Living Beyond Death (6)

 

1 Corinthians Chapter 15

 

This is the great resurrection chapter of the Bible; while the Gospels tell us what happened, 1 Corinthians 15 tells us why it happened. Of course there are many places in the Bible that speak to us of Christ’s Resurrection, both in the Old and New Testaments, but perhaps nowhere else do we have such a comprehensive statement of Christ’s Resurrection, and of the Resurrection of those who have the life of Christ living in them.

 

There are many themes and nuances in this chapter, some of which are unfamiliar to most Christians. For example, in verse 45, what does it mean that Jesus Christ is the last Adam? In verse 47 what does it mean that Jesus Christ is the Second Man? Furthermore, is the Second Man limited to Jesus Christ alone, or does it include the Body of Christ? If the Second Man is the Head of the Body, then the Body must be included.

 

Note the progression of verse 23.

 

Note the question Paul raises in verse 35 and how he answers it.

 

Note John 12:24 and how it relates to 1 Cor. Chapter 15.

 

Note Romans 5:12 – 21 and how it relates to 1 Cor. Chapter 15.

 

Remember our reading yesterday in 2 Cor. 5 and see how that relates to 1 Cor. 15:53.

 

This is a complex chapter that begins with a statement of the foundation of the Gospel and culminates with a statement of the universal victory of Jesus Christ, and us in Christ, over sin and death.

 

I suppose if I had to emphasize one element that Christians are unfamiliar with it would be verses 20 – 23 and 45 – 49, connecting them with Romans 5:12 – 21. When we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ we are taken out of the first man Adam, and placed into the second Man, Jesus Christ – we have a new identity (what’s in your wallet?) See also Romans 6:1 – 6 and 2 Corinthians 5:14 – 21.

 

There is a new creation on this planet in Jesus Christ. Those who are in Christ no longer trace their genealogy back to the first man, Adam, but rather to the Second Man, Jesus Christ. Our lives consist, in part, of learning to bear the image of the heavenly (1 Cor. 15:49). This goes back to the idea that we are the sons of the Living God and not groveling worms hoping that we’ll be thrown table scraps (1 John 3:1 – 3; 2 Cor. 3:17 – 18).

 

The Early Church believed that there were three races on the earth; Jews, Gentiles, and Christians – they saw themselves as strangers, pilgrims, and aliens. How do we see ourselves?

 

There is a lot to ponder in 1 Corinthians 15 – it spans from Genesis to Revelation. It also says a lot about how we should be living. In essence, if the Gospel is true it means everything, if it isn’t true it means nothing – there is no middle ground; and for the Christian, it means there is no excuse for not living in the light of eternity – in not living as those who look forward to life beyond death.

 

We have a hope that we can share with the world!

 

What’s in your wallet?