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Why Christ Was Raised

by Micky Galloway

In 1 Corinthians we learn in chapter fifteen that someone had polluted the minds of those in Corinth relative to the resurrection. From the context of I Corinthians 15:1-3 we learn that Paul had “preached” the gospel (vs.1) and that the Corinthians had “received” it (verse 2; cf. Acts 18:8). We also learn that they were “saved” by that message that Paul had “received” from Christ (verse 3; cf. Galatians 1:12).

The background for the conversion of the Corinthians is based upon three facts: (1) that “Christ died for our sins” (verse 3; cf. Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 2:9); (2) that he was “buried” (verse 3; cf. Matthew 27:57-61; Isaiah 53:9) and that he “rose again on the third day” (verse 3; cf. Matthew 16; Luke 24:13-23, 46; Matthew 28:6).

The crowning point of the identity of Jesus as the Christ is seen in His resurrection. Romans 1:4 says, “who was declared (to be) the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; (even) Jesus Christ our Lord.” Evidence of His resurrection is recorded by Paul in I Corinthians 15:5-11. Jesus was seen by Cephas, the twelve, over five hundred brethren at once, by James and finally by the apostle Paul. If there is no resurrection then there are severe consequences. “Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither hath Christ been raised: and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, your faith also is vain. Yea, we are found false witnesses of God; because we witnessed of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ been raised: and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable” (I Corinthians 15:12-19). Obviously, if there is no resurrection, then let us “eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (verse 32). But what is the significance of the resurrection of Christ? He was raised to provide victory.

The resurrection of Christ provides victory over sin. Sin is the problem that separates man from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). It is sin that results in spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Yet, Jesus was tempted in the flesh in “all points,” “… like as (we are, yet) without sin.” The writer then tells us, “Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help (us) in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). In Christ we can gain victory over sin, because Jesus lived perfectly, died for the forgiveness of our sins and was raised from the dead, proving the benefits of His death.

The resurrection of Christ provides victory over the fear of death and death itself. The Bible says in Hebrews 2:14-15, “Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” As Paul served a Savior who was raised from the dead, he could face death with courage and confidence. “For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing … The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom (be) the glory forever and ever, Amen” (II Timothy 4:6-8, 18). With hope the Psalmist could say, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4). For the faithful Christian, death will be “swallowed up in victory” (I Corinthians 15:54)!

The resurrection of Christ provides victory over Hades. When Jesus promised to build His church, He would build it in spite of Hades (cf. Matthew 16:18). Hades (the realm of unseen spirits), could not hold Him or prevent the establishment of His church. He would in fact be raised from the dead. Peter affirmed in Acts 2:29-32, “Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set (one) upon his throne; he foreseeing (this) spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses.” It is comforting to know that as one who was dead and experienced the Hadean realm, Jesus said, “Fear not; I am the first and the last, and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades” (Revelation 1:17-18).

As Christ was raised from the dead, then let us give thanks to God, “who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Why do these things? “Forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:57-58). Even though we consider the severity of the times and the circumstances prevailing in Corinth, the faithful Christians had ample reason to rejoice for they could look forward to victory in Jesus, because He was raised triumphantly from the dead.

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