At the heart of what we believe

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul writes about the resurrection. It seems that there were people saying that there is no such thing. But there is and Paul teaches that it is a matter of first importance (verse 3).

To begin with, he identifies seven things that would follow if there were no resurrection:

1. Jesus would not have been raised (13, 16).
2. Preaching the gospel is useless (14).
3. Faith in the message of the gospel is useless (14).
4. Paul and the apostles would be false witnesses (liars or deceived) (15).
5. The Corinthians would still be guilty of all their sins (17).
6. Those Christians who had died would be lost (18).
7. If Christians only have a hope in this life, then they are to be pitied above all men (19).

But, he says, Jesus was raised. So, resurrection has and does happen! Jesus is alive and seated at the right hand of God the Father.

1. Jesus is the first fruits, a promise of what is to come when those who belong to Him will also be raised (20, 23).
2. History has an end-point when Jesus will destroy all rule, authority and power that opposes God (24, 25).
3. The last enemy to be destroyed will be death itself (26).
4. Christ is reigning now and will continue to do so until all things are put under his rule (27).
5. At the climax, Jesus will present and submit Himself and His Kingdom to God the Father (28).
6. The God will be all in all (28).

Because of this truth, Paul concludes that it makes sense to follow Jesus even when this leads to trouble, conflict, and suffering. It makes sense to turn away from sin and live in the light of what is surely coming.

So, the resurrection, the physical raising of Jesus from the dead is not an optional extra tagged on to the gospel. It is fundamental and at the heart of what we believe and preach. It gives us:

1. Assurance of sins forgiven.
2. Confidence that God is working out his purpose to banish evil, suffering, injustice and finally death. 
3. Confidence that our prayers will be heard. 
4. A glorious hope for the future. 
5. The motivation for holy living and perseverance. 
6. The grounds for believing that although we may not see everything we are hoping for in this life, there will be a day when we will. 

Dear brothers and sisters, BELIEVE IT, HOLD ON TO IT, PREACH IT, AND TEACH IT!

Chris Moffett