The Resurrection Of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15)

(1 Corinthians 15:3-4) "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 (ESV)


In 1 Corinthians 15 the Apostle Paul presents the historical reliability of the resurrection of Jesus.  We should believe the resurrection occurred because it is a historical fact, not just because he lives inside my heart.  After verses (3&4), Paul lists several appearances of Jesus to various people.  Jesus appeared to Cephas (that is Peter) and the Twelve (v.5), to more than 500 at one time (most still alive) (v.6), to James (brother of the Lord and leader of the Jerusalem church) and then all the apostles (v.7), and to Paul himself (v.8). 

But some people say the resurrection did not happen.  All the opponents of Jesus and the early church had to do to disprove the resurrection was to produce the body.  But they never did because they could not.  Some say the disciples were just hallucinating, but it is very unlikely that over 500 people at different times and places would have the same hallucination.  Others says the disciples just made it up, but people usually do not die for something they know to be a lie.  The logical conclusion is that the resurrection of Christ is a historical fact.

Christianity hinges on the resurrection of Christ.  If there is no resurrection there is no Christianity.  Paul states that if there
is no resurrection our faith is futile and we are still in our sins (v.7).  The resurrection is proof that our sins are paid for and that Christ's sacrifice was accepted by God the Father.  It is also proof that Jesus is God. 

Through Jesus' death on the cross, the sins of his people are paid for.  With his resurrection he is victorious over sin, death, and the devil.  Those who repent and place their faith in Jesus have eternal life in heaven.  Those who reject him face the wrath of God in hell for eternity.