If There Is No Resurrection
There have been and always will be many critics of
the resurrection. Some cannot fathom the idea of anything supernatural
ever occurring. Some of these critics of the resurrection can even be
found among religious people.
Yet, in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul makes a tremendous argument in support of
this hope after death. His argument all starts with one simple fact—the
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Not only does Paul admit Jesus died, was buried and rose again after
three days, but he also names many of the witnesses of this incredible
act (1 Corinthians 15:3-9). In any court of law, the agreeable testimony
of witnesses is one of the strongest evidences used to substantiate
facts. So, it is sensible that after Paul lists his witnesses he asks,
“how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead”
(1 Corinthians 15:12)? Paul asks his question like a lawyer
addressing a jury after an obviously convincing series of witnesses
confirming his case.
If the fulfilled prophecies and empty tomb are not enough, the hundreds
of witnesses have to be. A lawyer would only be so lucky to have this
much evidence in a case tried before our civil courts.
So, the ultimate conclusion of the convincing apostle is that it is
foolish to deny the possibility of a resurrection, especially among
people who believe in God!
After all, if there is no such thing as resurrection then Christ is
still dead (contrary to the recently cited evidence).
If Jesus was never risen, then why waste our time preaching about Him
and telling people to have faith in Him (15:14)?
If there is no resurrection we might as well throw away the writings of
all the apostles who lied about it (15:15).
Furthermore, if there is no resurrection religious people should stop
pretending they will someday be in heaven (15:16-17).
In addition, if there is no resurrection it is foolish to believe our
past loved ones are in heaven either (15:18).
If there really is no resurrection, we might as well live lives as we
please (15:32)!
Can you see how discouraging and pointless life is without the
resurrection (15:19)?
Yet, Christ was raised. That simple fact should be enough for us to
believe we can be resurrected too. God did not leave us without evidence
for believing He could save us and give us a hope beyond this natural
world. His Son was the first of many He hopes to raise. Believe and obey
Him today.
February 2006