Day 333, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Corinthians 15
The Resurrection and Its Importance
Why is Christ’s resurrection important? And, if it’s so important, why do most Christians only talk about it at Easter? Could it be that many Christians don’t see the necessity of it? After all, they might argue, isn’t the most essential point of the gospel the fact that Jesus died for us?
Perhaps many don’t talk about Christ’s resurrection because they seek to make the gospel message more acceptable to our culture. Many people would concede the existence of a historical Jesus, although they may deny his miracles. They might even recognize he died as a martyr. Believing in the resurrection of Christ, however, seems ridiculous to many people. Why should we exclude ourselves from the world by talking about his resurrection?
Between Paul’s second and third missionary journey, false teachers were instructing the Corinthian Christians saying there’s no resurrection of the dead. On his third missionary journey, Paul writes to the Corinthians to settle some of their questions.
What is the Gospel, and Why is the Resurrection Important?
The apostles witnessed and shared the gospel, the good news: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, … was buried, and … was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NIV). This is the message we Christians should share with our family, friends, neighbors, and the rest of the world.
All three aspects of the gospel are essential. Still, because the Corinthian believers had received false teaching about the resurrection (1Corinthians 15:33,58), the Apostle Paul recounts Christ’s appearances.
- Christ appeared to Peter and all the twelve apostles
- He appeared to more than 500 Christians at the same time, most of whom were still living
- Christ appeared to James, the Lord’s brother,
- to all of the apostles a second time
- to Saul, later called Paul (1Corinthians 15:5-8)
Since Christ died and arose, we can be sure God accepted his sacrifice for our sins and those of the entire world. If Jesus were just a martyr, we couldn’t be sure of it.
Because God resurrected Christ, believers are bold to share their faith. While others have died as martyrs for their ideologies, none have arisen to life. Paul rightly concludes that if Christ was not raised, we are liars and any converts to Christianity are still in their sins. But, Christ has arisen, and he will raise our bodies from the dead when he comes for his church (1Thessalonians 4:13-18).The Seed of the Resurrection
Paul refers to Christ as the second Adam. The first Adam brought death by his sin. The second Adam brought life by his death, much like a seed.
A seed by all appearances is dead, but it brings forth life when buried in the ground. Christ died, was buried, and brought forth spiritual life, which is available to all. Jesus Christ is called the firstfruit of the harvest (the harvest of souls; 1Corinthians15:20). When we’re spiritually born by believing in his death, burial, and resurrection for us, we’re part of his harvest, which he will gather to himself.
Debating False Teaching about the Resurrection
Paul the also argues for the resurrection by debating against standard Corinthian cultural practices. The famous Eleusinian mystery.Part of the rites of initiation into this pagan religion were washings of purification in the sea, without which no one could hope to experience bliss in the hereafter.
The Corinthians were practicing baptism for the dead so those who passed away might experience bliss in eternity.
Paul said if the resurrection weren’t true, why were many of the Corinthians baptized for the dead? He probably said this sarcastically because baptism for the deceased is not a Biblical teaching. In fact, Paul refers to that group as “those” who practice baptism for the dead, not “we.” There is no value in this ceremony—their eternity is sealed. Neither is there purgatory to deliver dead people from the punishment of their sins.Not only does Paul argue against the Eleusinian practices, but he also argues for the resurrection from a logical perspective. If the resurrection is not real, why would he (and millions of Christians throughout history) risk life and limb for it? People rarely take significant and dire risks for lies.
How will the Dead in Christ be Raised?
Paul says they will change from mortal flesh and dust to an immortal spirit in the wink of an eye when Christ returns. “And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man [Jesus] from heaven” (1Corinthians 15:49, NIV).
When will the Resurrection Occur?
The resurrection of church-age followers of Christ will occur when we hear the trumpet call of God (1Corinthians 15:52). At that moment, God will change our mortal bodies into immortal. There will be no more sin and death. “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Corinthians 15:57, NIV). This is the most encouraging reason for the resurrection—God will raise us to a new life!
Christ’s resurrection is a message of hope and victory. Do we have this hope within us? Jesus Christ offers us forgiveness, peace, spiritual life, and confidence we will be resurrected to a new life.
Discussion
Is Christ’s resurrection essential to the gospel message or not? Why or why not?
What should we do when “intelligent” people deny the resurrection of Christ?
Endnotes: An excellent resource for further proof of Christ’s resurrection can be found in The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel, © 1998, Zondervan, ISBN 10: 0-310-20930-7 or ISBN 13: 978-0-310-209030-0. Also, if you have a computer, you might like to download the pdf “7 Reasons Why I Believe in the Resurrection of Christ” by Chip Ingram. Available at https://livingontheedge.org
Footnotes:
since Judas Iscariot was dead, perhaps Paul was including Matthias as the twelfth apostle (Acts 1:21-26)The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the N.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©. 1985, p. 544.
Purgatory is a Catholic teaching which originated centuries later than the teachings of the Bible. Salvation is by God’s grace through our faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, not by our religious practices (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our hope for salvation is in the resurrection of Christ, not prayers for the dead.
Focus Verses
1Corintians 15:57-58 (NIV) “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
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Looking Ahead: When experiencing tough times we need the camaraderie of fellow believers in Christ. Find out more in our next lesson.
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re-edited 1-26-2023
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