Proof of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 15

The Greeks did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. When Paul preached the resurrection at Athens, some of the people actually laughed at this doctrine (Acts 17:32). Their philosophers taught that the body was the prison of the soul, and the sooner the soul was set free in death, the better off a person would be. The Greeks looked upon the human body as a source of weakness and wickedness, and they could not conceive of a body that continued to exist after death. It was this kind of thinking that Paul had to deal with when he wrote this chapter

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 15

The Greeks did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. When Paul preached the resurrection at Athens, some of the people actually laughed at this doctrine (Acts 17:32). Their philosophers taught that the body was the prison of the soul, and the sooner the soul was set free in death, the better off a person would be. The Greeks looked upon the human body as a source of weakness and wickedness, and they could not conceive of a body that continued to exist after death. It was this kind of thinking that Paul had to deal with when he wrote this chapter

Giving honor to God the father,and God the Son, and the Holy Pastor Thomas Rev. Perry, Rev. Tarver officers members and friend good morning. May God bless you all is my prayer.

god the Father and

Text:

Subject: Proof of the Resurrection

Theme Easter is all about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Purpose: The purpose of this text is to show The bodily resurrection of Christ is the crowning proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be, God manifested in human flesh. Indeed, the resurrection of Christ in flesh is of such importance to the Christian faith that the New Testament insists that no one can be saved without it (; ).

Introduction:

Proofs of the Believers Resurrection ( 15:1-34)

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 15

The Greeks did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. When Paul preached the resurrection at Athens, some of the people actually laughed at this doctrine (Acts 17:32). Their philosophers taught that the body was the prison of the soul, and the sooner the soul was set free in death, the better off a person would be. The Greeks looked upon the human body as a source of weakness and wickedness, and they could not conceive of a body that continued to exist after death. It was this kind of thinking that Paul had to deal with when he wrote this chapter.

Paul closes with a note of victory. There can be no sting in death when a person is a Christian, for Christ has taken out that sting. There can be no victory in the grave, for Christ will one day empty the graves and bring forth His own in resurrection power. How hopeless the Greeks were when they thought about death! Inscriptions on tombs in ancient Greece and Rome indicate that death was their greatest enemy, that they saw no hope beyond the grave. In Christ we have life and hope!

Verse 58 is often quoted out of its context. Christians can be steadfast and immovable, because they know that if their worst enemy (death) has been overcome, they need fear no other enemy. They can abound in Christian service, for that work will count for eternity. Their labor is not in vain.

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 15

The Greeks did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. When Paul preached the resurrection at Athens, some of the people actually laughed at this doctrine (Acts 17:32). Their philosophers taught that the body was the prison of the soul, and the sooner the soul was set free in death, the better off a person would be. The Greeks looked upon the human body as a source of weakness and wickedness, and they could not conceive of a body that continued to exist after death. It was this kind of thinking that Paul had to deal with when he wrote this chapter

Several times in this chapter Paul uses the phrase “in vain.” It means “empty, without content.” Because the tomb is empty, our faith is not empty! But if the tomb is not empty, then everything else is in vain: our preaching is empty (v. 14), our faith is empty (v. 14), and our works are empty (v. 58). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s answer to Solomon’s lament in : “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” Thanks be to God for the victory we have in the resurrection of Christ!

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Acts 17:32 KJV 1900

32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

Historical proof (vv. 1-11)

Hearing and Receiving the Gospel through Preaching gives us Salvation through Gods Grace

A. Historical proof (vv. 1–11).

The Corinthians did not doubt the resurrection of Christ, so Paul began there in his argument for the resurrection of the human body.

The resurrection of Christ is an historic fact proved by the message of the Gospel, the testimony of witnesses and the conversion of Paul himself.

If there were no resurrection, there would be no salvation, for a dead Savior can save nobody! “Now,” argues Paul, “I know that you Corinthians believe in the resurrection of Christ, otherwise your faith is empty (vain).

Christ was a man, and now He has a resurrection body. If He has a glorified body in heaven, why should we believers not have one also?”

This is another aspect of the believer’s union with Christ: because He has been glorified, we shall also be glorified one day

Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (pp. 465–466). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Personal proof ( vv. 12-19)

Your own Personal Experience.

B. Personal proof (vv. 12–19).

Paul points to the Corinthians’ own personal experience.

He had preached the Gospel to them, they had believed, and their lives had been transformed (6:9–11).

But if the dead rise not, then Christ is dead, and that Gospel was a lie! Their faith was vain, and they were still in their sins!

The Christian faith is good only if a person lives; there is no hope after death.

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Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (pp. 465–466). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Doctrinal proof ( vv. 20-28)

Doctrinal proof ( vv. 20-28)

The Two Adams.

C. Doctrinal proof (vv. 20–28).

Here Paul deals with the Bible doctrine of “the two Adams.”

(He uses this argument also in .)

It was through the first Adam’s sin that death came into the world;

but through the Last Adam (Christ), death has been conquered.

Christ is the firstfruits; that is, He is the first of a great harvest that is yet to come.

Christ is God’s “Last Adam,” and He will reverse the wrong that the first Adam brought into this world.

When Christ comes, the dead in Christ will be raised (v. 23 and ).

Jesus will finally put all things under His feet, including death.

In other words, to deny the resurrection of the dead is to deny the future kingdom of Christ. If believers are “dead and gone,” then God’s promise for the future is null and void.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 KJV 1900

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Practical proof ( vv. 29-34)

Paul points to the Corinthians’ own personal experience. He had preached the Gospel to them, they had believed, and their lives had been transformed (6:9–11). But if the dead rise not, then Christ is dead, and that Gospel was a lie! Their faith was vain, and they were still in their sins! The Christian faith is good only if a person lives; there is no hope after death.

Practical proof ( vv. 29-34)

The Baptism is a symbol of Death,Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

D. Practical proof (vv. 29–34).

Paul mentions several practices in daily life that prove the resurrection of the body.

For one thing, the Corinthians were “baptized.”

The church at Corinth was still practicing baptism, and baptism is a symbol of death, burial, and resurrection.

(New Testament scholars generally agree that the early church baptized by immersion.)

The ordinance has no meaning if there is no resurrection of the dead. In vv. 30–32, Paul cites the many dangers in his ministry, and says in effect, “Surely it is foolish for me to risk my life daily if there is no resurrection!” In v. 32 he argues, “If there is no resurrection, then we ought to eat, drink, and be merry! Enjoy life while we can!” It is easy to see that these practical points make sense. “Shame on you!” he concludes in v. 34. “You ought to have this knowledge!”

The Process of the Believers Resurrection ( 15:35-49)

How is the dead raised? Very good question.

“How are the dead raised?” is the key question here.

Paul uses illustrations from nature to show that there is no life apart from death.

The seed that is planted dies and bears fruit, and the fruit, while identified with the original seed, is different from it.

The resurrection body, like the bodies in the heavens, will have its own kind of glory.

It is not the same body that was planted (v. 37), but there is continuity between the buried body and the resurrection body.

The physical body laid in the grave is liable to corruption; it is humble, a body of humiliation; it is weak; it is suited to a natural environment.

The resurrection body will not decay; it will have power and glory; it will be suited to a spiritual environment.

It will bear the image of the heavenly.

The resurrection body of Christ illustrates what Paul is teaching here.

The believers recognized Him, so there was continuity between His crucified body and His glorified body. But He was also able to change His appearance. He passed through locked doors, yet He also ate fish and honey () and invited the disciples to feel Him. It was the same body, yet it was also a different body. The resurrection body retains the personal identity and individuality of the believer, but it will be suited to a new way of life.()

The believers recognized Him, so there was continuity between His crucified body and His glorified body.

But He was also able to change His appearance. He passed through locked doors, yet He also ate fish and honey () and invited the disciples to feel Him.

It was the same body, yet it was also a different body.

The resurrection body retains the personal identity and individuality of the believer, but it will be suited to a new way of life.()

Luke 24:41–43 KJV 1900

41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

The Program of the Believers Resurrection ( 15:50-58)

Summary Victory in Jesus Christ.

Here Paul deals with the second coming of Christ and what it means to both the living and the dead. “We shall not all die (sleep),” because some saints will be alive when Christ returns; “but we shall all be changed.” This mystery concerns the rapture of the church. When Christ returns, the dead shall be raised first, the living caught up with them, and all will be changed to be like Christ. And all of this will happen in the twinkling of an eye.

Paul closes with a note of victory. There can be no sting in death when a person is a Christian, for Christ has taken out that sting. There can be no victory in the grave, for Christ will one day empty the graves and bring forth His own in resurrection power. How hopeless the Greeks were when they thought about death! Inscriptions on tombs in ancient Greece and Rome indicate that death was their greatest enemy, that they saw no hope beyond the grave. In Christ we have life and hope!

Verse 58 is often quoted out of its context. Christians can be steadfast and immovable, because they know that if their worst enemy (death) has been overcome, they need fear no other enemy. They can abound in Christian service, for that work will count for eternity. Their labor is not in vain.

Several times in this chapter Paul uses the phrase “in vain.” It means “empty, without content.” Because the tomb is empty, our faith is not empty! But if the tomb is not empty, then everything else is in vain: our preaching is empty (v. 14), our faith is empty (v. 14), and our works are empty (v. 58). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s answer to Solomon’s lament in : “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” Thanks be to God for the victory we have in the resurrection of Christ!

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 15

Here Paul deals with the second coming of Christ and what it means to both the living and the dead. “We shall not all die (sleep),” because some saints will be alive when Christ returns; “but we shall all be changed.” This mystery concerns the rapture of the church. When Christ returns, the dead shall be raised first, the living caught up with them, and all will be changed to be like Christ. And all of this will happen in the twinkling of an eye.

Paul closes with a note of victory. There can be no sting in death when a person is a Christian, for Christ has taken out that sting. There can be no victory in the grave, for Christ will one day empty the graves and bring forth His own in resurrection power. How hopeless the Greeks were when they thought about death! Inscriptions on tombs in ancient Greece and Rome indicate that death was their greatest enemy, that they saw no hope beyond the grave. In Christ we have life and hope!

Verse 58 is often quoted out of its context. Christians can be steadfast and immovable, because they know that if their worst enemy (death) has been overcome, they need fear no other enemy. They can abound in Christian service, for that work will count for eternity. Their labor is not in vain.

Several times in this chapter Paul uses the phrase “in vain.” It means “empty, without content.” Because the tomb is empty, our faith is not empty! But if the tomb is not empty, then everything else is in vain: our preaching is empty (v. 14), our faith is empty (v. 14), and our works are empty (v. 58). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s answer to Solomon’s lament in Ecc. 1:2: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” Thanks be to God for the victory we have in the resurrection of Christ!

Matthew 28:18

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 28

18 And Jesus approached and* spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 15

Here Paul deals with the second coming of Christ and what it means to both the living and the dead. “We shall not all die (sleep),” because some saints will be alive when Christ returns; “but we shall all be changed.” This mystery concerns the rapture of the church. When Christ returns, the dead shall be raised first, the living caught up with them, and all will be changed to be like Christ. And all of this will happen in the twinkling of an eye.

Paul closes with a note of victory. There can be no sting in death when a person is a Christian, for Christ has taken out that sting. There can be no victory in the grave, for Christ will one day empty the graves and bring forth His own in resurrection power. How hopeless the Greeks were when they thought about death! Inscriptions on tombs in ancient Greece and Rome indicate that death was their greatest enemy, that they saw no hope beyond the grave. In Christ we have life and hope!

Verse 58 is often quoted out of its context. Christians can be steadfast and immovable, because they know that if their worst enemy (death) has been overcome, they need fear no other enemy. They can abound in Christian service, for that work will count for eternity. Their labor is not in vain.

Several times in this chapter Paul uses the phrase “in vain.” It means “empty, without content.” Because the tomb is empty, our faith is not empty! But if the tomb is not empty, then everything else is in vain: our preaching is empty (v. 14), our faith is empty (v. 14), and our works are empty (v. 58). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s answer to Solomon’s lament in Ecc. 1:2: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” Thanks be to God for the victory we have in the resurrection of Christ!

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 15

Here Paul deals with the second coming of Christ and what it means to both the living and the dead. “We shall not all die (sleep),” because some saints will be alive when Christ returns; “but we shall all be changed.” This mystery concerns the rapture of the church. When Christ returns, the dead shall be raised first, the living caught up with them, and all will be changed to be like Christ. And all of this will happen in the twinkling of an eye.

Paul closes with a note of victory. There can be no sting in death when a person is a Christian, for Christ has taken out that sting. There can be no victory in the grave, for Christ will one day empty the graves and bring forth His own in resurrection power. How hopeless the Greeks were when they thought about death! Inscriptions on tombs in ancient Greece and Rome indicate that death was their greatest enemy, that they saw no hope beyond the grave. In Christ we have life and hope!

Verse 58 is often quoted out of its context. Christians can be steadfast and immovable, because they know that if their worst enemy (death) has been overcome, they need fear no other enemy. They can abound in Christian service, for that work will count for eternity. Their labor is not in vain.

Several times in this chapter Paul uses the phrase “in vain.” It means “empty, without content.” Because the tomb is empty, our faith is not empty! But if the tomb is not empty, then everything else is in vain: our preaching is empty (v. 14), our faith is empty (v. 14), and our works are empty (v. 58). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s answer to Solomon’s lament in Ecc. 1:2: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” Thanks be to God for the victory we have in the resurrection of Christ!