Hope and Assurance in the Resurrection of Christ
Summary
In 1 Corinthians 15, we delve into the profound truths of the resurrection, both of Christ and the hope of our own future resurrection. This chapter is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing the historical and theological significance of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Paul presents what many scholars consider one of the earliest confessions of faith, affirming that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day, all in accordance with the Scriptures. This confession underscores the substitutionary, propitiatory, and efficacious nature of Christ's sacrifice, which means He died in our place, satisfied God's wrath, and effectively reconciled us to God.
The bodily resurrection of Jesus is a critical doctrine, as it affirms the physical reality of His rising from the dead, countering the notion of a mere spiritual resurrection. This belief is foundational because it assures us of our own future resurrection and eternal hope. Paul lists several resurrection appearances, some of which are not detailed in the Gospels, suggesting that there may have been more appearances than those recorded. This highlights the unique nature of Jesus' glorified body, which transcends the limitations of time and space, unlike Lazarus' resurrection.
A key phrase in this passage is "in accordance with the Scriptures," which appears twice. While it's straightforward to find Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death, identifying specific scriptures predicting His resurrection on the third day is more challenging. However, the pattern of "three days" in the Old Testament often signifies a period of certainty followed by a dramatic act of God, such as deliverance or resurrection. This pattern is seen in stories like Jonah, Esther, and Hezekiah, where God intervenes after three days, bringing life from death.
As we reflect on these truths during Holy Week, we are reminded that our faith is rooted in historical reality, not myth. The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's power and presence in creation, assuring us that He is actively involved in our lives today. If you find yourself in a "three-day" period of waiting and uncertainty, take heart. The third day is coming, and God still delivers His people. The same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us who believe, offering hope and assurance that God will act in His perfect timing.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Early Confession of Faith: The early church's confession that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day is foundational. It emphasizes the substitutionary, propitiatory, and efficacious nature of Christ's sacrifice, which reconciles us to God. This ancient confession remains central to our faith today. [06:10]
2. The Bodily Resurrection: The bodily resurrection of Jesus is crucial because it affirms the physical reality of His rising from the dead. This doctrine assures us of our own future resurrection and eternal hope, countering the notion of a mere spiritual resurrection. [11:37]
3. Resurrection Appearances: Paul's list of resurrection appearances, some not detailed in the Gospels, suggests that Jesus' glorified body transcended time and space. This highlights the unique nature of His resurrection, which is different from Lazarus' return to life. [16:46]
4. In Accordance with the Scriptures: The phrase "in accordance with the Scriptures" points to the Old Testament pattern of "three days," signifying a period of certainty followed by God's dramatic intervention. This pattern is seen in stories like Jonah and Esther, where God brings life from death. [24:08]
5. God's Active Presence: The resurrection assures us that God is actively involved in our lives today. If you find yourself in a "three-day" period of waiting and uncertainty, take heart. The third day is coming, and God still delivers His people, offering hope and assurance in His perfect timing. [27:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 15
- [04:30] - The Early Confession of Faith
- [06:10] - Significance of Christ's Death
- [08:45] - The Bodily Resurrection
- [11:37] - Resurrection Appearances
- [14:20] - In Accordance with the Scriptures
- [16:46] - The Pattern of Three Days
- [19:30] - Old Testament Examples
- [22:15] - God's Dramatic Interventions
- [24:08] - Historical Realities of Faith
- [26:00] - God's Active Presence Today
- [27:30] - The Hope of the Third Day
- [29:00] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Resurrection and Our Hope
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
2. Isaiah 53:5-6
3. Hosea 6:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the key elements of the early confession of faith mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8? How does Paul emphasize their importance? [06:10]
2. According to the sermon, why is the bodily resurrection of Jesus emphasized as a critical doctrine? [11:37]
3. What are some of the resurrection appearances listed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, and how do they differ from those mentioned in the Gospels? [16:46]
4. How does the sermon explain the phrase "in accordance with the Scriptures" in relation to Jesus' resurrection on the third day? [24:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the early church's confession of faith, as described in the sermon, shape our understanding of the substitutionary, propitiatory, and efficacious nature of Christ's sacrifice? [06:10]
2. In what ways does the bodily resurrection of Jesus provide assurance of our own future resurrection and eternal hope, according to the sermon? [11:37]
3. How does the sermon suggest that the pattern of "three days" in the Old Testament signifies God's dramatic intervention? What examples are given? [16:46]
4. How does the sermon connect the historical reality of the resurrection with God's active presence in our lives today? [24:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the early confession of faith: "Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day." How does this confession impact your personal faith journey? [06:10]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the bodily resurrection. How does this belief influence your understanding of life after death and your daily life? [11:37]
3. Consider a time in your life when you felt like you were in a "three-day" period of waiting and uncertainty. How did you see God intervene, or how are you hoping to see Him intervene? [27:30]
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus' glorified body transcends time and space. How does this understanding of Jesus' resurrection body affect your view of His presence in your life today? [16:46]
5. How can the pattern of "three days" in the Old Testament stories encourage you in your current circumstances? Are there specific areas where you are waiting for God's intervention? [16:46]
6. The sermon highlights God's active presence in creation. How can you become more aware of and responsive to God's presence in your daily life? [24:08]
7. Reflect on the statement that the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in believers today. How can this truth empower you to face challenges in your life? [27:30]
Devotional
Day 1: The Foundation of Our Faith
The early confession of faith in 1 Corinthians 15 is a cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. This confession is not just a historical statement but a profound theological truth that emphasizes the substitutionary, propitiatory, and efficacious nature of Christ's sacrifice. By dying in our place, Jesus satisfied God's wrath and reconciled us to God, offering us a restored relationship with Him. This ancient confession remains central to our faith today, reminding us of the depth of God's love and the power of the resurrection. [06:10]
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Consider how the early confession of faith impacts your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice. How does this foundational truth shape your daily walk with God?
Day 2: The Assurance of Resurrection
The bodily resurrection of Jesus is a critical doctrine that affirms the physical reality of His rising from the dead. This belief is foundational because it assures us of our own future resurrection and eternal hope. By countering the notion of a mere spiritual resurrection, the bodily resurrection of Jesus provides a tangible promise of life beyond death. It is a reminder that our faith is not based on myth but on historical reality, offering us hope and assurance in the face of life's uncertainties. [11:37]
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:20, ESV)
Reflection: How does the assurance of your own future resurrection influence the way you live today? What steps can you take to live with a greater sense of hope and purpose?
Day 3: The Unique Nature of Jesus' Resurrection
Paul's list of resurrection appearances, some not detailed in the Gospels, suggests that Jesus' glorified body transcended time and space. This highlights the unique nature of His resurrection, which is different from Lazarus' return to life. Jesus' resurrection was not just a return to earthly life but a transformation into a glorified state, offering us a glimpse of the eternal life promised to believers. This understanding challenges us to view the resurrection as a transformative event that changes everything, inviting us to live in the light of this new reality. [16:46]
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.'" (John 11:25, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the transformative nature of Jesus' resurrection. How can you live in a way that reflects the reality of the resurrection in your daily life?
Day 4: The Pattern of Three Days
The phrase "in accordance with the Scriptures" points to the Old Testament pattern of "three days," signifying a period of certainty followed by God's dramatic intervention. This pattern is seen in stories like Jonah and Esther, where God brings life from death. It serves as a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His interventions are often preceded by periods of waiting and uncertainty. As we navigate our own "three-day" periods, we can take heart in the knowledge that God is at work, bringing about His purposes in His perfect timing. [24:08]
"After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him." (Hosea 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Are you currently in a "three-day" period of waiting and uncertainty? How can you trust in God's timing and look for His intervention in your situation?
Day 5: The Hope of the Third Day
The resurrection assures us that God is actively involved in our lives today. If you find yourself in a "three-day" period of waiting and uncertainty, take heart. The third day is coming, and God still delivers His people, offering hope and assurance in His perfect timing. The same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us who believe, providing us with the strength and courage to face life's challenges with confidence. [27:30]
"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11, ESV)
Reflection: How can you rely on the resurrection power of God in your current circumstances? What steps can you take to invite His active presence into your life today?
Quotes
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures. He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. Now, the first use of that phrase is not a problem. Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures. It's pretty easy to find Scriptures in the Old Testament that very specifically talk about how the Messiah is going to die for our sins. Isaiah 53, He was pierced for our transgressions. God laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. There are several that we can point to, and we can see how the Messiah was prophesied to die for our sins. [00:11:08] (31 seconds)
The same God in flesh who died on the cross is the same God in flesh who was buried is the same God in flesh who was raised. Now, the reason I keep bringing this up, the bodily resurrection of Jesus, some of you may be thinking, why does he keep making this point over and over and over? About the early 1800s, academics began to doubt and to question the bodily resurrection of Christ. They began to say that Christ was just spiritually raised. His body was not in the tomb, but it didn't raise. It was just a spiritual resurrection. [00:05:08] (32 seconds)
If it were just a myth that Christ were raised, Paul even says it in a little bit, then your faith is worthless, and you are still in your sins, and you are most of all people to be pitied because you do not have hope. So the bodily resurrection, this was the early orthodox confession of faith. Christ had died for our sins. He was buried, and that same body was raised from the dead. [00:06:10] (28 seconds)
And then when Thomas did come, doesn't mention that. And doesn't mention the Gospel of John ends with the seven disciples who'd gone to the Sea of Tiberias to go fishing, which is when Jesus appears and eats the fish around the campfire and says, Peter, if you let me feed my sheep. All that to say that the list of resurrection appearances here in 1 Corinthians 15 is not complete, but also the list of resurrection appearances in the Gospels are not complete, which means, think about it, that there may be other resurrection appearances of Jesus to other disciples and apostles that we don't have recorded in Scripture, which makes perfect sense. [00:08:00] (35 seconds)
Because we, Scripture tells us that Jesus is still bodily resurrected. Colossians 2, 9 says in the hymn, the fullness of God dwells bodily, and that's speaking about Jesus now, not on earth. So for this brief period of time, the resurrection appearances for 40 days, just like in the incarnation, God in flesh could be touched and could be seen. For this brief period of 40 days, God in flesh, the resurrected glorified Jesus could be touched, could be seen, could be, you could eat fish with this individual, but it was the glorified resurrected body. [00:10:08] (32 seconds)
Now, the first use of that phrase is not a problem. Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures. It's pretty easy to find Scriptures in the Old Testament that very specifically talk about how the Messiah is going to die for our sins. Isaiah 53, He was pierced for our transgressions. God laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. There are several that we can point to, and we can see how the Messiah was prophesied to die for our sins. The second one, though, is very curious. [00:11:08] (29 seconds)
The second theme, he says, when you look at these 43 occurrences, is that after three days, this is where God dramatically acts, and there is this dramatic reversal of circumstances, often from the potential of death to life. And it happens over and over and over. Genesis 22, Abraham is leading Isaac to the place of sacrifice, going to the place of sacrifice. Isaac is going to die. And there when they get to the place of sacrifice, God provides the ram caught in the thicket and suddenly Isaac, instead of dying, Isaac is going to live and that ram is going to die. [00:19:24] (37 seconds)
So the question is, how can it be then the earliest confession of faith in the early church claimed that Christ was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, plural by the way, when we're not able to identify a single Old Testament Scripture that specifically speaks of the Christ being raised on the third day? It's a very interesting question. So I'm going to geek out on you for just a moment, alright? And I'm going to do it for a reason, because I believe that the majority of you in this room love the Scriptures. [00:14:08] (35 seconds)
And you believe it to be the inspired Word of God, and you believe it to be profitable for correction and teaching, training and righteousness. You believe it to be the living breath of God. You come to it with very high expectations. And when you come to the Scriptures and you have a question like this, you really want to have a deeper understanding of that. And so often what happens is we come to this and say, that's an interesting question, but let's move on. So instead of, but let's move on, let's just slow down and say, what exactly is it that Jesus could be talking about when He says, it is written according to the Scriptures that on the third day… [00:14:34] (33 seconds)
Wouldn't you have loved to have been with the Apostles after the road to Emmaus where Jesus opened their mind and understood all of the Scriptures, how it points to Him? How it goes all the way back to the garden where Eve, the prophecy to Eve was your offspring is going to crush Satan under your heel, but your heel is going to be bruised when he crushes. And just go back to the garden and all through the patriarchs and the law and the tabernacle and the prophets and just connect all of those dots, all the three days, all the resurrections, all the deliverance. [00:25:13] (31 seconds)
God is still a present help in time of trouble. Isn't that why you pray? You don't pray because there's this myth of some things that God used to do way back then, and it makes you feel better in the misery of the moment. You pray because you believe that God is present and active in His creation right now, and He still delivers His people. Just like He did with all those stories that I named, and the resurrection is the culmination of that. [00:26:42] (35 seconds)
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