(a) Explain Paul's teaching on resurrection. (b) Give two reasons why the resurrection of Jesus is of great significance to Christians.

Answer Details

(a) Paul's teaching on resurrection (1 Corinthians 15)

• Paul reminded the Corinthians of the gospel he had preached: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
• He listed the witnesses of the risen Christ: He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve, then to more than five hundred brethren at once, then to James, 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 preaching is vain, faith is vain, believers are still in their sins, and those who have died in Christ have perished. If our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are of all people most to be pitied.
• But he affirmed, Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.
• Paul explained the order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Him. Then comes the end, when He hands the kingdom to God, having destroyed every rule and authority, and the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
• On the nature of the resurrection body, he used the picture of a seed which must die before it comes to life. The body is sown perishable, in dishonour and weakness, a natural body; it is raised imperishable, in glory and power, a spiritual body.
• He declared, Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. At the last trumpet the dead will be raised imperishable and the living changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. This mortal must put on immortality, and then the saying will be fulfilled, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting?
• He gave thanks to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and urged believers to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

(b) Two reasons why the resurrection of Jesus is of great significance to Christians

1. It is the foundation and proof of the Christian faith. The resurrection confirms that Christ's death conquered sin and that His claims are true; without it, faith and preaching would be empty.
2. It guarantees the believer's own resurrection and eternal life. Because Christ rose as the firstfruits, Christians have the assurance that they too will be raised to immortal life and share in His victory over death.