Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead?” vs. 12
1 Corinthians 15:12-14
As part of his proclamation in the early congregations Paul regularly spoke of his personal encounter with the Risen Christ. In that transformative moment he was called to become an apostle and to stop persecuting Christians. So when he ran into believers who claimed that there was no resurrection of the dead he was astounded–their claim didn’t make any sense. For him resurrection was at the core of the gospel, his whole reason for being a preacher! Obviously, that question is still around…there are many who struggle with resurrection. Some who are scientifically minded say that it goes against nature and is impossible. But still others go to nature for metaphors to prove that resurrection is not only possible but real. To some extent our position on this matter will depend on our definition of resurrection. But Paul’s point is well taken. Without resurrection there would literally be no Christian Church. There would be no Body of Christ in the world today! But there’s a further question here too! What about our own personal resurrection? Paul says there is no doubt. If Christ has been raised then those who are in Christ will also be raised. Life always triumphs over death! If that conviction fades away, it’s hard to know what we would say when death visits us and our loved ones. Resurrection really is the core of the gospel!
Thought for the Day: How do I understand resurrection?
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