Today’s Reading, 1 Corinthians 15-16
Focal Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 “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.”
Having something that is essential means that it must be present to be complete. It means that if it is missing the truth it claims is invalid and doesn’t work. We know this to be true because one of our essential rights in America is the freedom of religion. The government can’t tell us who to worship or how to worship. This essential truth allows each individual American to decide if they will worship the God of the Bible or a false God of their choosing. This gives people freedom to decide what they believe and is essential to the rights of each American. It means that we have freedom to worship either correctly or incorrectly.
In today’s reading Paul declares that the resurrection is essential to be a believer. It is the lynch pin that our faith rests upon. If resurrection is not true, then Christ is still in the grave. If Christ is still in the grave, then the gospel is a lie and our faith is in vain. It is meaningless and has no power. Paul wants the church to know that the resurrection of Christ is not a small issue. It is a major truth that must be believed. Not only did Jesus die for our sins but he also defeated death by his resurrection. This truth gives us hope currently and in the future.
Do you believe in the resurrection? It is essential to your faith. It can’t just be a second thought or something that is said because of tradition. Do you believe that Christ died and he received life again after his death? It is easy to believe that he took on our sins and paid the penalty of death on our behalf. However, do you hold to the truth that this same Jesus was more powerful than death? If you don’t then you truly don’t believe he is God. If death can defeat him then what hope do any of us have for our future. What truth are we proclaiming to others by our belief system.
That is my challenge to you today, think about the awe and wonder of Christ and his resurrection. It means nothing can defeat him. It means that he has power over sin, hell, and death. It means that he is in complete control. I can trust him with every aspect of my life because he has already defeated my worst enemy. I can have confidence that what he says he will accomplish, is going to happen.
Because if Christ is not raised then my worship and my devotion are misplaced. My faith would be in vain. Thankfully, we know he is true and we know he lives right now. Take heart that our God is in control of all things. I know that one day I will be resurrected and see my savior face to face. What about you? Do you have that assurance? Do you have that confidence?
If not it is time to get it settled today.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 2 Corinthians 1-4
