The Factual Importance of the Empty Tomb

March 31, 2026 by

By Jeff Johnston

Have you ever considered the importance of the empty tomb? Now, I don’t mean in the sense of our personal redemption being secured. I mean in the sense that it is important as evidence for the truth of our Christian dogma. Everyone who thinks seriously about the claims of Christianity must deal with the empty tomb. The Atheist, the Muslim, the Jew, the Hindu, and the Buddhist must answer this question: “What about the empty tomb?” Each of those opposing worldviews attempts an answer, but upon careful scrutiny, they wither away.

The facts:

1. There is more textual evidence for the crucifixion and the surrounding events than for any other historical event of that period.

2. That record demonstrates that Jesus died. A man cannot survive a Roman crucifixion and being stabbed by a spear through the body (probably piercing his heart).

3. That body was painstakingly wrapped in burial clothes.

4. The body was buried in the tomb of a well-known man of influence. Nobody in town had to guess where Jesus’ tomb was.

5. That tomb was sealed by the Imperial governor and guarded by approximately 20 Roman soldiers, who faced severe punishment if the seal was broken.

6. On the third day, the tomb was found empty. This was testified by both the disciples of Jesus and the enemies of Jesus.

7. Well over 500 eyewitnesses saw Jesus alive.

8. Jesus predicted His death and resurrection. He accomplished His own predictions.

9. His disciples were willing to die for this truth. They knew the tomb was empty. It may be true that people can become martyrs for something that is not true, but no one becomes a martyr for something they know is not true. They believed that Jesus was alive from the dead.

10. The church exploded and grew throughout the empire, not by force or coercion, but despite violence and persecution. Why? Because people believed the eyewitness testimony of the empty tomb.

Christianity is a matter of faith, but not blind faith.

There is reasonable and compelling evidence that Jesus rose from the dead, just as he said! I hope you have some time to reflect on these thoughts this Easter. We believe in true events that happened in time and space. These historical events have eternal implications.