Essential Resurrection

BY Guest Writer

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-19, Ephesians 2:4-7, Hebrews 2:5-9

I thought I was going to be a lawyer when I grew up. I wanted to be a doctor for the longest time, but once I got to high school and realized science was not my strong suit, those dreams flew swiftly out the window. Being a lawyer was the next best option; I enjoyed reading and writing, and history was my best subject. And, as my parents would tell you without hesitation, I could pick an argument with anyone over anything, and I usually won. I presented many cases to my parents over the years, from bedroom renovations to puppies, and everything in between.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is making a case for the resurrection of the dead. Paul accuses some of the Corinthians of saying there is no resurrection of the dead: that is, once Christians die, they will not be raised with Christ. Paul then argues that if they believe in the resurrection of Christ, then they must also believe in the resurrection of the dead. Paul’s argument is not to prove that Christians will be raised in resurrection with Christ, but to say that the people who deny the resurrection of the dead are wrong. His argument forces the Corinthians to come to the realization that there is, in fact, hope for the future resurrection of those who believe in Christ.

Paul’s argument to the Corinthians is fit for a trial court. He’s making them decide whether or not they actually believe what they say they do. Paul reminds the Corinthians that “Christ died for our sins… that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Paul challenges the Corinthian church to remember what they say they believe, because if those things are not true, then all of their proclamations are in vain.

This passage is one that is read often at funerals and memorial services of loved ones who have passed away. It’s comforting to think about the resurrection in the face of death. It grounds us, reminds us of who we are and where our true home lies.

Today, let this passage remind you of the power and might of a God who sent His Son to die for us, and raised Him on the third day so that we, too, might live with Him in eternal resurrection. We should put our faith and our hope in this God, the God who “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens” (Ephesians 2:6). Our citizenship does not belong here on earth, but to the new heavens and new earth that come with the resurrection. Thanks be to God.

Ellen Taylor was born and raised in sweet home Alabama, but has called Nashville home since 2013. When she’s not working as the editorial assistant at She Reads Truth, you can find her enjoying good food and good conversation with her friends and family. She is a lover of iced coffee, ugly dogs, and the Oxford comma.