Resurrection — Too Good to Be True?
Reliable Resurrection
Proof of Resurrection
People's Testimony
… and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, (1 Corinthians 15:5-7, NIV)
Paul's Testimony
and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Corinthians 15:8, NIV)
Essential Resurrection
Problems of No Resurrection
No Gospel
And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. (1 Corinthians 15:14, NIV)
No Salvation
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:17, NIV)
No Heaven
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. (1 Corinthians 15:19, NIV)
Necessary Resurrection
Purpose of Resurrection
To Conquer Death
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:25-26, NIV)
To Conquer the Devil
Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. (1 Corinthians 15:24, NIV)