"Three Days And Three Nights" Reconsidered - Softcover

Woodrow, Ralph E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0916938115 ISBN 13: 9780916938116

Publisher: Ralph Woodrow, 1993

Synopsis

This book explains why the author could no longer in good conscience hold the Wednesday/Saturday view concerning Christ's burial and resurrection. Why does only ONE verse say "three days and thee nights," and 20 verses say "the third day" or "in three days"? Figuring that a day ends at sundown, how should we explain the wording: "in the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn..."? Was a time period the "only" sign Jesus gave that he was the Messiah?

About this title

From the Author:

When I was a young man, a booklet fell into my hands that disputed the widely believed position that Jesus was crucified on Friday and rose from the dead on Sunday morning. It pointed out that Jesus said he would be "three days and three nights in the heart of the earth"-and that even a child should know that from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning is not three days and three nights! Nor was this point to be brushed aside lightly, for, it was claimed, this was the ONLY sign Jesus gave to prove that he was the Messiah!

Here, it seemed to me at the time, must be a glaring example of how the traditions of men make the word of God of none effect (Mk. 7:13). Having a desire to follow the Bible, and not men's ideas, I accepted the position that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday and the resurrection occurred late on the sabbath (Saturday)-exactly three days and three nights later (72 hours).

For years the "three days and three nights" teaching had been a chapter in my (no longer published) book, Babylon Mystery Religion, which was through many printings, was translated into numerous languages, and had a very wide circulation. But, in time, I prayerfully and carefully went back over this subject. The book that has resulted explains why I believed the Wednesday/Saturday teaching and why I have now returned to the long-established view, that the crucifixion was indeed on Friday and the resurrection on Sunday morning!

I did not change because I have any desire for traditions that make the Word of none effect! To the contrary, this change came because of the Word-by taking the TOTAL testimony of Scripture, not partial evidence.

In reversing a position I have long held, I have naturally had to weigh the problem of discrediting my own credibility. But, regardless, I cannot in good conscience continue to promote a teaching that is seriously flawed. I have considered the example of Apollos. He was "an eloquent man...mighty in the Scriptures...fervent in the spirit...and taught diligently the things of the Lord," yet even this man needed to understand "the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 17:24-26). It must be admitted that no one person, even though used of God, has every doctrine totally figured out. There is a sorting out process that occurs as we "grow...in the knowledge of our Lord" (2 Peter 3:18).

This book, "Three Days and Three Nights"-Reconsidered In Light of Scripture, written in a "Woodrow versus Woodrow" format, shows how a doctrine may sound good, and yet not be good sound doctrine. It is an honest and sincere appeal to all who have believed the Wednesday/Saturday position to reconsider this teaching, as I have done, in the light of scripture.

My hand of fellowship is extended to all who know Jesus as Lord, to all who believe in his resurrection-regardless of how they count the days. But I am, admittedly puzzled by some that would make the Wednesday/Saturday position into a major doctrine and even accuse those who do not see it this way of being Baal worshippers!

About the Author:

In addition to authoring over a dozen books, Ralph Woodrow has had the opportunity to speak for many Churches and groups of various denominations during 40 years of ministry-including camp meetings, conventions and conferences. Through a unique set of circumstances he was put into the ministry at age 18 (and has never had any other occupation). His ministry began in Canada, where he went as a pianist for an evangelist-but soon several Churches and groups opened their doors for Ralph to preach extended revival meetings. When he returned home after a few months of ministry in Canada, God continued to open doors for him to preach the Gospel- preaching for many Churches and denominational rallies. As a single man of 21 he felt led to hold tent revivals and also to preach on the radio, with good results from both. From these early beginnings sprang an inter-denominational ministry, through which many effective doors of ministry open to this day.

In his early teens, he began to search the Scriptures-becoming intrigued to discover things in the Bible that he hadn't been taught. Similarly, he began to discover that some of the things he had been taught were not in the Bible. Ralph memorized hundreds of Scriptures as a teenager-his whole life revolved around studying God's Word and seeking God's will for his life. He preached his first sermon when he was 15 in their local Church. He spent much time at the Church, doing anything he could to serve the Lord-mowing the lawns, cleaning the Church, praying, and attending the meetings where he grew in the Spirit-filled life.

Throughout his ministry, in addition to preaching the Gospel at large, he has shared neglected biblical truths. AS AN AUTHOR, he is known for his scholarly research, along with his emphasis on the importance of love and unity. He emphasizes that if Christians disagree on some points of doctrine-they should disagree agreeably-knowing that all Christians agree on more than they disagree. Books he has authored total over a half million in print. Also, he has shared printed sermons with a select list-since 1961. Woodrow was born in San Jacinto, California and grew up in nearby Riverside. He and his wife, Arlene who is also a minister and writer, minister in various capacities locally in addition to periodically ministering throughout the U.S., and sometimes in Canada.

FREE-learn more about Woodrow's ministry. Send a legal size SASE and request "Celebrating 40 Years Ministry" ('97) and the January '98 "Palm Springs Letter."

About this edition

• Publisher: Ralph Woodrow
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0916938115
• ISBN 13: 9780916938116
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 64