The Gospel – Resurrection 1 Cor 15:3-4 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
The gospel is not complete without the resurrection. It is certainly remarkable, as we saw in the prior broadcast, that Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. However, without the resurrection, Paul said that our faith is vain. So, today we want to preach the third part of the gospel – resurrection.
Here are some remarkable things about Christ’s resurrection:
It was witnessed by over 500 people – 1 Cor 15:5-8 – so the resurrection is not some speculative or contrived hoax – it is true and many were alive when Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians to attest to the truth of the resurrection.
It establishes the future resurrection of the dead – 1 Cor 15:12 – for one thing, we are coming up at the rapture!!
- If not, then Christ is not risen – 1 Cor 15:13
- If not, our preaching is vain – 1 Cor 15:14
- If not, your faith is vain – 1 Cor 15:14
- If not, Paul was a false witness – 1 Cor 15:15
- If not, you are yet in your sins – 1 Cor 15:17
- If not, the dead in Christ are perished – 1 Cor 15:18
- If not, we are miserable – 1 Cor 15:19
It provides the remedy for death – 1 Cor 15:21-23 – Christ defeated death by rising from the dead and he proved that the eternal life he offers you is real – he is alive today and so are all those who are “in” him.
It proves Christ’s victory over all rule, authority, power and death – 1 Cor 15:24-26 – by rising from the dead, Jesus Christ has defeated the ultimate enemy – he will return to this earth as the supreme authority over all that is under God.
It explains baptism by immersion – 1 Cor 15:29 – when a saint stands in a baptistery, his body standing erect forms a “cross” with the surface of the water – when he is lowered into the water his submersion pictures his death and burial – when he comes up out of the water he shows his resurrection in Christ.
Conclusion: Paul was willing to die for the preaching of the resurrection – 1 Cor 15:30-33 – his resurrection should mean as much to us.