For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Why do we believe in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead? And what difference does it make, really? Those are the questions Paul will answer for us as we listen in on parts of 1 Corinthians 15.
What we call the gospel is built on three essential legs, Paul writes in today’s verses. The most important parts of the Good News are these: Jesus died for our sins; he was buried; he was raised the third day — all as had been predicted in God’s Word long before hand.
If you’re a Christian, your relationship with God started with saying “yes” to the truthfulness of all three. But wouldn’t it be easier to convince people to join us if we could just leave that last one out?
Sure, Jesus died for our sins. But came back to life? That’s where it gets to be a hard sell. Why make a big deal about that one? Stay tuned.
Think: Before we dive into Paul’s answers this week, why do you think the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is an essential part of what we believe as Christians?
Pray: Thank God for helping you to believe in the Good News about Jesus: that he died for your sins, was buried, and then made alive again on the first Easter morning.
Do: Notice in your world who emphasizes the resurrection and who avoids mentioning it.