1 Corinthians 15:16–19: For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
If Christ is not raised, then, my friend, you are a lost, hell–doomed sinner, and that is all you can ever be. If Christ be not raised, every one of us is still in our sins. There have been millions upon millions of believers who have died trusting Christ as their Savior. If Christ is not risen, then every one of them has perished. May I say to you that I think Christianity is a here–and–now religion. Paul makes that clear in the sixth chapter of Romans. But Christianity is also a hereafter religion. If Christ be not raised, we have been deluded and we are about the most miserable people in this world today. But we’re not! We’re rejoicing! That is the end of Paul’s “ifs.” Will you face up to the possibilities which he presents? Go through the “ifs” logically and you will see that the human family is lost and hopeless if Christ had not been raised from the dead. 1
Application
- Read Romans 4:22-25. What was imputed to us?
- What is the proof that you have been justified?
Thought to Share
Since Christ is risen, so will I. That’s all the proof I need. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank You for your justification for me.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
