1 Corinthians 15:16-17, 56-57

• Read  1 Cor 15:16-17 and v56-57

• What does it mean for the Corinthian church if the dead are not raised? Make a flowchart of Paul's logic in verses 16 and 17.

  If the dead are not raised → ______________________ → ______________________     

• If Jesus hasn’t been raised why are we still dead in our sins?  (This is a tricky one.)

In the ancient Graeco-Roman world of Paul and the Corinthians, lots of educated people believed that death ended life completely. (It’s not just an ancient belief – I’m sure you have lots of friends who believe this too!) The idea of having a physical body after death seemed ridiculous – and it looks like some of the Christians in Corinth believed this too, saying the dead weren't raised. But here Paul shows them what a terrible mistake this is.

It is so, so important to know that Jesus has been raised because this gives us certainty that His death was enough to deal with our sins. Sin has been defeated! Jesus has been victorious over sin. And so we are no longer in our sins, our salvation is sure. We are safe with Him, now... and forever!

Yet, often it doesn't feel like we’re victorious over sin. We still see sin and its effects all around us.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with how much I fall short of God's standards. I'm often so focused on myself. I ignore ways I could show love to others. I hurt those I love most with harsh words that I soon regret. Then I’m reluctant to apologise. Maybe you can relate.

When I so obviously fail, I wonder whether I'm really victorious. Has sin really been defeated? 

When I'm feeling overwhelmed and weary with sin and suffering, I (strangely?!) find it helpful to remember VE Day – the day that victory was finally declared in Europe at the end of WW2. After years of unimaginable suffering, people rightly celebrated like never before. But... it would be a long time before the full effects of victory were felt. Prisoners hadn’t yet been released, rationing continued, millions had lost homes and loved ones. The enemy was defeated, but for now they still lived with these awful effects of war.  

It's a bit like that with Jesus' victory. His victory is real – He really has defeated sin – and you share that victory with him. His resurrection is proof of this! But for now we live with sin and its effects, until the day when He returns and raises us in perfect, sinless new bodies for a perfect, sinless new world. Only then will we fully know and feel and enjoy his victory. I can't wait for that day!

Until then, what helps? I find Romans 8 a great passage to read through when my mind doubts what is absolutely unchanging. It reminds me of the complete security we have in Christ: there is now no condemnation, we are chosen by God, adopted as His very own children. We can’t lose that status. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. 

This song – inspired by the first part of the Heidelberg Catechism* – is also a wonderful reminder of our great confidence in life and death: “I am not my own, but belong body and soul to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ”, it says. He is the faithful one. He will keep you. So when we feel overwhelmed by sin and doubts, we look to him. We remember Jesus’ resurrection, His victory over sin and its effects. And we look forward to the day when everything, including our bodies will be perfect. But until then, our salvation is sure. We can stand firm.

*The Heidelberg Catechism is a statement of faith that Christians have used for centuries which I’d recommend reading as a beautiful encouragement of your safety in Jesus, now and forever.

REFLECT

• Do you feel like victory is yours because of Jesus? What things cause you to doubt that your salvation is sure/you are no longer in your sins?

• What can help you when your feelings are out of sync with reality?

  • Some words that help

  • Some people that help

  • Some actions that help

PRAY

Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus really does have the victory over sin, and that I am longer in my sins. As I wait for the day when Jesus returns, when I’ll finally be free from sin and its effects, please help me to keep looking to His resurrection and to be reminded that my salvation is sure, today and always. Thank you that you work all things together for my good and that you will keep me safe until the end. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Kirsten’s Book Recommendations

“From Here to Eternity” by Ray Galea and “The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom.