Day 333, November 29 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 is so important, why do most Christians only talk about it at Easter? Could it be that many Christians do not 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 do not talk of the resurrection of Christ because they seek to make the gospel message more acceptable to our culture. Many people concede the existence of a historical Jesus, although they may deny his miracles. They might even recognize that he died as a martyr. The resurrection of Christ, however, seems ridiculous and impossible to most people. Why should we exclude ourselves from the world by talking of his resurrection?
Between Paul’s second and third missionary journey, the Corinthian Christians had received some erroneous teaching saying there is 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 gospel, the good news, shared by the apostles, is what they witnessed personally: “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 of 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 again
- to Saul, later called Paul (1Corinthians 15:5-8).
Since Christ died and was resurrected, we can be sure God accepted his sacrifice for our sins and those of the whole world. If Jesus were just a martyr, we could not be sure of that.
Because Christ was resurrected, believers are encouraged to share their faith. While others have died as martyrs for their ideologies, none have been resurrected to life. If Christ was not raised, Paul rightly concludes, we are liars and any converts to Christianity are still in their sins. But, Christ is raised, 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 when buried in the ground it brings forth life. Christ died, was buried, and brought forth spiritual life, which is available to all. Jesus Christ is called the firstfruit of the harvest (1Corinthians15:20). When we are born again, this time to spiritual life by believing in his death, burial and resurrection for us, we are part of his harvest which will be gathered to him.
Debating False Teaching about the Resurrection
Paul also argues for the resurrection by debating against standard Corinthian cultural practices. The Corinthians were influenced by false teachings of 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.
In other words, the Corinthians were practicing baptism for the dead so that those who passed away might experience bliss in eternity. Paul said if the resurrection were not true, why were many of the Corinthians baptized for the dead if they were not raised? He probably said this sarcastically because baptism for the deceased is not 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 a 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 do not usually take significant and dire risks for lies.
How will the Dead in Christ be Raised?
Paul says they will be changed 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, our mortal bodies will be changed 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—we will be raised to 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 the confidence that 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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