'For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,'
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
All of Christianity’s validity and authority depend on the resurrection of a Man from the dead.
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.'
- 1 Corinthians 15:14
Death is an intimidating opponent.
'For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.’
- 1 Corinthians 15:16-19
Jesus defeated Death when He rose again!
‘But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead…’
- 1 Corinthians 15:20
’that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. '
- 1 Corinthians 15:4-7
We can look forward to eternity because He lives.
'But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. '
- 1 Corinthians 15:35-37,42-44
‘When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”’
- 1 Corinthians 15:54-55
We can live with excellence because He lives.
'Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.'
- 1 Corinthians 15:58