1 Corinthians 15:12-19 - The significance of Christ’s resurrection.

From I Corinthian chapter 15 verse 12 to verse 19, Paul pointed out several things to show the significance of Christ’s resurrection. In verses 12 and 13, he explained that it is significant because the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of mankind are connected. Apparently there were some believers in Corinth who were promulgating that Christ had risen from the dead, but believers who had died would not experience the resurrection. As far as Paul was concerned, it was a heresy. He argued that if the resurrection of mankind would not take place than Christ himself had not been resurrected. Why would it be so? Because Christ died and was buried for our sins. His resurrection proves that in Him God forgives our sins. If God forgives our sins in Him than when we die, we would rise from death. If that won’t happen than Christ Himself couldn’t have risen from the dead. The only reason why He had risen from the dead proves that in Him God actually forgives our sins.

Secondly, in verse 14, Paul argued that if Christ did not rise from death then faith in Him would be meaningless. Faith is not an airy-fairy superstition but is solidly founded on evidential fact. The claim of Christ’s resurrection is a fact that gives faith substance.  

Thirdly, Paul’s argument in verses 15-16 is that the resurrection of Christ substantiates the preachers with this message.  If the resurrection didn’t take place, then preachers and their message on the resurrection would prove to be a lie. They would be labeled as false witnesses, not just about the resurrection but also of God. To deny the resurrection is to deny the work of God. The resurrection is not just a historical event, it also demonstrates and proves the power, nature and faithful character of God. 

The fourth significance of the resurrection of Christ is shown from verses 17-19. The resurrection of Christ validates man’s eternal salvation. Paul made clear in verse 17 that we would still be in our sin if Christ did not rise from the dead. Why is it so? When the Lord died He took our sins to the grave. His resurrection demonstrates that all our sins are forgiven. If He did not rise than our sin had not been forgiven, and all who had died in Him would have died in vain and are lost without hope. They would be eternally separated from God. That being the case, of all people, believers would be the most pitiful because they had believed in a lie.

However, of all people, Christians are the most joyful because of Christ’s resurrection. In it is our greatest hope. Our belief in the resurrection of Christ helps us to anticipate a marvelous future. Nothing in this life, no matter how dire it may be, should ever take us down. Let’s set our eyes and mind above, where Christ is seated.