Key Scripture:
1ST CORINTHIANS 15: 1-8, 12-14, 20-23, 42-45
The book of Corinthians, the writings of the Apostle Paul, gives instruction and guidance to the church at Corinth. The church was surrounded by corruption, there was pressure to adapt to a sinful environment. The church was struggling with social and spiritual immorality. Corinth was an immoral city, it was difficult for the church not to comply with those who perverted the faith. In this letter, In the conclusion of the letter, Paul teaches on the resurrection. He teaches the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 RESURRECTION CLARIFIED (1ST Corinthians 15: 1-4)
There were some in the church at Corinth who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Paul writes that the message of the resurrection is valid. Christ died for our sins, if not then all is in vain and all would be condemned to death . However, Christ the sacrifice, on the third and appointed day, rose, conquered death and secured salvation for all who believe.
2 RESURRECTION WITNESSED (vv. 5-8)
It is here that Paul list witnesses to further the validity of the resurrection. It was Peter and the twelve, over 500 hundred followers and Paul himself who witnessed Christ. In Paul’s case, it was Jesus having appeared to him on the Damascus road. Paul having been unfit, was given grace and was chosen to be a witness.
3 RESSURECTION GUARANTEED (vv. 12-14)
Paul here declares that if there be no resurrection then faith in Christ is useless. Sin would rule yet Paul reassures that Jesus rose from the dead. This ensures that all who believe will have eternal life. Paul then compares Jesus to Adam in that Adam brought death but Jesus brought eternal life, completing his objective.
4 RESURRECTIOIN PROMISED (vv. 42-45)
Some in the church at Corinth had many different beliefs concerning resurrection. There were concerns about those who had already died. What would be there eternal fate, would they receive salvation. Paul stresses that even though we physically die, for the believer, it’s not the end. Paul teaches on the mystery of death He states that because of Adam’s sin, all are subject to natural and eternal death but because of the redemptive act of Christ, we posses eternal life in spiritual bodies that cannot be corrupted nor subject to the law of nature and the penalty of sin.
CONCLUSION:
Paul gets into deep theological teachings on the resurrection. As the say, he gets deep “into the weeds” of the resurrection doctrine of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate the resurrection season, let us be always mindful of the goodness of God. He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him, shall not perish but shall have everlasting life. That is our, “RESURRECTION HOPE”
Rev. Johnny H. Eskridge
St. Paul Baptist Church @ Shively Heights