History’s Greatest Event (Easter) - 1 Corinthians 15:12-23, 35-44

By David Woods

The scripture for our lesson addresses the central claim of Christianity.  If this claim is not true, then Christianity collapses like a deck of cards.

The central claim of Christianity is that Christ has risen from the dead.  Paul was writing to the church in Corinth.  Some of the people there had begun teaching that there is no resurrection of the dead.  So Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15 to refute this error. 

However, while we believe that Christ has risen from the dead and hold it as our cardinal doctrine, it is easy to understand why many would have doubts concerning this truth.

Our world is very accustomed to the cold, hard facts of life … and death.  When you die, from all outward appearances, that is it.  It is not as if people are resurrected from the dead every day.

So then, the question that arises is how and why should we believe that there is a resurrection of the dead or that Christ has risen from the dead?

Big Question: Why should you believe Christ has risen from the dead?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:16-19.

For a few moments, let us consider what some who say there is no resurrection from the dead teach us about life and death.

Discussion: What do those who believe in no resurrection say happens to us when we die?

(Included in the various beliefs of those who disbelieve the Gospel are 1) those who believe in reincarnation, 2) those who believe the person no longer exists.)

Discussion: For those who believe in no resurrection, what is the meaning of life?

Discussion: What, then, is the value of life to those who do not believe in a resurrection of the dead?  More specifically, what is the value of a life that is crippled or handicapped in some way?

Some in our world today might suggest that such a limited life is worthless.  They would suggest we end the lives of unborn babies who have defects and conduct mercy killings on the aged.  They would suggest you cannot truly enjoy life unless you are physically fit, beautiful, talented, etc.

Those who believe in the resurrection of the dead, however, believe that this life is only a short part of one’s existence.  Indeed, the suffering one experiences in this life may well prepare him or her to be ready for life after death. 

Paul argues very convincingly in verses twelve through nineteen that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised from the death either.  And if Christ has not been raised then our hope of salvation is utterly futile. 

The unbeliever may think his life is futile, but if there really is no hope of a resurrection the believer should be pitied for this person denies himself so many pleasures of this world in order to live holy in God’s sight.  And if his hope is truly worthless, to continue to live the Christian way of life would be … delusional.

Our belief that there is a resurrection of the dead is thus intertwined with our belief that Christ has risen from the dead.  If we do not believe that Christ has risen, then we have no real hope of our resurrection.  If we do not believe in a resurrection of the dead, then it is illogical to believe Christ has risen from the dead.

Why should you believe that Christ has risen from the dead?

1. You can love life fully.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.

Discussion: Why do people fear death? 

Discussion: Is it okay even for Christians to have a fear of death?

(While Christians need not fear death because of their hope in Christ, it is natural to have some dread of the unknown, especially the unknown of death.  Of course, an overriding fear of death could indicate spiritual problems in the life of the believer.)

Discussion: What are the implications of the truth that Christ has risen from the dead?

(Answers may include: The story of the Gospel is true; Jesus’ offer of salvation is trustworthy; the believer can expect to be raised from the dead to eternal life.)

Discussion: How does this hope in the resurrection affect the way Christians in the past have approached death?

(The Christian’s hope in the resurrection allows him to serve Christ fearlessly.  He doesn’t need to worry about threats of harm for his future is secure.  Rather, he is willing to give up his life for Christ’s sake for his continued hope of final salvation is threatened only by faithlessness to Christ.)

Why should you believe that Christ has risen from the dead?

2. You can face death confidently.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-57.

Discussion: What are some of the blessings awaiting the Christian in heaven?

(Answers may include: no more physical pain or infirmity, no more struggle with sin and Satan, reunion with loved ones who have gone on before, and most importantly, seeing Jesus face to face.)

Discussion: Compare and contrast the good and bad aspects of life on earth and then of life in Heaven.

Hopefully, you are living a full life today.  Hopefully, you are living to your full potential.  Yet while life on earth is great, even the slightest taste of Heaven is much sweeter than earthly life.  Why should you believe Christ has risen from the dead?

3. You can anticipate eternity joyfully.