An Irresistible Argument

Jesus Christ

20But the fact is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.

– 1 Corinthians 15:20
(NASB® © 2020)
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Christ is Risen!

In Corinth, the teaching was circulating that there was no bodily resurrection. The apostle vigorously opposes this and cites a sevenfold testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-9):

  • The predictions of the Old Testament
  • Peter has seen Christ in resurrection
  • The twelve met the risen Christ
  • Christ appeared to over 500 brothers
  • James saw the risen Lord
  • The apostles experienced the risen Lord
  • Paul saw the glorified Lord

After Paul has given this sevenfold and irresistible testimony, he points out seven consequences if the Lord had not risen (1 Cor 15:14-19):

  • The apostles’ preaching would be devoid of content
  • The faith would be without content
  • The apostles would be false witnesses
  • The faith would be worthless
  • The believers would still be in their sins
  • The believers who had fallen asleep would be lost
  • The living believers would be the most miserable of all people

But all human theories can be set aside: The Lord Jesus is truly risen! The apostles testified to this truth and we were allowed to believe it. That is why we are rid of our sins forever, those who have fallen asleep are in paradise and we are the happiest of all people!

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