12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:12-20)
Some people said in the Corinthians church that there is no resurrection. Paul points out that there would be three absurd conclusions if there is no resurrection of the dead. 1) Church life would be meaningless. “Our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God.” 2) There would be no future hope. “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.” 3) Christian’s earthly life would be ridiculous. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
I believe that no one once said that there is no resurrection in our church. Yet, does everyone hold firmly to the resurrection in our everyday life? Paul’s deduction may help us in self-discernment. Is church life just something requires our presence, yet we feel nothing meaningless in it? Do we have hope in every circumstance so that we won’t fall into anxiety? Do I feel ridiculous on Christian life and shame to share with others? If we have thoughts above, may the mercy of God lead us back to the foundation of the gospel, the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, and may the Spirit remind and renew our faith.
Paul gives us confidence in v.20. Our search of faith won’t fall into doubt. In fact, Christ has risen from death. He will complete the promise of salvation. The promised Spirit will work on us and he will consolidate our faith. For Christ is the firstfruits, and though we are still in buds, we will become like him in the end. May we all live as resurrected people every day.