Exploring the Text: The importance of the resurrection
In this part of his letter to the Jesus followers in Corinth, Paul is addressing those who do not believe in the resurrection. They believe that the is no such thing as resurrection from the dead. Paul, however, is arguing for them to believe in the resurrection of Jesus and then the ultimate resurrection. Let’s break down his argument.
In verse 20, Paul declares that none of these things are true because Jesus has been raised from the dead and his resurrection is the promise, or first fruits, of the ultimate resurrection. Because of this, our faith is not meaningless, we are set free from sin, we believe that we will be reunited with those who had gone on before, and we have hope not only in this life, but also in the life to come where all things will be made new and everything will be set right. The resurrection of Jesus changes everything.
In this part of his letter to the Jesus followers in Corinth, Paul is addressing those who do not believe in the resurrection. They believe that the is no such thing as resurrection from the dead. Paul, however, is arguing for them to believe in the resurrection of Jesus and then the ultimate resurrection. Let’s break down his argument.
- If it is not possible for people to be raised from the dead, then even Jesus could not have been resurrected
- In Jesus has not been raised from the dead, then the apostle’s preaching and the faith of the Jesus followers is meaningless
- If Jesus has not been raised from the dead, then Paul and the other apostles have been misrepresenting God because they claim that God raised Jesus from the dead
- If Jesus has not been raised from the dead, then their faith is meaningless, and they are still bound by sin
- If Jesus has not been raised from the dead, then friends, family, and loved ones who have died are gone forever
- If Jesus has not been raised from the dead and our only hope is in this life, then there really is not much to hope for
In verse 20, Paul declares that none of these things are true because Jesus has been raised from the dead and his resurrection is the promise, or first fruits, of the ultimate resurrection. Because of this, our faith is not meaningless, we are set free from sin, we believe that we will be reunited with those who had gone on before, and we have hope not only in this life, but also in the life to come where all things will be made new and everything will be set right. The resurrection of Jesus changes everything.