1 Corinthians 15:12-22
Now if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is pointless, and your faith is pointless too. Then we are even guilty of giving false testimony about God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise, if it were true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then it also follows that those who fell asleep in Christ perished. If our hope in Christ applies only to this life, we are the most pitiful people of all. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came by a man, the resurrection of the dead also is going to come by a man. For as in Adam they all die, so also in Christ they all will be made alive.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for establishing and accomplishing our salvation. Without it, we would be trapped in sin, devoid of hope, and nothing would matter. This life would be all there is; we would all go to our graves and be finished. What need would we have for a conscience or rules?
You gave us our conscience, which makes us all accountable; when we do something wrong, it gnaws at us. People have devised various religions to cope with guilt and shame, but they contradict one another regarding their ultimate goals and the paths to achieve them. The problem is that the world’s religions cannot be concurrently correct if they disagree; contradictions mean that none are correct, or only one is. Christianity’s foundation rests on the resurrection of Jesus. As Paul wrote, if Jesus did not rise, everything we believe is false and worthless.
However, You revealed to us in Your Word Your entire plan of salvation, from the promise to the fulfillment. Your salvation plan was perfect, demonstrating Your love for us by allowing Your Son to suffer in our place and granting us complete forgiveness of all our sins, removing the guilt and shame associated with them.
All this must be true because Jesus’ body has neither been found in a grave nor will it ever be! He is risen! Therefore, we know You have accepted Jesus’ payment for our sins, and He has redeemed us, lost and condemned creatures. Faith in Christ delivers salvation to us, and nothing else can accomplish that.
Lord, please create and strengthen our faith through Your Word, so we may know and trust in the resurrection of our Savior. Let us share this truth with others and forgive us for Jesus’ sake when we fail to share Your good news. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God’s salvational plan – Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection – is for everyone, but it is delivered through faith in Jesus. His resurrection is the true miracle of Easter; it assures us that we are forgiven and can be confident in our salvation and eternal life.