Torch, Spring 1979

4 The Resurrection and Salvation In the desert sands of Egypt stands the Great Pyramid of Cheops which was built as a fitting and final resting place for a man who had ruled in great splendor from 2590 to 2568 B.C. In Agra, India, is found one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is a perfect example of Islamic architecture and one of the most costly tombs in history. It was built in the 17th century by the Mughul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal, which means "Chosen One of the Palace," is a shortened form of her name. St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome is one of the most famous Catholic churches in Europe and the supposed tomb of St. Peter. But in Israel, where these three continents meet, there stands today an empty tomb. It was an unpretentious tomb. It was a borrowed burial place. This tomb was occupied for only three days and three nights by Jesus of Nazareth. Then, by the power of God, He rose from the grave. Jesus had anticipated this resurrection in His teaching. Its emptiness is one of the best authenticated facts of history. The resurrection which took place there was declared repeatedly in apostolic witnessing and preaching. The acceptance of the truth of the resurrection is essential for eternal salvation. This empty tomb is evidence of Christ's triumph over death and the crowning support for His claim to deity (Rom. 1:4). The Resurrection Anticipated The resurrection of Christ was anticipated in Old Testament prophecy (Psa. 16:10) and in its typology. Jesus said, "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matt. 12:40). This prophecy was literally Richard T. Mcintosh fulfilled in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. During his early ministry, while attending his first Passover in Jerusalem, Jesus had said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19). H~ spoke this concerning His body and the resurrection. When Jesus was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them and they believed the Scriptures and this statement of Jesus (John 2:22). Jesus clearly anticipated this event and repeatedly taught His disciples about it. After the confession of the deity of Christ by Peter, Jesus once again announced his resurrection: "From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day" (Matt 16:21; see also 17:1, 23; 20:19; 26:32). The gospels record Christ