For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3 WEB
In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul addressed an issue that arose there concerning Christ’s death and resurrection. Apparently, some churchgoers began to question the veracity of the gospel message previously preached there. Specifically, false teachers convinced some that there is no resurrection from the dead. This false belief mirrors a rift between Old Testament Pharisees who believed in life after death and Saducees who did not.
Paul begins to correct the confusion by restating the core message of the gospel. First, he states that Christ died for our sins. Next, he emphasizes that God raised Jesus back to life on the third day. He then offers examples of those who experienced the risen Christ. He lists Peter, and the other disciples of Christ who became apostles as witnesses. Also, Paul reminds the church that Jesus appeared to his brother James as well as five hundred other believers after Christ died for our sins and was resurrected. Finally, Paul gives his testimony of his personal encounter with the risen Lord.
Resurrection of the Dead
After giving this testimony and reminding his readers that most of these witnesses were still living, Paul asserts the absurdity of faith in Christ without belief in his resurrection. He writes in 1 Corinthians 15:13-14, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised. If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain. WEB” Paul’s argument is that faith is futile if the believer does not accept that Christ died for our sins and was raised from death by God.
Additionally, Paul provides clarity as to the nature of our transformation after death and resurrection into the presence of God in Christ. For those who repent and accept that Christ died for our sins, we share in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. When our worldly bodies die, we will resurrect in celestial bodies. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:40, “There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial differs from that of the terrestrial. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the promise of eternal life in heaven with you. Thank you that Christ died for my sins. Guide me to honor his sacrifice through devotion to your word and will. Help me to lead a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Descendants of Jacob
