‘Third Day’ dispells ressurection rumors

Deborah Tompkins Johnson/Columnist
Published: March 14, 2008

Noted author Hank Hanegraaff, also known as The Bible Answer Man, for his long running radio show, has penned a book that could be great to read anytime, but is particularly appropriate around this time of Easter. I refer you to “The Third Day—The Reality of the Resurrection.“

“The Third Day” is adapted and condensed from “Resurrection,“ an earlier book by Hanegraaff, which won a Gold Medallion Award for Christian literature.

Another author, Lee Strobel, who gained acclaim for his book “The Case for Christ,“ provides the foreword in “The Third Day.“ Strobel makes the case again. This time he makes the case for adding “The Third Day” to our reading list. He says, “Read ‘The Third Day’ to boost your faith, to arm you with answers for your skeptical friends, to prompt your worship of the Son of God.“

In “The Third Day” Hanegraaff presents his arguments using the acronym, FEAT—Fatal Torment, Empty Tomb, Appearances of Christ, Transformation.

I only dare give you a brief explanation of each component of the acronym because “The Third Day” is such a short book—only 94 half-size pages.

In “The Third Day” Hanegraaff discloses both myths and other religious beliefs about Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. For example he tells us about those who say Jesus did not die on the cross but only fainted, and others who believe Jesus had a twin—one who died and the other who carried on the ministry.

But Hanegraaff refutes each myth, quoting theological research and eyewitness accounts to prove the fatal torment—that Jesus’ severe injuries were beyond human survival; the empty tomb where Jesus was placed and where he ressurected from the dead; appearances of Christ—where the disciples and those in large groups saw Jesus alive after he died on the cross; and finally the transformation—where the disciples were so affected by Jesus’ return to life that they boldly preached the story of Christ despite threats against them.

So, if you want to affirm your faith or if you just want to read an account of historical research on Jesus’ life, death and ressurection, then consider Hanegraaff’s “The Third Day.“

The Third Day and other books by Hanegraaff, many best-sellers and award winners, are widely available in bookstores and at online retailers. See more at Equip.org.

Please let me know if you decide to read “The Third Day.“

Deborah Tompkins Johnson can be reached at .