Why did Jesus have to Rise from the Dead?

***Passage***

1 Corinthians 15:12–23 LSB

12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we bore witness against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming.

***Relatable Introduction**

Paul begins by confronting some in Corinth who denied the future resurrection.

1 - Proposition

Paul argues that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ Himself has not been raised (1 Cor 15:13).

And if Christ is not raised, what follows is devastating:

“your faith is futile and you are still in your sins”​.

All the preaching of the apostles would be empty, and those who died trusting in Christ would have perished without hope. “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied,”

Paul writes​. In essence, a dead savior cannot save.

Without the resurrection, Jesus’ death on the cross would be a tragic defeat, not the atoning victory we proclaim.

2 - Illustration - {To follow through the sermon}

In the spring semester at a prestigious Midwestern college, freshman Josh Wheaton finds himself at the center of an unexpected campus controversy. When his philosophy professor, Dr. Radisson, opens the term by declaring “God is dead,” Josh—an outspoken evangelical Christian—refuses to simply comply. Instead of submitting a one‑line essay proclaiming God’s demise, he challenges Dr. Radisson to let him defend his faith before the class.

What begins as a classroom debate quickly spirals into a media sensation. Local news crews descend on campus, framing Josh as a lone believer pitted against academia’s rising tide of secularism.

As press attention intensifies, Josh’s weekly debates evolve into a series of personal reckonings—for professor and pupil alike—culminating in a tense, late‑night courtroom-style hearing where each must confront the consequences of their convictions.

In a packed lecture hall, Josh delivers his closing argument: drawing on philosophy, personal testimony and the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. Dr. Radisson, unable to refute Josh’s points, ends the session in stunned silence.

The class is invited to vote on whether Josh has made a convincing case, and an overwhelming majority raises their hands in his favor.

Concluding with the statement: God’s Not Dead!

3 - Frame

One of the most pivotal questions in all of Christianity is this: Why did Jesus have to rise from the dead?

Also the most central to our profession and faith.

The most ‘unreal’ thing we believe in, yet the most powerful of all our doctrine.

Jesus is alive!

The Apostle Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 15:12–23, emphasizing that without the resurrection, our faith collapses.

Paul insists that “if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain,” and we would still be in our sins​.

In other words, no resurrection means no salvation, no hope.

The Reformer John Calvin nicely put it like this: “the resurrection of Christ is the most important article of our faith, and without it the hope of eternal life is extinguished”

Connection (Old to Now)

Paul starts his argument with a grim hypothetical. In verses 12 - 19

ILL: Opening a pandora’s box of sorts - painting a somewhat depressing picture of a hopeless world where Christ did not rise from the dead.

In other words:

The importance of the resurrection is seen, when we consider the horror of its alternative:

no resurrection means

no forgiveness,

no reconciliation with God,

no eternal life.

no hope!

Context

The book of 1 Corinthians is somewhat of a practical application of the Gospel to address various issues within the dysfunctional Corinthian church.

The purpose of the letter is to correct these problems, guide the church, and encourage them to live in accordance with their faith, ultimately emphasizing the importance of unity, love, and the resurrection of Jesus to the church. 

After addressing: -Disunity, Immorality, Marriage, Liberty, and Worship

(Such as the lords supper in Chapter 11)

He is now coming to the end of his lengthy ‘arguments’ and ‘exhortations’ to the church.

So now, Paul presents the ultimate hope of the church in chapter 15.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Construct (Outline / Flow of thought)

Chapter 15. Opens with a revelation of the gospel that Paul is now making ‘known’ - revealing to them “that by which we are saved.”

This is also the best summary of the gospel!

1 Corinthians 15:3–8 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received,

that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep.

After that, He appeared to James, then to all the apostles,

and last of all, as to one untimely born (the least of the apostles - the runt), He appeared to me also.”

Then following this, he is giving us 5 reasons why the resurrection is important.

I. The Resurrection is the Proof of Christ’s Person and Work (V13 - 15)

II. The Resurrection is the Fullness of the Justification of Believers (v16-19)

III. The Resurrection is the Victory over Death and Sin (v20)

IV. The Resurrection is the Guarantee for our Own Resurrection (v21-23)

V. The Resurrection is the Beginning of the New Creation Life (v24-58)

***Expository points**

Transition (Hook)

1 Corinthians 15:11 Lays a foundation.

The last testimony to Christ’s resurrection was that of the common message that every true apostle, prophet, and pastor preached.

Paul says: Whether then it was I or they so we preach and so you believed.

Without exception, the preaching and teaching in the early church centered on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Wherever Christ was preached and by whomever He was preached, His resurrection was the pivotal message that was proclaimed.

There was no dispute about the truth or the importance of this doctrine,

which hardly would have been the case had it been a fabrication. - proving in a practical way it’s validity.

Except for a few isolated heresies, the doctrine of Christ’s resurrection has not been questioned within the church until our modern age of skepticism and humanism.

New Testament Christianity, whether ancient or modern, knows nothing of a gospel whose heart is not the risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

It is the central message of our faith!

Nonetheless, It was important for the church to hear it again, as it is for us.

Thus after affirming the central Gospel, Paul give us the first important point to remember about Christ’s resurrection.

I. The Resurrection is the Proof of Christ’s Person and Work

Wrapping this in the idea of what life would be should Christ not have risen we see our first point

Passage

1 Corinthians 15:13–15 “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we bore witness against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised.”

1- Proof Jesus was the Messiah

Passage - Our preaching and faith is in vain

As Paul had just said, the heart of the gospel is Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf. (15:3–4).

Apart from the resurrection Jesus could not have conquered sin or death or hell, and those three great evils would forever be man’s conquerors.

ILL: In our modern era, more than ever before, we see an increase of ‘self proclaimed’ messiahs.

ILLUSTRATION: My dad was contacted by a group who claimed to be teachers strengthening the church. Looking for a speaking opportunity

In Researching them before allowing them access to the pulpit - as a good under-shepherd should - he discovered they are from a cult like South Korean group.

The founder claimed to be the Messiah and he is the second coming messiah everyone was waiting for. And is one of the fastest growing ‘cults/

Teaching unity and peace - it sound’s ‘good’

But what if this man was to be tested?

What if he was to die.

Would he be able to pay for our sins, and how would we know that it is really the Messiah?

Point: Unlike these false messiahs:

The resurrection was necessary to vindicate (prove the reality of the fact) Jesus as the true Messiah and Son of God, and to validate the saving work He accomplished on the cross.

Paul writes that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God in power… by His resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:4).

By raising Jesus, God publicly confirmed Christ’s identity and mission.

Far from being merely a executed blasphemer or failed prophet, the risen Christ is vindicated as the very Son of God and Lord over all.

Trans: His resurrection not only proves His person, but also his work on the Cross.

2 - Proof that God approved of Jesus’ atoning work/sacrifice

The resurrection also vindicates the efficacy of Christ’s atoning death.

On the cross Jesus bore our sins and satisfied God’s justice;

Therefore, the resurrection is the Father’s declaration that He accepted Christ’s sacrifice.

R.C. Sproul explains, “by vindicating Christ in His resurrection, the Father declared His acceptance of Jesus’ work on our behalf”

If Jesus had remained in the grave, we would have no assurance that the debt of sin was paid – but “God raised Him up” as proof that the wages of sin had been fully met in Christ’s death.

Thus the resurrection validates that Jesus’ work worked.

Transition

Sin is atoned for, the righteous requirements satisfied, and our salvation secured. Christ “was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Rom. 4:25).

In short, the resurrection is God’s validation of both Christ’s person (as the divine Son and promised Messiah) and Christ’s work (as the all-sufficient Savior).

The second point to remember:

II. The Resurrection is the Fullness for the Justification of Believers

Passage

1 Corinthians 15:16–19 “For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.”

1- The fullness of justification is only in the resurrection

Jesus had to rise for the justification of all who believe.

Justification means that believers are declared righteous before God, and Scripture links this directly to Jesus’ resurrection.

As noted earlier, Romans 4:25 teaches that He “was raised for our justification.”

What does this mean?

It means that Christ’s resurrection is the necessary counterpart to His death in securing our right standing with God.

On the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins;

in the resurrection, the Father openly declared that payment sufficient and Christ’s righteousness vindicated.

In other words. God raising Jesus from the dead proves it was the perfect death.

ILL: In raising Jesus, God effectively stamped our salvation “Paid in Full.”

Thus, all who are united to the risen Christ by faith are counted righteous in Him.

Paul says: “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17)

2 - The payment was sufficient (in full)

This means that: because Christ has been raised, we are no longer in our sins – we are forgiven and accepted.

Someone once wrote: “Christ has overcome death, so that He could make us share in the righteousness which He obtained for us by His death”​.

In other words, because Jesus lives, the righteousness He earned is now imparted(given) to us.

Our justification is guaranteed by our living Savior who intercedes for us (Rom. 8:34).

ILL: The risen Christ stands as our advocate in God’s courtroom, so that no charge can stand against God’s elect (Rom. 8:33–34).

Transition

He died to bear our punishment, and He rose to confirm our acquittal (Not guilty verdict).

Therefore, Jesus had to rise if we were to be declared righteous.

No resurrection would mean no proof of atonement completed and acceptable, and thus no justification. - We might as well have died ourselves...

But praise be to God, Christ is risen indeed - He is not DEAD - and His people are justified by grace through faith in the risen Lord (Rom. 10:9–10).

The one who conquered sin and death. He Is The victor.

Brings us to the 3rd point.

III. The Resurrection is the Victory over Death and Sin

Passage:

1 Corinthians 15:20 “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

1- The Death of Death

In rising, Jesus essentially killed death itself.

It’s a decisive victory over death and sin on our behalf. There is no question, death lost the battle!

In His rising, Jesus conquered the greatest enemies of God’s people. - As we’ve seen on Friday.

As Paul writes, “Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him” (Rom. 6:9).

Because death no longer has dominion over Christ, it no longer has dominion over those united to Christ. Jesus’ resurrection breaks the power of the grave for all who belong to Him. “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).

Paul here calls Christ “the firstborn from the dead” and “the living one [who] died, and behold is alive forevermore, and [He has] the keys of Death and Hades” (Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:18). Because Christ walked out of the tomb, death has lost its sting (1 Cor. 15:55–57)

2 - Defeat of Satan and Sin’s dominion

Not only did Jesus triumph death

But in triumphing over death, Jesus also defeated the one who wielded death as a weapon – the devil.

Hebrews 2:14 tells us that through His death Christ “destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.”

The resurrection is the culmination of that triumph.

Satan’s authority to accuse and condemn God’s people is shattered, because the risen Christ has conquered the grounds of every accusation (cf. Col. 2:15; Rom. 8:33–34).

Furthermore, by breaking sin’s penalty (death), Christ also breaks sin’s power over believers.

Do you get it?

We are no longer slaves to sin, for we have died and been raised with Christ (Rom. 6:4–11).

Victors!

Transition

Therefore, Jesus had to rise so that the dominion of sin and death would be broken in the lives of His people.

His resurrection life is the source of our new life of victory over sin (Rom. 6:14).

It is the Guarantee of our own resurrection: bringing us to the third truth to remember

IV. The Resurrection is the Guarantee of Our Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:21–23 “For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming.”

1 - The first-fruits (Trend Setter)

Another reason Jesus had to rise was to become the first-fruits of the resurrection, guaranteeing that His people will one day be raised as well.

Christ’s resurrection isn’t an isolated event with no bearing on us;

It is the down payment and pattern of our future bodily resurrection.

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1  Cor. 15:20).

PICTURE: In ancient Israel, the firstfruits offering was the first sheaf of the harvest given to God, which guaranteed the rest of the harvest was coming.

In the same way, Jesus’ resurrected body is the first sheaf of the great harvest of resurrection on the last day.

In Short: Because Jesus rose, our resurrection is not merely possible but inevitable – it has in principle already begun in Him.

2- The guarantee of eternal life

Paul makes it very clear, he argues that if there is no resurrection for believers, then Christ Himself cannot have been raised; but since Christ has been raised, “then those who have fallen asleep in Christ* [i.e. believers who died] *have not perished” but will also be raised (1 Cor. 15:16–20).

Our end is bound up with our Savior’s. Romans 8:11 promises that “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

Similarly, 2 Corinthians 4:14 says we know “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us into His presence.”

Jesus Himself assured His followers, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). Thus, Christ had to rise in order to prepare the way for our resurrection.

He is “the firstborn from the dead” (Rev. 1:5), and His rising inaugurates the resurrection-age that all who belong to Him will share in at His return

Transition

Believers can be certain of our future bodily resurrection and eternal life because Jesus rose first and promises to draw us after Him.

The grave could not hold Jesus our Head, and it will not hold us His people.

This guarantees that death is not the end for Christians – as Christ was raised never to die again, so we too will be raised to immortality when He comes again (1 Cor. 15:52–55).

In God’s redemptive plan, Jesus had to rise as the firstfruits of the new humanity, ensuring that He will “raise up [His people] on the last day” (John 6:40).

V. The Resurrection is the Beginning of the New Creation Life

1 Corinthians 15:24-58

1 - The New Life of believers now

When Jesus rose from the dead, He did more than revive; He ushered in an entirely new order of creation.

His resurrection body was glorified – no longer subject to weakness, decay, or death (Rom. 6:9).

In rising, Christ became the first man of the new creation, the Second Adam launching a renewed human race.

This is why Scripture calls Him the “last Adam” and the “man of heaven,” indicating that He is head of a new humanity that will bear His glorified image (1 Cor. 15:45–49).

The resurrection, therefore, was necessary to inaugurate the new creation and new humanity that God promised.

Because Christ’s resurrection inaugurated a new creation, everyone united to Christ is made a participant in that new creation life even now.

Paul often writes: Believers are spiritually raised with Christ to a new life (Eph. 2:5–6; Col. 3:1).

By faith we are joined to Jesus in His death and resurrection, so that we “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).

In other words, Christ rose not only to secure our future resurrection, but also to give us new spiritual life here and now.

ILL: Just as how Adam died spiritually first and later physically.

In Christ we are are raised spiritually first and physically later.

As with death’s delay, God is Gracious to give us time to ‘Find Him’

So in our Spiritual lives we are given time to ‘Grow’

This means Christians are new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), enabled to live differently – no longer slaves to sin, but alive to God. The resurrection life of Christ is the power for our sanctification.

2 - The mystery revealed at the rapture

1 Corinthians 15:50–52 “Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the corruptible inherit the incorruptible. Behold, I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.”

Transition

Because Christ has already overcome death. And we are alive in Him. When He comes back.

We will be changed in an instance.

This new physical life/body that’s temporarily ours, will be changed into the eternal one waiting for us.

So then what does this mean to us today?

***Application***

The application to us can be summarized in this:

Christ’s resurrection is not just a dry doctrine; it is bursting with comfort and practical power for the Christian life.

Because Jesus had to rise – and indeed rose – we as believers enjoy profound assurance, unshakable hope, and divine power for sanctification.

1 - Assurance of salvation

The resurrection gives us confidence that our salvation is secure.

We can be sure our sins are truly forgiven because the risen Christ intercedes for us at God’s right hand (Rom. 8:34).

When guilt or doubts assail us, we look to the empty tomb and know the price for sin was accepted in full​

No condemnation remains (Rom. 8:1).

2 - Hope in suffering

The risen Christ provides unbreakable hope, even in the face of life’s hardest trials and even death itself.

Believers have a “living hope” how? “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).

No matter what grief or loss we endure, Jesus’ empty grave promises a coming joy that will wipe away every tear.

Even when we confront our own mortality or mourn the death of loved ones in Christ, we do so with hope.

“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thess. 4:14).

We grieve, but not as others without hope (1 Thess. 4:13), because we know the grave is not the end.

The resurrection assures us that death has been swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:54–57).

One day, our bodies will be raised imperishable and glorious (Phil. 3:21; 1 Cor. 15:42–43) – all because Christ’s tomb was found empty.

3 - Our Sanctification

The resurrection power of Christ is at work in believers, enabling us to grow in holiness and to persevere in faith.

We are “raised with Christ” so that we “might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).

Practically, this means we are no longer slaves to sinful habits – we can break free, because the power that raised Jesus is active in us (Eph. 1:19–20).

“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus dwells in you,” He will also empower your mortal body to live righteously (Rom. 8:11).

Union with the risen Christ gives a believer a new identity (alive to God) and new ability to obey God (Rom. 6:11–14).

Moreover, Christ’s resurrection assures us that He is a living Savior who continues to shepherd us. He “ever lives to intercede” for us (Heb. 7:25), praying that our faith will not fail.

When we stumble, we can get back up, knowing Christ is alive to forgive and restore us. When we grow weary, we draw on our risen Lord’s strength, for His grace is sufficient.

We press on in holiness and ministry because we know the end of the story – Christ is risen and will renew all things.

***Conclusion***

Just as how Adam died spiritually first and later physically.

In Christ we are are raised spiritually first and physically later.

As with death’s delay, God is Gracious to give us time to ‘Find Him’

So in our Spiritual lives we are given time to ‘Grow’

Why did Jesus have to die?

Every aspect of our redemption hinges on the reality of Christ’s resurrection.

Jesus had to rise from the dead in order to complete the saving work of God and to secure every benefit of salvation for His people.

His resurrection vindicates His divine identity, proves the victory of the cross, and launches the new creation.

It is indispensable for our justification, our sanctification, and our glorification.

Therefore, we celebrate that on the third day Jesus rose in power.

In the resurrection, we see the triumph of God’s redemptive love: sin forgiven, death defeated, and new life overflowing to us and to the world.

Together with Peter we can now proclaim

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).

***Heartfelt Prayer***

Christ is risen – hallelujah!

Let’s Pray