sf247 - The Doctrine Of The Resurrection - Part 0ne (1 Corinthians 15 1-34)

1 Corinthians 15:1-34

Introduction

The resurrection is the pivot upon which all of Christianity turns. Without the resurrection Christianity would be no more than wishful thinking.

Without the resurrection, salvation could not have been provided, and without belief in the resurrection salvation cannot be received. (Romans 10:9)

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

The problem was not the belief in Christ's resurrection but confusion about their own resurrection.

Paul answers their concerns by presenting a comprehensive view of the resurrection.

1A. The Evidence for Christ's Resurrection (15:1-11)

1B. The testimony of the church (15:1-2)

The presence of the church is a testimony of the truth of the gospel

Ø Paul is not questioning the eternal security of true believers, he is commenting on the insecurity of false nonbelievers.

2B. The testimony of Scripture (15:3-4)

The Scriptures referred to here is the OT.

Psalm 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. 10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

3B. The testimony of eyewitnesses (15:5-10)

Jesus appeared to Peter

Jesus appeared to the twelve

Jesus appeared to the five hundred

Jesus appeared to James his half-brother

Jesus appeared to Paul (15:8-10)

4B. The testimony of the common message (15:11)

2A. The Importance of Bodily Resurrection (15:12-19)

1B. The theological consequences of no resurrection (15:12-15)

If there is no resurrection...

Christ would not have been raised (15:13)

Revelation 1:17-18

2 John 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

The preaching of the Gospel would be meaningless (15:14a)

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Ø The good news becomes bad news.

Faith in Christ would be worthless – “empty” (15:14b)

All witnesses to and preachers of the resurrection would be liars (15:15)

Ø It is hard to believe that men would die for a known lie

2B. The personal consequences of no resurrection (15:16-19)

All men would still be in their sins (15:16-17)

All former believers would have eternally perished (15:18)

Christians would be the most pitiable people on Earth (15:19)

Ø Christianity would be pointless.

3A. The Resurrection Plan (15:20-28)

1B. The first fruit (15:20-22)

The Israelites would bring the first fruit of each harvest and offer it to God.

Ø The first fruit represented the rest of the harvest.

Ø The first fruit was the first installment of the full harvest. The first fruit insured a full harvest would come.

Ø Jesus is our first fruit.

Jesus is to His descendants what Adam is to his. (15:21-22)

Ø By natural descent from Adam, having inherited his sin all die.

Ø By supernatural descent from Christ, having inherited His righteousness, all shall be made alive.

2B. The full harvest (15:23)

The church at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

The resurrection of the Tribulation saints (Revelation 20:4)

Resurrection of the unrighteous (Revelation 21:8)

3B. The final offering (15:24-28)

Ø At the end of the millennial reign of Christ, Jesus will offer His redeemed ones to God the Father as a final and complete offering.