Friday, July 20, 2012

If There Be No Resurrection of the Dead (Part 7)


Christians Gave up ALL…for NOTHING

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19). One may think the apostles came up with this great scheme for monetary purposes but fail to consider one great thing. The apostles had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Uninspired historical documents show that every apostle (save John) suffered greatly during their lives. Paul even spoke of his own sufferings to those of Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:24-28). If these men had placed all of their hope in a lie, they would be the most miserable people on earth? Why? These men gave up everything for nothing in return. The same would count true for Christians! Christians must be willing to deny self, take up our crosses, and follow Christ (Mark 8:34). For what? If Christ is not risen from the dead, then:
1.      The Preaching of the Gospel is Worthless.
2.      The Faith of Christians is Meaningless.
3.      The Apostles are Liars.
4.      Man is Still in His Sins.
5.      There is Nothing After Death.

Surely, the Christian gave up EVERYTHING for nothing in return if Christ were still in the grave.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23.) Paul concludes by saying that it is a fact that Christ rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:5-11) and is the first of many. Through Adam, death entered into the world but through Christ, the resurrection of the dead. The Christian can find comfort in these words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

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