What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:17? If Christ has not been raised - “And if Christ has not been raised” (1 Corinthians 15:17) stakes everything on the literal, bodily resurrection. - Paul ties the entire gospel to this historical fact—without it, every promise collapses (see 1 Corinthians 15:14; Acts 2:24; Romans 1:4). - The resurrection proves Jesus is who He claimed to be, validates His atoning death, and confirms God’s power over sin and death (John 2:19-21; 1 Peter 1:3). - Denying the resurrection isn’t a minor theological slip; it uproots the foundation of Christian hope (1 Thessalonians 4:14). your faith is futile - “your faith is futile” means faith becomes empty, powerless, without effect (Galatians 2:21). - Christianity is not a mere ethical system; it hinges on a living Savior (Romans 4:24-25). - Without the resurrection, trusting Christ would be like leaning on a broken staff—no forgiveness, no new life, no future glory (Hebrews 11:1; 1 Corinthians 15:19). - A futile faith cannot justify, sanctify, or assure (Romans 5:1; Philippians 3:10-11). you are still in your sins - “you are still in your sins” declares that, without the risen Christ, the penalty and power of sin remain (Romans 6:23). - The resurrection is God’s receipt that Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted (Hebrews 10:12-14; Acts 13:38-39). - If Christ stayed in the grave, sin stayed on us. His rising proves the debt is paid and the record cleared (Colossians 2:13-15). - Remaining “in your sins” means separation from God now and eternally (Ephesians 2:1-5), highlighting the urgency of a living Savior. summary Paul’s single verse drives home a triple truth: the resurrection is essential, faith stands or falls on it, and only a risen Christ removes sin. Because Jesus lives, our faith is vibrant, our sins are forgiven, and our hope is unshakeable. |
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