1 Cor 14-16

1 Cor 15

This chapter is all about resurrection. In general, but also specifically about Jesus.

Resurrection is life after death.

If there is no resurrection there are many implications here since we preach Jesus Christ's death AND resurrection.

If there is no resurrection, Jesus wasn't raised to life; sin wasn't paid for, no new life. No atonement, we are not seated in the heavenly places with Him. Our sin remains, we never received His righteousness.

Baptism into Christ's death and resurrection would be meaningless. Our words of hope in the coming redemption and renewal of the world is useless. The good news would be a failed attempt, not a victory.

"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." 1 Cor 15:17-19

So this is pretty crucial. Especially when men are persecuting Christians around the world this very moment. If He did not rise from the dead, there is no hope, no salvation, nothing worth dying for, nothing worth telling the world.

This is why earlier in the chapter Paul reminds us that Christ did rise from the dead. Verses 3-6. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day. Afterwards He appeared to more than 500 disciples at the same time, to the apostles and others.

Christ has indeed been raised, erasing our sin and preparing us for the work at hand. "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." v. 58