SUMMARY
In today’s bible reading, the apostle Paul responds to claims of people who deny the existence of the resurrection, pointing out that they mean Christ is still amongst the dead which makes both the gospel and faith of believers unreal.
The proof of our salvation is the resurrection of Jesus. Even those who died as believers had perished in their sins if Christ had not risen.
Moreover, it will also mean that all believers and followers of God who have hope in Him for redemption are in a more terrible state than the rest of mankind, if there were no resurrection, their hope can only be in this life.
Christ the first fruits of those asleep has been raised from the dead and through Him all will be made alive. Christ handing over the kingdom to the Father after having abolished all power, death being the last.
There shall be rejoicing and God will receive the whole glory of our salvation.
If there is no resurrection, what then will happen to those baptised for the dead, or who have suffered greatly for the doctrine of resurrection?
It must be ignorance and bad company that leads anyone to disbelieve resurrection.
Paul advises the Corinthians to regain their senses and stop living in sin.
LIFE APPLICATION
We need to have grounded and unshakeable faith in God and not join the band wagon of People who do not believe anything exists beyond their senses.
A person who wishes to have a good relationship with God must believe that He died and rose again for our sakes.
Everything said to us that is contrary to the word of God is not the mind of God and should be easily discarded.
Finally, avoid bad communication that births evil corruption; instead renew your mind daily with the word of God.
PERSONAL DECLARATION
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-34
The Resurrection of the Dead
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes,those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.”[a] Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour?31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”[b]33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”[c] 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
Footnotes:
- 1 Corinthians 15:27 Psalm 8:6
- 1 Corinthians 15:32 Isaiah 22:13
- 1 Corinthians 15:33 From the Greek poet Menander
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