The Catechism of the New Apostolic Church

3.4.11 The resurrection of Jesus Christ

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is an act of the triune God, which occurred in a manner that had never happened before:

  • On the one hand, the power of God, the Father, is revealed in that He raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 5: 30-32).

  • On the other hand, the words of God, the Son, were fulfilled: "I have power to lay it [My life] down, and I have power to take it again" (John 10: 18).

  • Finally, the activity of God, the Holy Spirit, is also attested: "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8: 11).

The resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred without any human witness to the event. Nevertheless, Holy Scripture attests to many witnesses of the resurrection of the Son of God. One of these is the empty tomb attested by the disciples. Further testimonies include the various appearances of the Lord in the forty days between His resurrection and ascension. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not wishful thinking on the part of His followers who sought to make future generations believe in a miracle. Nor is it an expression of mythological thinking. The resurrection of Christ is historical reality. It actually took place.