1 Corinthians 15 reminds me of Christmas Bonuses. Years ago, the owner of our company personally gave cash bonuses out at the Christmas party. Incredibly, some people complained that they didn’t get what they deserved. I did not stop to count; I just said, Thank you! Today’s lesson is about living with gratitude. The chapter begins with Paul reminding the church exactly what he had preached when he was with them: “Christ died for our sins… He was buried, that He was raised on the third day.” Paul adds: “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word.” I believe we all need regular reminders of God’s grace, because the world is at war with the Gospel. The world promotes self-indulging pride and entitlement. Listen to the way Paul describes himself: “I am the least of the apostles… because I persecuted the church of God.” Before his conversion, Paul worked to destroy the fledgling church. After his encounter with the risen Lord, he was convinced that Jesus is the Messiah. Paul received forgiveness and restoration. He now trusts exclusively in atonement through the lamb of God. He attributes his salvation to faith in the completed work of Jesus alone: “By the grace of God I am what I am.” Grace means unmerited favor, a gift without strings.
The bulk of the chapter centers on the importance of the resurrection. This is undoubtably in response to those denying the deity of Christ. He begins: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.” He then explains importance of that statement: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless.” Paul makes a logical declaration: “if Christ has not been raised… you are still in your sins.” Without the resurrection, Jesus is just another dead philosopher. Paul concludes, that if being a Christian is only about living a wholesome life, “we are of all people most to be pitied.” Paul emphatically adds: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.” Now we have an eternal hope.
First, Paul argues from the Jewish understanding: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.” Sin entered the world through one man’s disobedience (Adam), and therefore all can be restored through one Man’s righteousness (Christ). He calls Jesus “the firstfruits”, meaning many more will follow. Messiah will reign, and “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” To the Believer, death is a doorway to heaven. Next, Paul argues from a human perspective: “I face death every day… as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord… what have I gained… If the dead are not raised?” Resurrection life was Paul’s message and his purpose. Paul warns about those who say “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” They care little about the future. He adds: “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character”.” Why is corruption on the rise today?
The chapter ends with some answers about eternity. “How are the dead raised?” Much like a seed planted in the ground, the plant does not resemble the seed: “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable.” What was “sown in weakness… is raised in power.” What happens to the believer at death? “We will all be changed… in the twinkling of an eye.” The cross was seen a defeat… until the resurrection. Because of the resurrection: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” Paul exhorts those in fear: “The sting of death is sin… the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul calls the church to: “stand firm… your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Friend, we are all offered the gift of a new life. It is received by faith… are you ready to say Thank You?