In 1 Corinthians 15:3, Paul notes that he passed on to the Corinthians what was most important: the gospel! How that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day, all according to the Scriptures. Paul said a lot to the Corinthians, and this was the most important. Why is Paul reminding them of this?
The gospel’s message was under attack. Specifically, the truth about the resurrection. Paul makes it clear that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not raised from the dead. If Christ is not raised from the dead, the Gospel is a lie, faith is in vain, and all are guilty before God.
Paul then describes in 1 Corinthians 15:30-32 how this lie plays out in real life. Why should Christians risk their lives for the gospel if there is no resurrection? Why contend with the enemy of this world? Why not just feast and drink if tomorrow we die and it is all over? Paul then tells the Corinthians not to be fooled; Christ did arise from the dead, and we will be resurrected one day. Paul then admonishes them to stop sinning (1 Corinthians 15:34).
The most important thing we can know is the gospel, to believe the gospel, and to live for it. As we go about our daily lives, what does this look like? It looks like hope and victory over death! It looks like power over sin! It looks like strong saints who will not be shaken by the cost of following Christ. It is the enthusiasm behind our work for the Lord. It is the reality that everything we do for Christ is not in vain while the world and everything in it fades away.
Believer, rejoice, and let your joy be full! The gospel is the greatest news of the greatest reality available through Christ Jesus, our risen Lord! Are you rejoicing in Christ’s resurrection?
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible. This devotional reflection is on 1 Corinthians 15-16:24.