Paul writes to encourage the early believers at Corinth. He explains how they can stand firm in Christ. How can we be sure of Christ’s Triumph? What does His Resurrection mean for our daily life?
The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible, BSB
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1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Gospel Truth
The Resurrection of Christ
1Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Cephasa and then to the Twelve. 6After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth.
Truths
- Gospel means “good news.” The Gospel is the good news that God redeems the lost and resurrects us to new life in Christ! The Gospel saves.
- Stand firm in the Gospel! This is our firm foundation. Simply explained: we are sinners, lost, and separated from God, yet Christ’s atonement restores us to proper relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit.
- God’s Word (Old Testament Prophecies and Gospels) foretold Christ’s coming, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.
- Jesus’ Resurrection happened with witnesses able to testify!
No resurrection, no Gospel redemption! With Jesus all things are made anew! Because He conquered death and the grave couldn’t hold Him, He makes restoration and eternal life available to those who trust in Him!
1 Corinthians 15:9-11
God’s Wonderful Grace
9For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.
God’s grace transforms! Consider Paul’s testimony. Paul testifies that God sought him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). This encounter dramatically changes his path. Take a moment to read this passage:
https://biblehub.com/bsb/acts/9.htm
Please notice what happens immediately after this encounter:
Acts 9:20-22
20Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”
21All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”
22But Saul was empowered all the more, and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
God touches Paul and he is transformed. A vicious enemy becomes a fearless promoter. That’s the wonderful power of God’s grace in transforming souls. Paul honestly thought that he was honoring God by persecuting the early believers. It took Jesus appearing to Him (1 Corin. 15:8) and temporarily blinding him to turn his path. Paul was not the same after the Damascus road experience. The rest of his life was for the singular purpose of proclaiming the Gospel.
Grace and Resurrection
I want you to seriously consider this point: the Gospel makes grace available. Christ’s resurrection is our firm foundation. What do you stand upon in your life? Is it your obedience to a set of moral codes? Can we stand upon the good things that we do in our life? Please prayerfully consider your foundation.
The reason that I write is to share truths with you that God has brought into my life. The Wonderful Truth of the Resurrection is that God’s grace is effective to those who seek and depend upon it! For seasons of my life, I tried to be good enough and to fill my life with constant service, inner reflection, and other religious or spiritual activities to rest myself. God is graciously leading me to a deeper understand and reliance upon His grace!
What path are you on? Has God transformed you with His presence? What does Jesus’ Resurrection mean for you? Have you experienced Christ?
Words of Grace, Truth, and Hope 