Introduction
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a foundational event in Christian theology, signifying His victory over death and His divine nature. It is celebrated by Christians worldwide, particularly on Easter Sunday. The resurrection is documented in all four Gospels and is referenced throughout the New Testament, serving as a cornerstone for Christian faith and hope in eternal life.

Biblical Accounts
The resurrection is recorded in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. Each account provides unique details, yet they collectively affirm the central truth of Christ's victory over the grave.

· Matthew 28:1-10: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. An angel of the Lord descends, rolls back the stone, and announces, "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said" (Matthew 28:6). Jesus later appears to the women, instructing them to tell His disciples to go to Galilee.

· Mark 16:1-8: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bring spices to anoint Jesus' body. They find the stone rolled away and a young man in a white robe who tells them, "He has risen! He is not here" (Mark 16:6). The women flee from the tomb, trembling and bewildered.

· Luke 24:1-12: The women find the stone rolled away and two men in dazzling apparel who remind them of Jesus' prophecy about His resurrection. The women report to the apostles, but their words seem like nonsense to them. Peter runs to the tomb and sees the linen cloths by themselves.

· John 20:1-18: Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and informs Peter and John. They run to the tomb, with John arriving first. Jesus later appears to Mary Magdalene, calling her by name, and instructs her to tell the disciples of His ascension.

Theological Significance
The resurrection is pivotal for several reasons:

1. Validation of Jesus' Divinity: Romans 1:4 states that Jesus "was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead" . The resurrection confirms Jesus' divine nature and His authority over life and death.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus predicted His resurrection multiple times (e.g., Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31). The fulfillment of these prophecies underscores the reliability of His words and the Scriptures.

3. Foundation for Christian Hope: 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 declares, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" . The resurrection assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life.

4. Victory Over Sin and Death: Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering salvation to all who believe. Romans 6:9 affirms, "For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him" .

Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appeared to many after His resurrection, providing further proof of His victory over death:

· To Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)
· To the other women (Matthew 28:9-10)
· To two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
· To the apostles, including Thomas (John 20:19-29)
· To over 500 brethren at once (1 Corinthians 15:6)
· To James and all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:7)

These appearances strengthened the faith of His followers and equipped them to spread the Gospel.

Impact on the Early Church
The resurrection was central to the preaching of the apostles. Peter's sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:22-36) emphasized Jesus' resurrection as proof of His Messiahship. The apostles' unwavering testimony, even unto death, was rooted in their conviction of the risen Christ.

Conclusion
The resurrection of Jesus Christ remains a pivotal event in Christian doctrine, affirming His divine nature, fulfilling prophecy, and providing the foundation for the hope of eternal life. It is celebrated as the ultimate victory over sin and death, offering salvation to all who believe.