A dramatic shift in topics happens with the first verse of chapter 15. Whether sparked by thoughts of worship (ch 14) or it is another topic questioned by the Corinthians, Paul launches into an exposé on the surety of the Resurrection.
He is so certain of the Resurrection that he writes: And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 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 (14-15).
If there is no Resurrection then Christ has not been raise, all our believing is useless and we are lying about God and His ways.
Those are bold assertions. And such is the faith we can have in the Resurrection! Christ is alive and all who believe in Him will be raised. This is Paul’s basic point.
If we belong to Jesus we will be resurrected.
This truth has sustained people in life’s most difficult situations and it is an apt balancing agent for those in luxurious situations. Nothing in this life is worth jeopardizing our faith and the guarantee of resurrection that comes with faith in Jesus. Nothing.
This life is 40-60-90 years. Resurrected life is eternal… no good thing in this life is worth the scuttling of our faith… no luxury, no job, no bonus, no award, NOTHING.
Belief in the Resurrection is a powerful truth…
Think about this. I know I am.
God, thank You for raising Jesus and raising all of us who are in Jesus. I praise You for Your gift of life here in this life and in the next. May I live to honor and bless You all the days of my life until I live with You in eternity forever. Amen.
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