Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Login

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)

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!

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Share this article:

You want to contact us? Ask a question or let us know what you think! 

Write a message here!

Leave a Comment

Jesus Christ

Majesty in the form of a servant: Christ – come to serve

Jesus Christ

Loved by the Son of God: Remembering Christ’s love

This article is about how John calls himself “the disciple Jesus loved” and how living in Christ’s love—more than relying on our own—brings closeness, courage, spiritual vigor, discernment, and a ready willingness to follow, contrasted with Peter’s self-confident devotion.
John 13:24-26
Jesus Christ

Like an apple tree: Christ brings delight

This article is about the “apple tree” image in Song of Songs as a picture of Christ: unlike earthly comforts that offer only temporary shade, He provides true rest and lasting nourishment for the soul through fellowship with Him.
Song of Songs 2:2
Jesus Christ

He will and He can: Christ’s love and power

Jesus Christ

Life and teaching: What Christ did and said

A reflection on Acts 1:1 noting that Luke highlights Jesus’ deeds before His teaching, contrasting Him with the Pharisees and presenting Christ as the perfect example whose actions and words always matched.
Acts 1:1
Jesus Christ

It’s all about Him! Christ – the center

A reflection on the Transfiguration where Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus about His coming in Jerusalem, Peter’s misdirected response, and God’s voice affirming Jesus’ unique status, urging believers to focus on Him alone.
Luke 9:30-31
Jesus Christ

Increasing admiration: Christ ever more before our eyes

A devotional reflection on John 1:36–37 traces John the Baptist’s three days of testimony, showing a growing focus on Jesus as the Lamb of God and encouraging believers to fix their gaze on Christ to witness more simply and effectively.
John 1:36-37
Jesus Christ

In the beginning was the Word: Christ – the Word

A brief reflection on John 1:1–4 explaining Jesus as the “Word” in relation to time, God, creation, and humanity, emphasizing his eternity, divinity, role in making all things, and bringing life and light, leading to fellowship.
John 1:1-4
Jesus Christ

In memory: Remembrance of Christ’s death

The text examines the Greek term “anamnesis” in the New Testament, contrasting its use in Hebrews 10 as a recurring reminder of Israel’s sins with its use in the Lord’s Supper as remembrance of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice and forgiveness.
Luke 22:19; Hebrews 10:1-4
Jesus Christ

Guiltless guilty: Christ was unjustly condemned

The text recounts the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, listing the accusations brought against Him and highlighting repeated testimonies from former opponents that He was innocent, righteous, the Son of God, and the King of the Jews.
Luke 23:47
Jesus Christ

He towers above all: Christ – the Firstborn

The text explains the biblical meanings of “firstborn” and applies them to Christ: as Mary’s firstborn and as preeminent in creation, death, resurrection, his return in glory, and his place among many brothers in the Father’s house.
Colossians 1:15
Jesus Christ

In the midst of His days: Christ died young

The text reflects on Psalm 102 as a messianic psalm, highlighting Jesus’ sense of dying young and the motif of “half the days” in the Psalms. It contrasts judgment on violent, deceitful people with Christ’s early death and its saving purpose.
Psalm 102:24; 55:23