If Christ Is Not Raised… What’s the Point?
Reflections on 1 Corinthians 15 and the Resurrection That Changes Everything
This week, like every Lord’s Day, our church gathered to sing, pray, open the Word, and partake of the Lord’s Supper. But something felt different this time. Across the world, people were pausing—if only briefly—to reflect on Jesus. And while many may not understand the fullness of who He is, I believe, like Paul said in Philippians 1:18, that anytime Christ is preached, even from mixed motives, we can rejoice.
As we considered the resurrection, I felt compelled to go beyond the surface and ask a sobering question: What if Christ has not been raised? Paul asked that very question in 1 Corinthians 15, and the answer isn’t just academic—it has everything to do with our faith, our future, and our hope.
The Resurrection Is Not Optional
Paul pulls no punches in 1 Corinthians 15:12–19. He says plainly: if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless, and so is your faith. That’s a devastating truth to wrestle with.
Why does it matter so much? Because the resurrection isn’t just a miraculous event—it’s the event. It validates everything Jesus said and did. It confirms that His sacrifice on the cross was accepted by God. And it proves that He has authority even over death.
Without the resurrection, we are still in our sins. We’re deluded. We have no future beyond the grave. Paul says we are to be pitied more than all people. I’m convinced that if Jesus didn’t rise, we might as well close our Bibles and walk away.
A Resurrection Promised and Proven
But He did rise. And I want to remind you of the strength of that claim.
Jesus predicted His death, burial, and resurrection (John 2:19; Matthew 16:21). Then He actually did it. He appeared to Peter, the Twelve, over 500 believers, and even Paul himself. These were not visions or hallucinations—they were public, physical appearances.
Paul points out that many of these witnesses were still alive when he wrote to the Corinthians. In other words, he’s saying, “Go ask them yourself!”
The resurrection of Jesus is not a metaphor. It’s a historical event, and it’s one that changes the trajectory of every person who believes.
The Resurrection That Awaits Us
The beauty of Christ’s resurrection is that it’s not an isolated event. Paul calls it the “firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:20), which means it’s just the beginning. The promise is that we, too, will be raised when Christ returns.
For those of us in Christ, death is no longer a terrifying unknown. It’s a defeated enemy. Jesus dealt with death in a way no one else has. He didn’t just escape it—He conquered it. And He promises to raise those who belong to Him.
This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s the very hope we cling to. We aren’t just trying to be good people or hold onto tradition. We are holding fast to the One who overcame the grave.
What About You?
There’s one more thing I want to share—something that may be uncomfortable but is too important to leave unsaid.
You can’t share in Christ’s resurrection unless you’ve been united with Him in His death. Romans 6 makes that clear: we are buried with Him in baptism so that we may also rise with Him to walk in newness of life. If you’ve never taken that step—if you’ve never been baptized into Christ—then you haven’t yet accepted the invitation to resurrection.
And for those of us who have, we’re reminded that this hope isn’t cheap. We must remain faithful. We must not let laziness, doubt, or worldliness steal our joy or our promise.
Living Like It Matters
As I reflect on what the resurrection means, I’m filled with gratitude. Not just because Jesus rose—but because His resurrection means I will too. And you can as well.
So let’s live like resurrection people. Let’s not fear death. Let’s not be ashamed of our faith. Let’s not waver in hope.
Because Christ has been raised. And because of that, everything has changed.
This week, like every Lord’s Day, our church gathered to sing, pray, open the Word, and partake of the Lord’s Supper. But something felt different this time. Across the world, people were pausing—if only briefly—to reflect on Jesus. And while many may not understand the fullness of who He is, I believe, like Paul said in Philippians 1:18, that anytime Christ is preached, even from mixed motives, we can rejoice.
As we considered the resurrection, I felt compelled to go beyond the surface and ask a sobering question: What if Christ has not been raised? Paul asked that very question in 1 Corinthians 15, and the answer isn’t just academic—it has everything to do with our faith, our future, and our hope.
The Resurrection Is Not Optional
Paul pulls no punches in 1 Corinthians 15:12–19. He says plainly: if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless, and so is your faith. That’s a devastating truth to wrestle with.
Why does it matter so much? Because the resurrection isn’t just a miraculous event—it’s the event. It validates everything Jesus said and did. It confirms that His sacrifice on the cross was accepted by God. And it proves that He has authority even over death.
Without the resurrection, we are still in our sins. We’re deluded. We have no future beyond the grave. Paul says we are to be pitied more than all people. I’m convinced that if Jesus didn’t rise, we might as well close our Bibles and walk away.
A Resurrection Promised and Proven
But He did rise. And I want to remind you of the strength of that claim.
Jesus predicted His death, burial, and resurrection (John 2:19; Matthew 16:21). Then He actually did it. He appeared to Peter, the Twelve, over 500 believers, and even Paul himself. These were not visions or hallucinations—they were public, physical appearances.
Paul points out that many of these witnesses were still alive when he wrote to the Corinthians. In other words, he’s saying, “Go ask them yourself!”
The resurrection of Jesus is not a metaphor. It’s a historical event, and it’s one that changes the trajectory of every person who believes.
The Resurrection That Awaits Us
The beauty of Christ’s resurrection is that it’s not an isolated event. Paul calls it the “firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:20), which means it’s just the beginning. The promise is that we, too, will be raised when Christ returns.
For those of us in Christ, death is no longer a terrifying unknown. It’s a defeated enemy. Jesus dealt with death in a way no one else has. He didn’t just escape it—He conquered it. And He promises to raise those who belong to Him.
This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s the very hope we cling to. We aren’t just trying to be good people or hold onto tradition. We are holding fast to the One who overcame the grave.
What About You?
There’s one more thing I want to share—something that may be uncomfortable but is too important to leave unsaid.
You can’t share in Christ’s resurrection unless you’ve been united with Him in His death. Romans 6 makes that clear: we are buried with Him in baptism so that we may also rise with Him to walk in newness of life. If you’ve never taken that step—if you’ve never been baptized into Christ—then you haven’t yet accepted the invitation to resurrection.
And for those of us who have, we’re reminded that this hope isn’t cheap. We must remain faithful. We must not let laziness, doubt, or worldliness steal our joy or our promise.
Living Like It Matters
As I reflect on what the resurrection means, I’m filled with gratitude. Not just because Jesus rose—but because His resurrection means I will too. And you can as well.
So let’s live like resurrection people. Let’s not fear death. Let’s not be ashamed of our faith. Let’s not waver in hope.
Because Christ has been raised. And because of that, everything has changed.
Recent
Archive
2025
February
March