"Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God." (Matthew 27:54)
The day of Christ's death, followed by His resurrection three days later, marked the most significant day in all of history. An innocent man died an ignominious death in place of you, me, and every other sinner in the world (1 John 2:2). Of course, Jesus was no ordinary man. He was a perfect man, but also deity--the unique God-man. Only He could rescue mankind from spiritual and eternal damnation.
So it's no wonder that the death and burial of Christ were surrounded by unusual events witnessed by ordinary men and women in Jerusalem. The sun was obscured during the day. Tombs were opened and saints were raised from the dead. The ground shook and rocks were split open. The temple veil was torn from top to bottom. This was no ordinary day. Jesus' death was no ordinary execution by the Romans. God let it be known that He was accomplishing a great work for all mankind.
Speaking recently with Dr. Steve Austin, I was intrigued with the details of these physical events that occurred on the day Christ died, and the evidence that remains available for study by geologists like Dr. Austin. How large was the earthquake, for instance, and where was its epicenter? Dr. Austin is collecting data from scientific and historical sources that show evidence for these spectacular and supernatural events, just like the Bible records. Don't forget to read a fascinating article from the late Dr. Henry Morris in this issue of Acts & Facts, titled "Creation and Resurrection."
It is the Bible that remains our firm foundation as we continue to communicate the message of Christ, our Creator and Redeemer, to men and women around the world.
As you read Acts & Facts this month, you'll notice three new additions to our lineup of columns. First, Dr. Nathaniel Jeanson shares the first of several updates on a new life science research initiative that will explore the biological and biblical issues related to created kinds. Second, Dr. James Johnson, head of our new graduate school, the School of Biblical Apologetics, begins a series called Real World Apologetics. What is biblical apologetics and how do we practice it in our everyday lives? Read this new apologetics feature each month. Third, take a look the new Education Column, this month featuring an interview with Pastor Damon Rambo, a graduate of ICR's Creationist Worldview online professional program. The impact of three formal educational programs goes literally around the world and across cultures. Keep in touch with ICR education each month.
Research, education, and communication have been the hallmarks of the Institute for Creation Research since our founding 40 years ago. Your prayers and faithful support for the projects we tackle are vital to each and every staff member, and ultimately to the many millions reached by the message of the Creator. Thank you for keeping up-to-date on the mission and ministry of ICR.
* Mr. Ford is Executive Editor at the Institute for Creation Research.
Cite this article: Ford, L. 2010. No Ordinary Day. Acts & Facts. 39 (4): 3.
