In 1 Corinthians 15, we are reminded of the foundation of our faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul speaks to us with urgency, knowing that if we do not firmly grasp this truth, everything we believe and live for is in vain. He begins by reminding us of the gospel we have received, the same gospel that saves us if we hold fast to it. This is not a new teaching; it is the very core of our hope.
Paul recounts that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day, just as the Scriptures foretold. This is not a story passed down through speculation; it is a fact witnessed by many. Jesus appeared to Peter, then to the twelve, and after that to more than five hundred people at once. Many of those people were still alive when Paul wrote these words, meaning the truth of Christ’s resurrection could be confirmed. He also appeared to James and then to all the apostles. Finally, Paul tells us that Jesus appeared to him as well, though he considers himself the least worthy of the apostles because he once persecuted the church. Yet, by the grace of God, he was transformed. Paul’s humility here speaks to us because it shows that no one is beyond redemption. No matter our past, God's grace is sufficient to change us and use us for His purpose.
Paul then addresses an issue that some among us struggle with—the doubt about the resurrection of the dead. If there is no resurrection, then even Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our faith is meaningless, and we are still in our sins. If that were the case, then those who have already died in Christ have perished without hope. Paul does not soften this point; he makes it clear that if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are the most pitiful of people. But the truth is, Christ has indeed been raised, and His resurrection is the firstfruits of those who have died.
Through one man, Adam, death entered the world, and through another man, Jesus, life has come. Just as all of us die because of Adam, in Christ, all of us will be made alive. But there is an order to this—Christ is the first, and then, when He returns, those who belong to Him will also be raised. Then comes the end, when Christ will hand the kingdom over to God after destroying all rule, authority, and power that stands against Him. Christ must reign until all His enemies are defeated, and the final enemy to be destroyed is death. When all things are put under Him, the Son Himself will also be subject to the Father, so that God may be all in all.
Paul uses practical reasoning to challenge our doubts. If there is no resurrection, why would people go through hardship for the sake of the gospel? Why would some even risk their lives? If this life is all there is, then the philosophy of the world—“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die”—would make sense. But we know there is more. Paul warns us to stay away from bad influences, as they can corrupt our character. Instead, we should wake up to righteousness and stop sinning, for some still do not have the knowledge of God.
Some might wonder, “How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have?” Paul tells us that what is sown does not come to life unless it dies first. A seed looks nothing like the plant it will become, but God gives it a new body as He pleases. In the same way, our current bodies are perishable, weak, and temporary. When we are raised, our bodies will be imperishable, glorious, and powerful. The natural body we have now will be replaced with a spiritual body, just as Christ’s resurrected body was different from His earthly one. Adam, the first man, was from the earth, but Christ, the second man, is from heaven. Just as we now bear the image of Adam, we will also bear the image of Christ.
Paul reveals a mystery to us: Not all of us will die, but all of us will be changed in an instant, at the last trumpet. When it sounds, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be transformed. Our perishable bodies will put on the imperishable, and our mortal bodies will put on immortality. Then the prophecy will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory?” Sin brings death, and the law gives sin its power, but thanks be to God, who gives us victory through Jesus Christ.
Because of this, Paul urges us to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, knowing that our labor is not in vain. This chapter leaves us with an incredible hope. We do not live for temporary things, nor do we grieve as those who have no future. Our faith is not just about good moral teaching; it is about a living Savior who conquered death and promises that we will too. Because He lives, we will live also. Because He has triumphed, we can stand firm in the promise that our efforts for God’s kingdom have eternal value.
This truth should transform how we live. If Christ is truly risen, then nothing in this world—no suffering, no loss, no hardship—is meaningless. We have a purpose, and we have a hope that cannot be shaken. Our resurrection is certain because He has already paved the way. Let us live with confidence, knowing that we belong to Him and that our future is secure in His hands.