Is Our Faith In Vain? – 1 Corinthians 15:12-58
Some claim, “There is no resurrection of the dead.” But can we have the gospel, salvation, and forgiveness without Jesus’ resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:13-14 (CSB)
“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith.”
If Christ isn’t raised, neither are we—no one has hope of eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:17, 32 (CSB)
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins… If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die…”
Without the resurrection, we’d be hopeless, dead in our sins. The apostles, witnesses to His resurrection, would be liars, and our faith worthless. We’d be pitied for chasing a false hope.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (CSB)
“But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead… For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”
Hallelujah! Christ is raised! As death came through Adam, life comes through Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (CSB)
“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
Death’s sting is defeated—God gives us victory over sin through Christ.
Our faith isn’t in vain. We aren’t pitied, living worthlessly, or fearing death. We face eternity knowing our sins are forgiven and we’ll be with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (CSB)
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Our labor isn’t in vain! So, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work. Dear believer, don’t linger in doubt or hopelessness. Focus all your energy on serving the Living Christ! Our King! Work at it with all your heart, knowing that our labour in the Lord is not in vain.
