"If Christ Be Not Risen . . "

Our subject today is taken from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 15.  After outlining the gospel in the first verses, he uses the classic logical theme of reductio ad absurdum to explain the depth of error that had crept into the church in Corinth.  Some in the assembly had already departed from the truth Paul had preached to them and wherein they had been saved.  Specifically, they were now denying even the physical and bodily resurrection.  The simple gospel concerning  Christ’s finished work had been corrupted it seems by Gnostic teachings regarding the body and its inherent evil and were, therefore, rejecting resurrection in general and even by implication Christ’s own resurrection.  We will look today at this section considering the seven asserted or implied questions which he considers in order often using the key phrase:  “If Christ Be Not Risen . . . “ The apostle’s treatment of this subject is remarkable indeed and powerful.  Surely this was a great encouragement for the believers to embrace again the faith that they had originally received but had now rejected.  May the apostle’s words here comfort us as well as we contend for the faith against false teachings, even false gospels, being promoted increasingly on every side.  Be encouraged!