Resurrection is victory over death. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then there is no hope for mankind beyond the grave. Then the world will be full of the dead and the dying. Such a world view causes us to be negative, fatalistic, and hedonistic towards life. However, Christ’s resurrection is a historical fact and the basis of the resurrection of the dead.

If Christ has not been raised, what would be the logical consequences? Faith in the gospel would be meaningless as there would be no gospel to preach (14). The apostles would be liars in testifying that God raised Christ from the dead (15). If Christ has not been raised, our faith is in vain. Most importantly, there will be no forgiveness and no way out of guilt and hell for believers. Those who sacrificed much for the gospel and gave their lives for Christ in the hope of resurrection are most pitiful people. However, Christ did rise from the dead, broke the power of sin and death, and gave us a living hope of heaven to those who believe. In the risen Christ we are not losers, but true victors. Because he lives, we also will live (Jn 14:19). The most pitiful people are those who live without the hope of resurrection.


Application: Lord, thank for the risen Christ, who gives me assurance of forgiveness and a living hope in heaven. Help me live by resurrection faith.
One Word: Christ has indeed been raised.