For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either.
1 Corinthians 15:13
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “What is the point of my faith?”
Over the years, I have observed that for many people, faith is more about rules for life which need to be obeyed, or worse, endured, rather than something which is dynamic and life changing at every level.
We go to church, sing a few songs, put some money in the offering plate, manage to sit through another sermon and then file out the door, saying hello to a few friends along the way.
Of even greater concern, we entertain serious doubts about this “Jesus stuff” – Him dying and rising again and promising He will do the same for us.
What is the point of a “faith” like that?
In 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, Paul asks the same question by examining a damaging idea being promoted at Corinth concerning Christians who had died: “They will not be resurrected!”
Three times he raises the issue – “If there is no resurrection of the dead.” – and each time he gives the same answer, “If this is true, then Christ has not been raised either!” (See verses 12, 13 and 16).
It is devastatingly simple logic.
Paul has just spent eleven verses reminding them of the core beliefs of the Christian faith, which includes the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. He has also reminded them they have been saved by this faith in the resurrected Jesus.
You can hear him saying, (not too subtly!)”:
“How can you give any oxygen to an idea claiming the dead in Christ will not be resurrected? It makes no sense at all! If Jesus rose from the dead, then we will also certainly rise from the dead!”
When we begin to grasp this simple fact, our faith takes on a new dimension – we no longer need to live in fear of death, there will be an end to suffering and we will be reunited with all those who have died trusting in Jesus.
We move into hopeful faith!
A faith which does not believe that? Well, it’s just pointless.
For reflection: What is the point of my faith?