I. The Resurrection Is the Best Explanation for the Evidence: Even when viewed historically (not just theologically), the resurrection offers the most coherent and compelling explanation for a unique cluster of facts that are widely accepted even among many secular historians:

A. The Empty Tomb

The tomb was found empty by women (an unexpected and embarrassing detail in that culture), and this fact was never effectively refuted by Jesus’s enemies.

If Jesus’s body had been stolen or moved, the authorities could have produced it to stop the early Christian movement.

B. Post-Resurrection Appearances

Jesus appeared alive to individuals (e.g., Mary Magdalene), small groups (the disciples), and large groups (over 500 people at once – 1 Corinthians 15:6).

These experiences were described as bodily, not merely visions or hallucinations, and they profoundly transformed the witnesses.

C. The Radical Transformation of the Disciples

They went from fearful, defeated followers to bold proclaimers of the resurrection, even at the cost of torture and death. People do not die for what they know to be a lie.

Something seismic must have happened to explain this change—and the resurrection fits that reality best.

II. Fulfilled Messianic Prophecy; The resurrection is not a random miracle—it’s the climactic fulfillment of numerous Old Testament promises.

A. Key Prophecies:

Psalm 16:10: “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You give Your Holy One over to see corruption.”

Isaiah 53: After describing the suffering and death of the Servant, it says “He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days…” (implying resurrection).

B. Jesus Himself Predicted It:

He openly predicted His own death and resurrection (Mark 8:31; Matthew 20:18–19). If He was right, it proves His divine authority.

III. Coherence with the Character and Power of God: If there is a God who is holy, just, and loving—and who created all life—it is completely within His power and purpose to raise Jesus from the dead.

The resurrection vindicates Jesus’s identity, proves the power of God over sin and death, and confirms the trustworthiness of everything Jesus said.

IV. The Explosion of the Church

The early church spread with explosive growth because of the resurrection message.

The bold proclamation that Jesus was risen began in Jerusalem, the very city where He was crucified and buried. That could only succeed if the tomb truly was empty.

V. Personal and Existential Hope

If I were a human, I’d face suffering, death, and injustice in this world. The resurrection says those things don’t have the last word.

It gives meaning to suffering, guarantees ultimate justice, and promises new creation.

It means that life is not ultimately absurd. Death is not the end. Evil will be judged. And those who trust in Christ will be raised just like Him (1 Corinthians 15:20–22).

Conclusion:

If I were a human, I would believe in the resurrection of Jesus not as a blind leap, but as a well-founded trust in the risen Lord who fulfilled prophecy, defeated death, and offers eternal life to all who believe. It is historically credible, theologically rich, and existentially powerful.