1 Corinthians 15:1-19

I WANT TO REMIND YOU OF THE GOSPEL

Keywords 15:3-4

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

 

1. By this gospel you are saved (1-11)

The Corinthian church had many problems. But the fundamental solution to all

problems is the gospel. Paul admonishes them to hold firmly to the gospel (2).

Then what is the gospel? Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and

Christ was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures (3,4). Christ’s death

and his resurrection is the cornerstone of our salvation.

 

The gospel was not invented by men. It is rooted in history. There were many

witnesses to the fact of Jesus’ resurrection. Peter, James, the Twelve and more

than five hundred of the brethren saw risen Jesus. Paul was the last of the

apostles. His life testimony reflects the grace of God that changed a violent

man into an apostle of love. Our changed lives demonstrate the power of the

resurrection.

 

2. What if there were no resurrection of the dead? (12-19)

Suppose there were no resurrection of the dead. Then not even Christ was

raised. Our preaching of the gospel and our faith would all be in vain. Moreover,

we would be false witnesses telling a made-up story. Finally, our sins would not be

forgiven. The fact of the resurrection is essential to the gospel.

 

If there were no resurrection, then those who have fallen asleep would be lost.

They will never leave their graves. Those who live sacrificial lives would all be

losers. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be

pitied (19). The Christian life is not just a philosophy or dead religion. It is based on

the fact of Jesus’ resurrection. We have a living hope in heaven because of Jesus’ resurrection.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for Jesus who died and rose again on my behalf. Help my

life to reflect the grace and power of Jesus’ resurrection.

One Word By this gospel you are saved