I Corinthians 13 is the Love Chapter. Hebrews 11 is the faith chapter. I Corinthians 15 is where you turn to learn about the hope that is in us.
Paul begins by a discussion of what he has taught them. As in most of the New Testament letters, he is responding to false teachings. At this point they may not have been denying the resurrection of Jesus, just the resurrection of believers. Have you ever heard of the slippery slope? Have you ever heard of the camel getting its nose under the edge of the tent. This was the first step. The others would follow. Some things never change.
(1 Corinthians 15:12 NAS77) Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?Even in that day there were people denying the resurrection. So Paul gets to the heart of the matter:
(1 Corinthians 15:13-14 NAS77) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.It doesn’t matter how much faith you have is Jesus was not resurrected. It is in vain.
Follow the logic.
(1 Corinthians 15:16-18 NAS77) and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.The Bible does not mince words or back off from truth. I can think of no other place in the Bible where it is so clearly stated that something must be believed.
This points out that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to our faith and hope.
Rejoice! He is risen!
He is risen indeed!
homo unius libri
Our Pastors sermon this morning was based on these exact verses.
ReplyDeletePhillip, it is good to know that there are still some churches preaching the resurrection. Blessings on you for the year.
DeleteGrace and peace.