Theory question 109
The Second Coming of ChristDescribe how Paul dealt with the problem of the Corinthian Christians who did not believe in Resurrection. What is the significance of the Resurrection of Christ to Christians?
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He reminded them of the gospel he preached: Christ died for our sins, was buried and was raised on the third day according to the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
He listed witnesses: Cephas, the twelve, over 500 brethren, James, all the apostles and Paul himself (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).
If there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised (1 Corinthians 15:12-13).
Then preaching and faith are in vain, the apostles are false witnesses, believers are still in their sins and the dead have perished (1 Corinthians 15:14-18).
If only for this life we hope in Christ, we are most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19).
But Christ has been raised, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep; as in Adam all die, in Christ all shall be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
He answered "How are the dead raised?" with the seed that dies and grows into a new body; a physical body is sown, a spiritual body raised (1 Corinthians 15:35-44).
The perishable must put on the imperishable; death is swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:51-57).
Significance: proves Jesus is the Son of God; guarantees our own resurrection; assurance of forgiveness and victory over death; gives hope and comfort; makes Christian work worthwhile (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Follow Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 15, then significance.