Ep 289 – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

In today's episode, we'll be in verses 1-11 of 1 Corinthians 15. I've entitled this episode "Back to the Basics", because Paul is moving from his discussion about division within the body of Christ at Corinth, to a much more pressing and important issue: The resurrection. There was some unhealthy debate going on at Corinth regarding the issue of the resurrection. Some within the church were questioning the validity and veracity of Christ's resurrection. Others were simply saying that there would be no bodily resurrection of the dead. We don't know the source of these controversies, but it's obvious that Paul is not happy about what is going on. For Paul, the resurrection was not up for debate. It was not a fable, the result of wishful thinking, or some pastoral ploy to get people to buy into becoming a Christian. It was the heart and soul of the gospel. Without the resurrection of Christ, every man, woman or child who has placed their faith in Christ remains in their sinful, condemned state. They are separated from God. A dead Jesus is not a saving Jesus. A martyred Messiah may inspire devotion and even emulation, but it is not His death alone that saves us. It is His death, resurrection and ascension. He sits at the right hand of the Father. He ministers on our behalf. And one day He is coming back for us. It is the resurrection that guarantees us eternal life and the possibility of abundant life right here, right now.