Existence of Jesus Christ:
21st century evidence and relevance of the life and deity existence of Jesus Christ.
Anton Williams, Founder
Evidence available in the 21st century for the existence of Jesus Christ from the science of archaeology
FOCUS HERE IS ON SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY:
IN ORDER TO REFUTE THE OBJECTIVE/EXTERNAL EVIDENCE, IT IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MERELY DENY THE OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE AS LISTED BELOW. EXTERNAL/OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY MUST BE SHOWN.
Ancient Jewish catacombs (gravesites) near Mount of Olives in Israel contained burial boxes from the 1st century CE. These artifacts are from the era and location that Jesus lived so they could have seen Him with their own eyes.
Several archaeologists excavated this era and/or recorded data including Yigael Yadin, J. Finegan. Charles Claremont- Ganneau
)) Prayers to Jesus to remember them in the resurrection (consistent with Bible portrayal of Jesus as God and source of resurrection as seen by eyewitnesses
)) "Jesus Christ the redeemer" is also found inscribed in one of the coffins (consistent with what the bible records as Jesus work of redemption)
)) Signs of the cross on the boxes. Consistent with Jesus being crucified
Evidence from these non-biblical persons living in Israel indicates that Jesus Christ lived, was killed by crucifixion, resurrected and believed to be God since He has prayers invoked to Him
These archaeological artifacts are all objective/external remnants of events of the past remaining in the present. In order to refute this, again its not sufficient to merely dismiss, deny or disagree. External objective evidence to the contrary must be shown. In other words, have to demonstrate that these aren't artifacts not based on just claiming it but objective evidence. Such evidence does not exists.
Additional Evidence for existence of Jesus available in the 21st century
The so-called Tomb of David in Jerusalem has several graffiti created in the 1st century CE and recorded by several archaeologists in their publications. These graffiti contain testimony recorded of non-biblical persons who lived around the time of Jesus
Jesus is referred to as a redeemer and Lord. This is consistent with what the bible records.
The headboard of Jesus
Archaeologist Carsten Thiede examined a piece of the headboard of purported to be the exact same one which was placed on His cross of Jesus at the time of crucifixion.
The headboard which was broken into pieces and preserved in various locations around the world has a storied history. The benefit of such a long history is being able to look at any era over the centuries and get its most recent information regarding the headboard.
The headboard originally read "This is Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews". This was written in Greek, Hebrew and Latin
Archaeologist Carsten Thiede examined the headboard and through the science of paleography was able to determine that the headboard was from the first century CE. Even if this was a replica from the first century CE, it is still a witness to the authentic one existing in the same era.
The implications from the discovery are clear:
Jesus Christ lived in Israel in the first century CE
Jesus was Jewish (called king of the Jews)
That his hometown was Nazareth (He is called "Jesus of Nazareth)
He was executed by crucifixion
His death was by the hands of the Romans (crucifixion was Roman death penalty)
He was crucified near Jerusalem (headboard was originally unearth there centuries ago)
All of this is consistent with and matches what the bible records
For the critic, again, in order to refute this it is not sufficient to merely deny, disregard or dismiss it. Objective/external evidence to the contrary must be shown.
Evidence for the divinity of Jesus Christ
Other archaeological artifacts and historical documents point to the existence of Jesus.
The alignment with what the Bible records indicates the accuracy and trustworthiness of the message. The bible itself is also an archaeological artifact. It is shown to be historically accurate and reliable as a primary (eyewitness) text.
Ultimate proof of Jesus Christ divinity comes from His resurrection. This event occurred at a real place and time on this earth
He was seen by both believers and unbelievers after His self-resurrection.
He was seen by over 500 people at one time. So, there are many witnesses.
Another witnesses is not only did He rise from the dead but He gave His apostles the ability to raise people from the dead. This is attested to by the apostles, the early historian Luke and some of the recipients of the miracles themselves. (See Quadratus statement in the second century CE on people who lived in the 1st century CE)
RELEVANCE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY IS MANY AND WILL BE LINKED. IN SHORT, GOD HAS CREATED A DAY IN WHICH HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD. THE CONSCIENCE IN PEOPLE CONVICT THEM OF BREAKING A MORAL (ALBEIT METAPHYSICAL) STANDARD THEY DIDN'T CREATE WHEN THERE IS WRONGDOING. THIS IS THE CREATORS STANDARD. IT INDICATES A JUDGEMENT UNLESS THERE IS A REMEDY FOR THE OFFENSE WHICH IS WHAT THE SALVATION JESUS BROUGHT, BOUGHT AND SUPPLIES WITH TRUST IN HIM AS LORD.