The Hope of the Resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15
The Gospel stands on the physical resurrection of Jesus. Without it there is no Gospel.
Evidence for Christ’s Resurrection
From scripture, and from eyewitnesses.
Six consequences of NO resurrection
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
1 Corinthians 15:12-19
- Then Christ hasn’t been raised.
- Preaching and faith are useless. Faith is nothing, life is nothing, death is nothing.
- Apostles, and us, are false witnesses.
- We are still in our sins, awaiting the judgement of God. And there is no true justice. Mother Theresa and Adolph Hitler go to the same place: nowhere.
- Christians who have died are lost.
- Christians are the most pitiful people in the world.
The hope of the resurrection
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23
He has INDEED been raised! Therefore the 6 consequences are reversed. Not pitiful, not lost, not in our sins, not liars, not nothing. Our sufferings are short, or sacrifices are small, glory is coming. A Christian is the most hopeful person on earth.
‘Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?’56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:55-58 New International Version – UK (NIVUK) Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Therefore stand firm. It is not in vain.
