24 December 1 Corinthians 15

And if Christ has not been raised

1 Corinthians 15:14(NLT) And if Christ has not been raised, then…. The resurrection of Christ remains one of the most significant events in human history, impacting our lives and inspiring countless people to follow Jesus throughout the ages.

This is how it has changed the world:

• Victory over death, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22(NIV) 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.

• Forgiveness of sin, Romans 4:25(NIV) He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

• Empowerment of Believers, Acts 1:8(NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

• Hope and assurance, 1 Peter 1:3(NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

The question now arises: what would have happened if Christ had not been raised from the dead?

• We would be without salvation, 1 Corinthians 15:17(NLT) And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.

• Our preaching would be useless, 1 Corinthians 15:14(NLT) And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.

• We would be hopeless, 1 Corinthians 15:19(NLT) And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. If Christ had not risen, there would be no assurance of life after death for Believers.

• False witnesses, the resurrection of Christ was witnessed by many, and if it had not occurred, then those witnesses would have been false and deceptive. 1 Corinthians 15:15a(NLT) And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave.

• Our Faith would be useless, 1 Corinthians 15:17a(NLT) And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless.

I conclude with Romans 8:11(AMPC) And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.