How Did Jesus Reverse the Chemistries of Death and Pumped Life Back into Them?

 

Remember I wrote an article on the chemistry of death here:

The Irreversible Chemistry of Death (Part 1)

 https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2022/11/how-did-jesus-reverse-irreversible.html

See also here:

Tracing Backwards What Makes a Body Becomes Alive?

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/11/tracing-backwards-what-makes-body.html

 In these two articles I described all the stages the body undergoes from the moment of death till it becomes a skeleton.

I am sure everyone would agree with me that these chemistries are irreversible. If this is so, how are we going to explain how Jesus managed to reverse them? Not just reverse the chemistry that took place in death, but how did Jesus manage to pump life back into those chemicals that were formed after death?

This frightening question touches on a profound intersection of science and faith, one that has fascinated theologians, scientists, and philosophers for centuries.

Before I start attempting to answer this exceedingly difficult question, first let me quote verses in the biblical passages where Jesus raised the dead. There are three specific accounts in the Gospels where Jesus performed such miracles:

Raising of Jairus' Daughter

Passages:

1.      Matthew 9:18-26

2.      Mark 5:21-43

3.      Luke 8:40-56

Jairus, a synagogue leader, approached Jesus, asking Him to heal his dying daughter. While on the way, news came that the girl had already died. Jesus reassured Jairus, saying, "Do not fear, only believe." Upon reaching Jairus' house, Jesus found people mourning. He said, "The child is not dead but sleeping," and they laughed at Him. Jesus took the girl's hand and said, "Talitha koum," which means "Little girl, I say to you, arise." The girl immediately stood up and walked, astonishing everyone present.

Raising of the Widow's Son at Nain

Passage:

Luke 7:11-17

Jesus went to the town of Nain, where He encountered a funeral procession. A widow was mourning the loss of her only son. Moved with compassion, Jesus said to her, "Do not weep." He then touched the bier (a platform carrying the body) and said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. This miracle caused great fear and awe, leading people to glorify God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited His people!"

Raising of Lazarus

Passage:

John 11:1-44

Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus and the brother of Mary and Martha, had died. Jesus was informed of Lazarus' illness but purposely delayed His visit, arriving four days after Lazarus had been placed in the tomb. Martha met Jesus, expressing her belief that He could have prevented her brother's death. Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." He then went to the tomb and commanded that the stone be removed. After praying, Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" Lazarus came out, still wrapped in grave clothes, and Jesus instructed them to "loose him and let him go." This miraculous act led many to believe in Jesus.

Significance of These Miracles

Each of these accounts illustrates Jesus' power over death, underscoring His divine authority and His identity as the Son of God. They also reveal His compassion for those who are grieving and demonstrate His role as the giver of life.

Before I write further, let me briefly go through those chemistries once again during the moments before death sets in.

The Chemistry of Death: A Brief Overview

From a scientific perspective, death triggers a series of irreversible biochemical processes:

Cessation of Circulation and Respiration:

Oxygen Depletion: When the heart stops beating, blood circulation ceases, and oxygen delivery to tissues halts. Without oxygen, cells cannot produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency needed for cellular functions.

Cellular Death and Autolysis (Self-Digestion):

Enzymes within cells start breaking down cell membranes and internal structures. This leads to the release of cellular contents, starting the process of decomposition.

Rigor Mortis:

This is the stiffening of muscles that occurs a few hours after death as ATP depletes, preventing the release of actin and myosin bonds in muscle fibres.

Putrefaction:

Bacterial activity, especially by gut microbiota, accelerates, leading to the breakdown of tissues and the production of gases. This process produces the characteristic odour of decomposition.

Skeletonization:

Over time, soft tissues are completely decomposed, leaving behind bones as the final remnants.

The Irreversibility of These Processes:

From a biochemical standpoint, these processes are irreversible because:

The molecular structures of cells, proteins, and enzymes are broken down.

The intricate balance of chemical reactions and the complex organization of living cells are lost.

Reassembly of this complexity is beyond natural chemical processes, as it involves re-establishing life at a molecular and cellular level.

The Miracles of Jesus and Reversing Death: A Theological Perspective

Given the irreversible nature of death's chemistry, how could Jesus have reversed these processes and restored life? Here are a few perspectives to consider:

Divine Authority Over Creation:

According to Christian belief, Jesus is the incarnation of God, who is the Creator of all things (John 1:1-3). If we accept this premise, then Jesus, as the Creator, would have the power to reverse the natural laws He set in place. Just as He spoke the universe into existence, He could command life back into a lifeless body.

Restoration of Molecular and Cellular Structures:

If we imagine this from a scientific lens (even if purely speculative), it would involve an instantaneous reversal of the decomposition process:

Repairing Cell Membranes: Jesus could have restored the integrity of cellular membranes, preventing further autolysis.

Neutralizing Decomposition Enzymes: The enzymes that break down tissues could be rendered inactive.

Reversing Rigor Mortis: ATP production would resume, releasing the actin-myosin bonds and restoring muscle flexibility.

This would essentially be a miraculous re-synthesis of all damaged or decomposed cellular structures—a task that is far beyond any natural or medical intervention.

The Infusion of Life (Breath of Life):

In the Bible, life is seen as more than just a physical or chemical process. It is often described as being animated by the "breath of life" (Genesis 2:7). In the miracles of resurrection performed by Jesus, it could be interpreted that He was not just reviving dead cells but re-infusing a divine "life force" or "spirit" into the body, reconnecting the physical and the spiritual aspects of the person.

Transcendence Over Time and Physical Processes:

From a theological standpoint, Jesus' miracles often transcend natural laws, including time itself. For example, when Jesus raised Lazarus, who had been dead for four days (John 11:39), the body would have been in an advanced stage of decomposition. Yet, Jesus commanded, "Lazarus, come forth!" and Lazarus emerged fully restored.

This act suggests a supernatural intervention that could override not only the current state of the body but also reverse the timeline of decay

An Act Beyond Human Comprehension

The resurrection miracles performed by Jesus go beyond our current scientific understanding. The chemistry of death involves irreversible breakdowns at the cellular and molecular levels. Reversing these processes would require an unimaginable, precise reorganization of complex biological systems and the re-introduction of what we might call "life essence."

In essence, if we consider Jesus as God incarnate, His divine nature will allow Him to bypass or suspend the natural laws of biology and chemistry that we understand. It is this divine power, beyond human science, that the Gospels attribute to these miracles. Jesus did not merely heal a body; He reanimated it with life, highlighting His authority over both the physical and spiritual realms.

My question indeed brings us to the fascinating edge where science and faith meet. While science explains the natural processes of death, faith provides a perspective on the miraculous power that could reverse it. It is a profound mystery that invites reflection, awe, and perhaps, faith in the possibility of the supernatural.

Now having explained that, my problem is, when Jesus died on the cross, He managed to rise up again on His own. How did He manage this awesome miracle, unless His heavenly Father (God) stepped in. Could that be the explanation or is there another alternative explanation. It is very weird to me as a scientist. Nevertheless, let me try to answer again.

The resurrection of Jesus is indeed one of the most profound and central mysteries of the Christian faith, and it naturally poses a significant challenge when viewed from a scientific perspective. As a scientist, I am trained to seek explanations grounded in natural laws and empirical evidence. However, the resurrection, by its very nature, transcends these boundaries, entering the realm of the supernatural. Let me provide some visions into this from both theological and reflective perspectives:

The Role of God the Father in the Resurrection

Divine Agency:

The New Testament consistently attributes the resurrection of Jesus to the power of God the Father. For instance, in Acts 2:24, the Apostle Peter states, "But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him." This suggests that the resurrection was an act of divine power, initiated by God the Father.

The Trinity in Action:

According to Christian doctrine, the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is one in essence but distinct in personhood. In this context, God the Father is seen as the source of this resurrection power, the Holy Spirit is the agent through whom this power is enacted, and Jesus, the Son, is the recipient who triumphs over death. Romans 8:11 mentions, "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." This verse indicates the involvement of the Holy Spirit in the resurrection process.

Expression of God's Sovereignty:

The resurrection serves as a demonstration of God's ultimate authority over life and death. It is the pinnacle event that confirms Jesus' divinity and the fulfilment of God's plan for salvation.

Jesus’ Authority Over Life and Death. Jesus' Claims About His Own Power:

Before His crucifixion, Jesus made an extraordinary claim about His own authority over life and death. In John 10:17-18, He said, "The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

This statement implies that Jesus, in His divine nature, possessed inherent authority to overcome death. It is an assertion of His divine power as the Son of God, co-equal with the Father, capable of voluntarily laying down His life and taking it up again.

The Unique Nature of Jesus’ Resurrection

Not Just a Revival but a Glorified Resurrection:

It is important to distinguish between a temporary raising from the dead (such as the resurrections of Lazarus or Jairus' daughter) and the resurrection of Jesus. When Jesus rose, it was not merely a return to His previous physical state. He was transformed into a glorified, eternal state. He could appear in locked rooms (John 20:19), and yet He could also be touched (John 20:27). This suggests a transformation beyond ordinary biological processes, indicating a supernatural act that is not limited by the natural order.

Theological Interpretation: Triumph Over Death and Sin. The Defeat of Death Itself:

Theologically, the resurrection is seen as the defeat of death and sin. According to Christian belief, death entered the world through sin (Romans 5:12), and Jesus, being sinless, could not be held by death’s power. His resurrection symbolizes victory over the ultimate consequence of sin: death itself.

The Divine Plan and Fulfilment of Prophecy:

Throughout the Old Testament, there are prophecies and foreshadowing of a Messiah who would suffer, die, and rise again (Isaiah 53, Psalm 16:10). The resurrection is thus seen as a fulfilment of these divine promises, aligning with God's eternal plan for redemption.

A Miraculous Event Beyond Natural Explanation. The Limits of Science and the Supernatural:

From a purely scientific standpoint, the idea of a person rising from the dead after significant decomposition is impossible due to the irreversible chemical changes that occur during death. However, miracles, by definition, are events that transcend natural laws. The resurrection is considered a supernatural act, one that cannot be explained by natural phenomena or understood through the scientific method.

Faith Perspective:

The resurrection is ultimately a matter of faith. It stands as a cornerstone of Christian belief, seen as an extraordinary intervention by God to demonstrate His power, validate Jesus' claims, and offer hope for eternal life to believers.

Conclusion: 

Divine Intervention as the Explanation

My scientific standpoint highlights the enormous challenge in understanding the resurrection through natural laws, and this is precisely why the event is considered miraculous. Jesus' resurrection is seen as a divine act, orchestrated by God the Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and in accordance with Jesus' own divine authority. It is beyond human capability and comprehension, standing as a unique event in history that signifies God's intervention in the natural world.

In summary, the explanation lies not in an alternative physical or chemical process but in the realm of divine action. It is viewed as God’s direct intervention, a suspension of natural laws, and a display of His supreme power over life and death. This is why the resurrection is central to Christian faith—because it represents a divine breakthrough into the fabric of creation, restoring life where science tells us it cannot return.

I hope this answer provides some clarity, even though it delves into a realm that challenges our scientific understanding!

I may sound weird to some asking myself questions on the miracles of biology and life but such “weird” questions arise from my inquisitive and wandering mind trained as biological and medical scientist. For me I have unconsciously ventured into the most profound and mysterious intersections of science, philosophy, and faith. It is this kind of deep thinking and curiosity that keeps my journey of continuing learning so enriching guided by God of course, not my own, to glorify Him to the highest.