[Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19]

Introduction

A. Recent years have seen a steady rise in the number of critics who question the miracles recorded in the Scriptures.

B. Since the early days, there have been false ideas about the greatest miracle of all—the resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:12; 2 Timothy 2:18).

I. The resurrection of Jesus rests at the core of the Gospel message.

A. The resurrection was part of OT prophecy (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

B. It is supported by tremendous evidence (vss. 5-8).

C. It was preached everywhere the Gospel went (vss. 1-2).

D. Our very obedience to the Gospel involves a reenactment of the resurrection (vss. 3-4; cf. Romans 6:1-8; Colossians 2:10-13).

II. Several vital components of Christianity fall without it.

A. If there is no resurrection, our faith is vain (vs. 14).

B. If there is no resurrection, we are liars (vs. 15).

C. If there is no resurrection, we are still in our sins (vs. 17).

D. If there is no resurrection, there is no victory (vs. 18).

E. If there is no resurrection, baptism is meaningless (vs. 29).

F. If there is no resurrection, no group of people is worthier of pity than Christians (vs. 19).

III. The resurrection embodies both mystery and victory.

A. There are some questions regarding the resurrection that remain to be answered (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 1 John 3:2).

B. The resurrection will mark the conclusion of victory in Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15).

Conclusion

A. The Christian faith stands or falls with the resurrection of Jesus.

B. Without the resurrection we are hopelessly lost and all our labor is vanity (1 Corinthians 15:58), but with it we have hope, salvation, and victory!