Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I (Paul) preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me…
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-26 (ESV)
There are times the Scripture needs no further explanation. Chapter 15 of 1st Corinthians known as the Resurrection chapter is such a powerful and logical argument for the basis of our belief, what more can I add. Paul hits a home-run with his persuasive points. If Christ wasn’t resurrected, then our faith is in vain. But based on the eye witnesses of over 500 people, the majority probably still alive when Paul wrote this letter to the Church, who witnessed Jesus alive after his crucifixion – a jury trial would easily reach the same conclusion.
And Paul goes one step further in acknowledging Jesus Christ as the first human morphed into a spiritual being, and eventually you and I will join him when HE returns to fully establish and deliver HIS Kingdom to GOD the Father after destroying every rule, power, and authority under Satan’s spell.
The same power of God which confirmed that Jesus is the Messiah and Lord, is also the same power at work sanctifying you and I. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis of yours and mine faith. You either believe and live it out looking forward to a new heavenly life or you deny and slowly decay into oblivion. A 21st century, five-star, award winning Sci-Fi movie couldn’t be written any better. The difference though, this is real life.
Enjoy this Easter season as your reminder that Jesus lives and plans to return for the finale. Until his physical presence is seen again, HE lives in you and I through the Holy Spirit which is transforming us from the inside-out into HIS image. Some days I shake my head as if I am living a dream. Yet the fruit and transformation over the years in my life and others is our statement to the world. HE LIVES.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Encourager & Author of e-Books
* Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married
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