Body of Proof

“In every generation, new challenges and piercing questions arise in a culture constantly drifting away from God. Thankfully, the truth never changes. Our faith is anchored in the historical fact of Jesus’ physical resurrection. However, after pastoring for decades, I am burdened by the fact many believers are themselves ill-equipped to defend the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and indifferent to the transformation of a resurrection-centric life. Our own pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement, Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston, studied and defended the resurrection of Jesus at the highest intellectual levels, but with the heart of a pastor, he distills the best evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. Body of Proof is a book every pastor should teach and every believer read, because in enhancing our own understanding of the resurrection, we solidify the faith once and for all delivered. I’m honored to be Jeremiah’s pastor and friend and have a front-row seat for his relentless love for Christ and His unchanging Word. I heartily recommend Body of Proof.”

Dr. Jack Graham, Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church

“Body of Proof is an important book because the resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in human history. Dr. Jeremiah Johnston knows the relevant scholarship, and he knows how to present it in a readable, persuasive way. Highly recommended.”

Craig A. Evans, John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins, Houston Christian University

“Here’s a creative masterpiece of persuasive evidence for the pivotal event of human history—the resurrection of Jesus. Dr. Johnston’s unique and thoroughly researched approach is sure to solidify the faith of Christians and challenge the skepticism of doubters. Historical facts for the resurrection are what brought me from atheism to faith many years ago—and perhaps this lively and convicting work will transform your life as well. Read it with a highlighter handy!”

Lee Strobel, New York Times bestselling author, and founding director of the Lee Strobel Center at Colorado Christian University

“In this very important book, renowned New Testament scholar and dear personal friend Dr. Jeremiah Johnston provides us with seven compelling reasons to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a world and culture where many are struggling to know what they believe and why, the profound truths in this book will shore up your faith and set your heart on fire.”

Sheila Walsh, bestselling author and television host

“Dr. Jeremiah Johnston is on the front lines of battle, ensuring a biblical worldview is clear and present as students, staff, teachers, and parents gear up to defend the Christian faith. Body of Proof is a strong injection of truth around the foundational principle of the resurrection of Christ. This truth strengthens our faith and fortifies our relationship with the One who died in our place and rose again with the Ultimate Victory!”

Michael Goddard, EdD, superintendent of Prestonwood Christian Academy

“With arguments both traditional and new—appealing to recent evidence concerning Jesus’ tomb and considerations of second-century challenges concerning the resurrection story—Johnston both persuades and encourages us. He demonstrates that Jesus’ resurrection makes sense of life and is the centerpiece of our hope.”

Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ These words of Jesus in the Gospel of John show that resurrection is not ancillary to Christian faith, nor an optional extra that can be selected or omitted. In this insightful book, Jeremiah Johnston demonstrates both why resurrection remains core to authentic Christian faith and why it’s reasonable to believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. He marshals evidence and arguments that some readers may not have previously encountered. In the process, he carefully explains not only the centrality of resurrection faith for Christianity, but also provides a more solid basis for the reasoned support of such a faith. Johnston has done a great service both for those who hold to the Christian faith and for those who are open enquirers seeking to assess the merits of the truth claims of Christianity for themselves. All who read this book will be stimulated to ask deeper questions and to answer them in a more compelling manner.”

Paul Foster, professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh