(a) Outline the arguments used by Paul to defend the Resurrection. (b) In what three ways is the Resurrection signi-ficant to believers?

Answer Details

(a) Paul's arguments in defence of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15)

Answering those in Corinth who denied the resurrection of the dead, Paul argued as follows:

• He reminded them of the gospel he preached and which they had received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
• He listed the witnesses of the risen Christ: He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the Twelve, then to more than five hundred brethren at once, most of whom were still alive, then to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all to Paul himself.
• He argued that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then their preaching is in vain and their faith is in vain.
• Furthermore, the apostles would be found false witnesses of God, believers would still be in their sins, and those who had died in Christ would have perished.
• If Christians have hope in Christ for this life only, they are of all people most to be pitied.
• He declared triumphantly, "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep." As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
• He explained the nature of the resurrection body: it is sown perishable and raised imperishable, sown in dishonour and raised in glory, sown a natural body and raised a spiritual body.
• He proclaimed that death is swallowed up in victory: "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" and gave thanks to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(b) Three ways the Resurrection is significant to believers

• It assures believers of victory over death and the hope of their own resurrection and eternal life.
• It confirms that Christ is truly the Son of God and that the Christian faith and preaching are not in vain.
• It guarantees the forgiveness of sins and gives believers courage, hope and motivation to labour faithfully for the Lord.