A Word from 1 Corinthians 15

Given how busy and troubled the world is these days, it’s almost hard to remember that just two days ago we were celebrating the good news that “Christ is risen! He’s risen indeed.” And that, of course, makes it all the more important that we understand what “resurrection” really means.

Does it mean that Jesus walked out of the tomb alive? Absolutely! Does it mean that we, too, will live when we put our faith in him? That, too! But don’t forget that “resurrection” means that God’s future has broken into the present! The redemption of the world—when there will be no more death, or mourning, or crying or pain—has begun.

And to understand today’s word from 1 Corinthians 15, that reality is so important. Because apparently, some believers in Corinth were saying that resurrection wasn’t real—that the idea of God breaking into the world and making everything new was just a fantasy.

And that’s why Paul explains: “But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith….But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (15:12-14, 20-22)

Now, as Paul goes on to say, there is some waiting involved. Christ is risen! But the resurrection won’t be complete until he returns and destroys death so that God’s kingdom can come in all its fullness. But that will happen, Paul says, “so that God may be all in all.” (15:28)

So let’s live today with resurrection faith, trusting that resurrection power is now at work in us! And it will raise us and all creation into the glorious fullness of God. Amen.