Jun 2, 2024
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
In a letter addressing the problems in the church at Corinth, Paul comes now to the resurrection of Christ. Some people in the Corinthian church believed that there is no such thing as a resurrection from the dead (1 Cor 15:12). The implications of such an opinion meant an undermining of the entire gospel of Christ.
So, in exquisite fashion, Paul spends a long chapter lauding the resurrection of Christ, upon which Christianity itself rises or falls. Paul introduces the subject of the resurrection of Christ with a succinct, but theologically profound, statement of the New Testament gospel.
In something of an early Christian creed, Paul writes … ". . . 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" (1 Cor 15:3,4).
There is no gospel which excludes the dark reality of the sinfulness of the rebel heart, with which all people are contaminated. Indeed, it is the sinfulness of the heart which necessitated the incarnation and crucifixion of Jesus.
The resurrection of Christ is stunning to contemplate, as our Savior completely and eternally triumphs over sin and the grave. And now, His life resides in us and His resurrection holds out to us the promise of a reversal of the curse of sin and death. It is reason for hope and strength … even when we face death.