hope (1 Peter 1:3). In prayer, worship, and daily life, believers claim ongoing relationship with Christ. Philippians 3:10 calls for knowing “the power of His resurrection,” implying a participatory experience that requires His active, living status. 8. Conclusion According to the consistent witness of the Scriptures, corroborating historical documents, and numerous ongoing testimonies of transformed lives, Jesus is indeed alive. The Berean Standard Bible points repeatedly to an empty tomb and a risen Lord who continues to work. Historically, philosophically, and theologically, the case for His life remains strong. Hence, the answer is steadfastly affirmative: Jesus is currently living. The resurrection is the pivotal event that ensures His eternal existence, offers hope to believers, and stands as both a historical and transformative reality. |