The Doctrine of the Resurrection
Is there a resurrection of the dead?
1 Corinthians 15:1-34

© 2006 Steve Lewis - contact@SpiritAndTruth.org

COURSE

Introduction

Greek Philosophy and the Resurrection

Proofs that Christ rose from the dead (1 Cor 15:1-11)

Scripture and the Gospel message claim that Christ was resurrected (1 Cor 15:1-4)

The testimony of eyewitnesses proved that Christ was resurrected (1 Cor 15:5-11)

Christ's post-resurrection appearances were what certified or proved His resurrection from the dead. As with His burial, His resurrection was also an historical fact that was witnessed by many people.

The Consequences of Denying the Resurrection (1 Cor 15:12-34)

The statement of the problem in Corinth which prompted this chapter (1 Cor 15:12)

The apostle Paul will now set forth a series of logical conclusions that would result if a person accepted the tenet that there is no such thing as the resurrection of the dead.

Conclusion #1: If there is no resurrection, that would mean not even Christ was raised (1 Cor 15:13)

Conclusion #2: If Christ was not raised, then Gospel preaching and conversion are in vain (1 Cor 15:14)

Conclusion #3: The apostles would be deliberate liars and deceivers (1 Cor 15:15)

Conclusion #4: The Corinthians' own faith would be vain; they are still unredeemed sinners (1 Cor 15:16-17)

Conclusion #5: All their dead Christian friends must be regarded as forever lost (1 Cor 15:18)

Conclusion #6: They would be in a more miserable condition than unbelievers (1 Cor 15:19)

Theological arguments for the doctrine of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:20-28)

Paul gives several theological arguments for the resurrection. Many people who reject the doctrine of the resurrection do not realize that this impacts other areas of their system of theology.

A clear affirmation of Christ's resurrection (1 Cor 15:20)

The origin of death with Adam and of life with Christ (1 Cor 15:21-22)

The order of resurrection events (1 Cor 15:23-24)

The final events of human history (1 Cor 15:25-26)

A glimpse into the relationships within the godhead (1 Cor 15:27-28)

Conclusion #7: If there is no resurrection, then baptism for such a resurrection would be absurd (1 Cor 15:29)

Conclusion #8: Ministry activity and suffering for one's faith would be meaningless (1 Cor 15:30-32a)

Conclusion #9: Denying the resurrection results in a hedonistic philosophy of life (1 Cor 15:32b)

Paul rebukes this worldly attitude and the Corinthians' doctrinal sin (1 Cor 15:33-34)