How does 1 Corinthians 15:17 affirm the necessity of Christ's resurrection for faith? The Heart of the Verse 1 Corinthians 15:17: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” Why Resurrection Makes Faith Work - Faith is only as strong as its object. - A dead Messiah can inspire admiration, but He cannot save. - A risen Messiah actively intercedes (Hebrews 7:25) and shepherds believers (John 10:27-28). - The resurrection proves that Jesus’ atoning death was accepted by the Father. - Romans 4:25: “He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.” - No resurrection = no justification, leaving sin’s guilt intact. - Living Christ, living hope. - 1 Peter 1:3: “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” - Without it, hope collapses into wishful thinking. Sin’s Chains Are Broken Only by a Risen Lord - “You are still in your sins” points to the continuing legal penalty and power of sin if Christ stayed in the grave. - Colossians 2:13-14 shows the cross canceled the record against us, but Romans 6:4-5 ties freedom from sin’s mastery to resurrection life. The Gospel’s Credibility Hangs on the Empty Tomb - Paul’s earlier summary (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) lists death, burial, and resurrection as non-negotiable gospel facts. Remove one, and the gospel disintegrates. - Acts 17:31: God “has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.” The resurrection is heaven’s public seal that Jesus is the righteous Judge and Savior. Practical Ripple Effects - Assurance: A living Savior means present forgiveness and future glory (John 14:19). - Power: Resurrection life energizes holy living (Romans 6:8-11). - Mission: The church proclaims a risen Christ (Acts 4:33). A church preaching a dead Christ would have no message. Summing Up 1 Corinthians 15:17 ties everything—pardon, confidence, power, and purpose—to the historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus. No resurrection, no gospel; no gospel, no faith. |
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