Christianity stands or falls on one stupendous event - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If he is now no more than a handful of dust and bones lying somewhere in Israel, the Christian faith lies buried with him. In this new publication, John Blanchard examines the evidence, assesses the alternatives and provides a convincing conclusion.

Here is a booklet that will strengthen the faith of countless Christians - and give them a dynamic means of sharing the faith with others.

‘Early Christians and the apostles majored on the resurrection of Jesus, much more than we do today. The Acts of the Apostles proves that. No wonder the truth of the resurrection has been attacked by critics and sceptics.  John Blanchard meets these head on and in this outstanding piece of work then proceeds to give clear and lucid arguments in favour of this cornerstone of the Christian faith.  He takes us to the accounts of the resurrection in the gospels and shows us that what they teach about Jesus rising from the dead is unassailable.  Here is a book that leaves us in no doubt about what happened after Jesus was crucified and is destined to confirm faith in the greatest event in human history as well as lead to the faith of those who are courageous enough to read this brilliant masterpiece.'
 MARTIN HOLDT, Senior Pastor, Constantia Park Baptist Church, Pretoria, South Africa

'No stone is left unturned as John Blanchard, with customary clarity and logic, hunts down the evidence behind the greatest claim ever made. Exposing the shortcomings in alternative theories, and marshalling evidence from history, philosophy and most compellingly the logic of the Gospel, Blanchard shows how belief in Christ's resurrection is not only intellectually credible, but the only hope for humanity..'
JEREMY MCQUOID, Teaching Pastor, Deeside Christian Fellowship Church, Aberdeen

"In language accessible to any reader, John Blanchard intelligently examines the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He logically presents evidence and graciously answers objections, encouraging believers and challenging sceptics.  At its end, his presentation requires a response.  Regardless your point of view, if you read only one book on the resurrection, this should be it!"
REGGIE MEEKS, Senior Pastor, Heritage Baptist Church, Johnson City, Tennessee

"John Blanchard has long blessed the evangelical church not only as an evangelist but also as an insightful apologist. Jesus: Dead or Alive? is another blessing to the witnessing church and takes up the Apostle Paul's desire to declare  the resurrection of Christ as both Scriptural, historically verifiable and theologically essential. This highly readable defense and explanation of the resurrection of Christ will encourage and equip believers as they seek to defend the faith and win others to Christ. It is bold yet compassionate, clear yet attractive in a winsome presentation of the "convincing proofs" concerning Christ's resurrection while fulfilling its purpose of inviting the honest skeptic to leap out of the darkness by faith into the light of knowing the risen Christ as Lord and Savior."
HARRY REEDER, Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama'

‘Anything new from the pen of John Blanchard is always to be warmly welcomed, not least this booklet dealing with the truth, relevance, impact and challenge of the resurrection of Jesus. What an excellent and timely resource this will prove to be for the church in dealing with the ever increasing virulent attacks of the unbelieving world on this core doctrine of the faith. I cannot commend it highly enough!' 
PHILIP HAIR, Minister, Holyrood Abbey Church of Scotland, Edinburgh.

‘A magisterial evangelistic tool, Jesus: Dead or Alive is the most persuasive and succinct case for the resurrection of Christ that I have ever read. After debunking a variety of natural man's foolish attempts to discredit the empty tomb, John Blanchard builds a reasonable and positive case, grounded in scriptural evidence, for Christ being alive and, by extension, for the gospel itself. His argumentation based on the integrity of the apostles is particularly lucid. Anyone who approaches the subject of Christ's resurrection with even a modicum of objectivity should confess upon reading this powerful booklet: 'I believe in the resurrection of the dead, and, consequently, I believe in the gospel'.'
JOEL R. BEEKE, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan  

‘Once again the Church is indebted to the pen of John Blanchard.  In "Jesus: dead or alive?" he furnishes us with yet another attractively produced evangelistic booklet.  Following his popular apologetic approach, Dr Blanchard examines the evidence of the resurrection.  The "punchy" introduction that stresses the fundamental importance of the resurrection, hooks the reader immediately.  He then goes on to examine and answer the various theories that the critics of Christianity have used to attack the historicity of the resurrection.  Uniquely in this type of book, the central section is given over to an exposition of Paul's defence of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15v12-19.  Written in accessible language and packed with modern illustrations and references, Paul's arguments are brought to life and pressed home in their relevance for today.  The final section draws out the implications of the resurrection for the claims of Christ and ends with an evangelistic challenge.  Ideally suited for the "thinking sceptic," this little book will undoubtedly prove itself to be an effective evangelistic tool for years to come, especially during the Easter period.'
STEVEN CURRY, Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, BANGOR, N.Ireland

John Blanchard has, for many years, enabled committed Christians not only to find strength for their own faith and witness but also provide tools for them to use in sharing the Gospel with others.  In "Jesus Dead or Alive" he does the same once again.  Nothing can be more important to the cause of the Kingdom of God than to constantly ratify the fact that we serve a Saviour who is alive today"
FRANK RETIEF, Presiding Bishop, The Church of England in South Africa

"Promises to be the definitive summary on the truthfulness and relevance of Jesus' resurrection."
DEREK W. H. THOMAS, John E Richards Professor of Theology, RTS (Jackson)

‘If Jesus rose, then we must kneel. John Blanchard makes the case here. Compellingly.'
LIGON DUNCAN, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS

‘When I am speaking with people who are uncertain about the Christian faith I often think of helpful things to say - just after they have walked away from me.   Now I have read Dr Blanchard's new book I will have a good store of information to guide me in witnessing to such people.  Every page supports the author's contention that the whole of Christianity stands or falls on the issue of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.   ‘Baptism, Holy Communion and Sunday are all linked to the resurrection and none of them make any sense without it.'   This book provides sound answers to the many objections to the resurrection and explains them in a simple and clear way.  Yet is does not narrow down faith in Christ to mere obedience to a small set of rules.  Instead it drives the reader to the urgent necessity to seek the Lord.'

This is an ideal gift for anyone who wants to know why they should become a true follower of Christ.'
MICHAEL BENTLEY, author, ‘Building for God's glory'

‘Did Jesus rise from the dead or did he not? In spite of the many voices that dismiss the idea of the resurrection, the evidence remains overwhelming: Jesus died, was buried, and then rose again. This doctrine is the foundation of Christianity, and the heart of the gospel. This was God's plan to save mankind and because it is true, you and I need to take Jesus seriously. This booklet presents the evidence clearly and cogently, and we are indebted to the author for setting before us the most thrilling story in the world.' 
REV DR IAIN D. CAMPBELL, Free Church of Scotland, Isle of Lewis

‘Christians eagerly, readily affirm that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, our faith is vain and futile; we are to be pitied above all people for following a Savior who could not even save himself.  But if Christ did rise, his resurrection stands as the moment that divides and defines all of human history. I encourage you, even as a skeptic, to read this little book and see if it is possible that Jesus was able to overcome death. Because if Jesus did rise, it makes all the difference.'
TIM CHALLIES, http://www.challies.com/

‘Antagonists from the Pharisees to David Hume to Richard Dawkins have all attempted to undermine the resurrection of Jesus Christ, for the Christian faith stands or falls upon the resurrection.  In this little volume John Blanchard ably dismantles the skeptic's arguments, old and new, and shows that all the evidence points to one great truth: "He is risen!"
GARY GILLEY, Pastor, Southern View Chapel, Springfield, IL, USA

'John Blanchard here provides abundant evidence for the reality of the resurrection - a vital issue that is not so much denied as ignored by modern opponents of Christianity.'
JOHN LEGG, Author - The transforming power of God

‘This little booklet brings together a number of evidences for the validity of the claim that Jesus rose from the dead. As such it will prove a useful resource for those seeking to explain the truth of the resurrection to others and also for those searching the evidence for themselves.'
CLEM JACKSON, Editor, Christian Marketplace

‘Jesus Christ either rose from the dead or he did not - and Christianity is only credible if he did! The truth is, no matter how often this particular ‘cold case' file is reviewed, the evidence always points unwaveringly in the same direction. Relentlessly hunting down and dispatching alternative theories, old and new, John Blanchard leaves his readers not merely with a clear conclusion, but also with a stark choice.'
JONATHAN STEPHEN, Principal, Wales Evangelical School of Theology (WEST)

"A wonderfully concise and attractive booklet in which the author effectively deals with the factual basis and intrinsic significance of the physical, bodily rising again of Jesus Christ from the dead. John Blanchard, in addressing the question of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, persuasively counters false ideas that deny either the possibility or actuality of Christ's resurrection. He also powerfully brings out the central importance of that historical event for Christian faith and life after death. This is a welcome and needed emphasis for our sceptical age, and the booklet contains an appealing evangelistic message for those who are unconvinced and unbelieving."
JOHN W KEDDIE (Struan, Isle of Skye), Moderator, Free Church of Scotland (Continuing)

‘This is another excellent evangelistic tool from a servant of God at the height of his powers. Cogent, thorough, up-to-date and well-researched in its apologetic, the style is nevertheless warm and winning. We trust and pray that it may be the means of convincing many.'
GARY BRADY, Pastor, Childs Hill Baptist Church, London

‘The truth of the Christian Faith stands or falls with the truth of the physical resurrection of Christ from the dead. John Blanchard offers a masterly defence of this central fact of the Gospel. It is an asset to have his work in print.‘
ERROLL HULSE, Author - ‘Who saves, God or me? Calvinism for the twenty-first century'

‘The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the issue on which Christianity stands or falls. John Blanchard skilfully counters the skeptics and builds compelling evidence for the empty tomb. I believe that this is the best apologetic available today for what is the touchstone of the Christian Faith. The implications that Blanchard draws from the fact  of a living Christ make this an invaluable evangelistic tool.'
JOHN J MURRAY, Author of Catch the Vision

‘In this absorbing booklet examining arguments against the resurrection of Jesus Christ, John Blanchard carefully reveals their flaws while convincingly presenting irrefutable evidence for its historic validity. The spiritual implications of this truth are also outlined with care and conviction, leaving the reader with an unavoidable call to respond appropriately. John Blanchard has once again provided the church with an invaluable evangelistic resource.'
DAFYDD HUGHES, Pastor, Grace reformed Baptist church, Palmerston North, New Zealand

"Dawkins, and everyone who has read his books, should be encouraged to buy this booklet and reckon with the compelling, up-to-date, exhaustive treatment of the evidence for Jesus' resurrection." 
PHILIP H EVESON, Principal Emeritus, London Theological Seminary

"John Blanchard marshals a compelling defense of the Christian account of Jesus' death and resurrection."
COLLIN HANSEN - Editor at large, Christianity Today, and author of ‘Young, restless and reformed'.

‘This is vintage Blanchard - clear and concise, persuasive and punchy.  Like a general marshalling his troops, John Blanchard gathers the arguments and deploys them effectually in answering Christianity's ultimate question - is Jesus dead or alive? He considers the most popular alternatives, countering their attacks, before setting out a strong defence for belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus based upon 1 Corinthians 15, concluding by stating the consequences for humanity if Jesus really is alive.'
DAVID MAGOWAN, Pastor, Whitby Evangelical Church

‘The question is central and crucial: did Jesus really rise from the dead?  John Blanchard thoroughly examines the evidence and the theories explaining the empty tomb.  He is clear and comprehensive, yet remarkably concise.  Every believer should read this to be convinced of the facts and assured of their faith.  Every serious sceptic should read it if they are willing to weigh the evidence personally.'
MARTIN WOODIER, Director, Yorkshire School of Christian Ministry

‘In a world obsessed with conspiracy, Blanchard presents clear and straightforward responses to the theories circulating about the resurrection of Jesus. But more than that he presses the reader to consider the personal implications. If the message the Bible stands or falls by this claim, so do the demands that the Bible makes and the hope that it brings. Modern society has not eliminated the need to consider this dramatic claim and this book is an excellent tool for investigation.  So what if Jesus rose? Blanchard to you on a journey of claims and counter claims and beyond, to reveal that the resurrection of Jesus has profound personal implications.'
PAUL HOWELL, Pastor, Pontefract Congregational Church.

‘It's great that another John Blanchard offering is published.  His books have always been an aid and assistance in evangelistic ministry. It is only sensible to buy multiple copies of this new one. It is the kind of book that should be given away as soon as it is purchased.'
PHILLIP JENSEN, Dean of Sydney