The Proof of the Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:3-4)

While I did teach on the subject of the resurrection of Christ on Easter from Matthew 28:1-15 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-28, I have not been able to post a full account of that teaching this week. I am defending my doctoral thesis on 4/21 and am focused on that task. Here is a small sample from our study.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received:

            that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [crown of thorns]

           that he was buried,

           that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁵ and

           that he appeared to Cephas,

                               then to the twelve. 

The Resurrection Proves to be Good News for us

As far as history is concerned, there is no one event that has been so thoroughly documented as fact as the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is the great truth upon which all our faith rests.  I could spend this message refuting the several skeptical theories intended to explain away the resurrection, but my main concern today is not to prove to you that the resurrection happened (the Priests knew for sure that it happened and it didn’t convince them) but to convey to you what the resurrection itself proves to us.

• His death in our place proves his love for us.
• His death for our sins proves that God is both just and merciful.
• His death for our sins according to the scriptures proves that this was God (Father, Son, Spirit)’s plan all along
• His burial proves his full humanity and that he actually died.
• His bodily resurrection proves that his sacrifice for our sin was accepted and that resurrection is available for us as well.
• His bodily resurrection confronts the Greek dualistic idea that spirit is good and matter is evil. 
• His appearances prove his continued relationship with his followers, even those who had failed him and denied him.

Today, we are talking about good news but the good news starts by being honest about the bad news… but it doesn’t end there! We need to confess (agree with God that we have sinned and need His forgiveness) and repent (relationally return to the love of Jesus) and enter into the adventure called eternal life that God wants to share with us!

The wages of sin is death, but ... 

• “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 6:23)

All have sinned...and... 

• “For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 2:23-24)

 Finally,

The resurrection of Jesus If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11)