Every Easter, you might hear whispers of doubt: “The resurrection of Jesus? Just a myth, recycled from ancient stories of dying and rising gods.” But there’s no evidence to support that claim. The God revealed in Jesus is utterly unique. Even Paul Veyne, a French historian and self-described unbeliever, marveled at this. He wrote, “In the gospel, a person’s life suddenly acquired eternal significance within a cosmic plan… The genius of Christianity was this: the infinite mercy of a God passionate about the fate of each and every individual soul, including mine and yours” (When Our World Became Christian, 2010). Think about that—from someone who didn’t even believe in God!
What makes Jesus different? No other religion or philosophy claims that God would step into our brokenness, suffer in our place, and rise again to give us eternal purpose. The resurrection isn’t just a cosmic spectacle—it’s personal. Jesus didn’t just die for the world; He died for you.
Last week, we explored Romans 5:8: “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Christ’s death secured our atonement, bringing justification (being made right with God) and reconciliation (restoring our relationship with Him). But how can we be sure? Romans 5:10 answers: “We will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” It’s Jesus’ resurrection that guarantees our forgiveness, our new relationship with God, and our eternal life.
This is why the resurrection is the heartbeat of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Paul shares an early Christian creed, a foundational truth: Christ died, was buried, rose again, and appeared to Peter, the apostles, over 500 witnesses, and Paul himself. In Corinth, some Christians struggled with this. Influenced by Greek philosophy, which taught that only the soul survives death, they questioned bodily resurrection. So Paul reminds them: the resurrection isn’t a fairy tale—it’s a historical fact, verified by eyewitnesses, many still alive to testify.
In 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Paul explains why the resurrection is non-negotiable. Let’s look at his three reasons.
1. Denying Resurrection Undermines the Gospel (vv. 12-14)
Paul confronts a problem: some Corinthian believers accepted Jesus’ resurrection but denied a general resurrection for others. Influenced by Greek ideas that viewed the body as evil, they thought only the soul endured. Paul is blunt: “If there’s no resurrection of the dead, then Christ didn’t rise either. And if Christ hasn’t been raised, our preaching is useless, and so is your faith.” Without the resurrection, the Gospel collapses. No risen Savior means no forgiveness, no reconciliation, no eternal life. It’s like building a house on sand (Matthew 7). Have you ever doubted God’s promises? Easter reminds us: the tomb is empty, and that truth anchors our faith.
2. No Resurrection, No Salvation (vv. 15-19)
Paul raises the stakes: “If Christ has not been raised, we are… false witnesses about God.” The apostles didn’t preach ethics; they staked their lives on seeing the risen Jesus. If He didn’t rise, their testimony is a lie. Worse, “your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” Without resurrection, Christ’s death doesn’t atone—there’s no justification, no reconciliation. Those who died trusting Jesus are lost forever, and our hope is reduced to this life alone, making Christians “of all people most to be pitied.” Why suffer or live sacrificially if there’s no resurrection? Paul rejects the Greek notion of souls drifting as shadows. We are embodied beings, and eternal life requires a bodily resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:4).
3. Christ Is Risen, Our Hope Is Sure (v. 20)
Then Paul flips the script: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Jesus’ resurrection is historical, not mythical. Three realities confirm it:
- Eyewitnesses: Peter, the apostles, over 500 people, and Paul saw Jesus alive. Their courage, even unto death, proves they saw the risen Lord.
- The Empty Tomb: The Gospels report it, and Jesus’ enemies didn’t deny it (Matthew 28:11-15). If His body was still there, they’d have displayed it to crush Christianity.
- Transformed Lives: The disciples went from fear to boldness (Acts 4:13-20). Paul, a persecutor, became a missionary (Acts 9:1-6). Lives still change today because Jesus lives.
“Firstfruits” means Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of the harvest—our resurrection is next. Because He’s human, His victory is ours. The empty tomb declares: your salvation is secure!
Living as Easter People
Paul’s message is clear: deny the resurrection, and we lose atonement, reconciliation, and eternity. But Christ is risen, the guarantee of our salvation. So how do we respond?
- Believe: If you’re doubting, consider the evidence—hundreds saw Jesus alive. Trust Him as your risen Savior. If you’ve never given your life to Christ, today’s the day—He’s alive to save you.
- Live: Live like Easter is true. Pray confidently, knowing Jesus hears. Share this hope with a friend or neighbor. Write down a fear—death, failure, loss—and cross it out, because the tomb is empty.
- Worship: Praise the God who raised Jesus. Imagine the day when He returns, when we receive new, Spirit-empowered bodies to live in God’s new creation, reflecting His character in all we do.
Big Idea: The resurrection of Jesus means our sins are forgiven and our place in God’s new creation is secure. This is the anchor of our faith, grounded in a real event 2,000 years ago.
Challenge: This week, write out the hope you have in Jesus. Putting it into words moves it from an idea to a tangible reality, strengthening you for life’s storms.
Final Thought: Imagine driving down a country road that ends at a wide river. No bridge, no way across. On your side, people stand in doubt and skepticism. But across the water, you see joyful, alive people who made it. How? The resurrection is the dividing line, and faith—backed by eyewitnesses, an empty tomb, and God’s power—is the ferry. Step onto it. Cross from doubt to belief, from death to life. That’s Easter’s invitation.
Prayer:
- Thank God for the hope we have in Jesus and our place in His new creation.
- Ask for forgiveness, reorienting your life to Jesus.
- Commit to following Him.
If you’re struggling to hear God’s voice or want to take the step of baptism to begin your journey with Christ, let’s talk. The risen Jesus is ready to meet you.
Paul’s Ponderings
Reflecting on the truth that transforms.