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. 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 WEB
What do you believe about life after death? Do you think that once we die it is over? Do you think that only the spirit goes to heaven? Paul is addressing the belief of some church members in Corinth who thought there will not be life after death. He is also writing about people who thought that only the spirit continued on after death.
Faith in the Resurrection
Paul maintains that through faith in Christ, we will experience resurrection and live again after our physical death. This addresses the error in belief that when we die, we stay dead. Paul is telling the church that Christian believers will rise and be given eternal bodies in heaven. He follows this by asserting that if Christ has not been raised, then our faith and sharing of the good news is in vain.
It is possible that some believed that Jesus’ resurrection was a special case, but Paul rejects this idea. Christ appeared to his followers after death in a physical body, and according to scripture, we will have new incorruptible bodies. We read in Philippians 3:20-21, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself. WEB”
Like Lazarus was raised from the dead, and specifically Jesus was raised from the tomb, believers in Christ will rise and worship God eternally in heavenly bodies.
Prayer: “Father God, blessed is your name. Thank you for your word and for your saving grace. Because Christ lives, through faith, I know that I will be with you in heaven. Show me your will and lead me in your way until that day comes. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: I Am With You
