Title Page. Lesson Seven I Corinthians 15:12-15 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection

Title Page

Lesson Seven

I Corinthians 15:12-15

I Corinthians 15:12-1512 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.


I Corinthians 15:16-2016 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.


I Corinthians 15:21-2321 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

Focus Verse

I Peter 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively

hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Focus Thought

In this present world, all ends in the

hopeless despair of death and eternal

separation. In Christ, however, we have

the blessed hope of the resurrection and

life eternal.

IntroductionIntroductionMany people mistakenly have the idea that if they wish upon a star, their dreams will come true. However, that is only true in fairy tales. Others believe that a wish they make while blowing out the candles on a birthday cake will come true. Therefore, many people commonly identify hope with a wish. However, a great difference exists between the two, especially in biblical terms.

IntroductionBelievers do not make wishes, but they do possess a sure, steadfast hope. That hope is an intangible anticipation that soon will become a tangible reality. It may be invisible now, but one day it will become visible. The Christian’s ultimate hope is in the resurrection of the dead, after which he will enjoy heaven and everlasting life with Jesus Christ.

Acts 24:14-15“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers,

believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: and have hope toward God, which they

themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (Acts 24:14-15).

I. The Fact of the Resurrection

The Fact of the Resurrection

Acts 26:23-26

“That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the

dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much

learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before

whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not

done in a corner” (Acts 26:23-26).


When the apostle Paul spoke before King Agrippa, he referred to Jesus’ resurrection as being the first of those who would follow Him. Festus, the Roman governor, could not fathom such a farfetched idea from his background in heathen religions. He considered Paul as a person whose education had made him delirious. Agrippa, on the other hand, carefully considered Paul’s dissertation and almost believed in his words. (See Acts 26:28.)


Paul’s reply to Festus included the point that the resurrection of Jesus Christ did not occur in a corner, or secretly. Indeed, our hope does not rest on some obscure fact only witnessed by a handful of people. Furthermore, some daydreaming writer of Hollywood dramas did not conjure up the Resurrection story. Actual eyewitnesses—hundreds of them—would later give their lives for the resurrected Christ for testifying to the fact that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead.

Acts 17:6

“And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside

down are come hither also” (Acts 17:6).


These eyewitnesses turned their world upside down by spreading the good news about the Resurrection. Multitudes of people, even Jewish priests, believed because they knew for certain that Jesus Christ rose victoriously from the tomb on the third day.

Proclaiming the Resurrection, the New Testament is in fact the most reliable of ancient texts, with more manuscripts and portions of manuscripts available than any other piece of ancient literature. Indeed, our hope is more than a mere wish; it is a solid fact based and founded upon the literal, historical resurrection of Jesus Christ.

II. The Uniqueness of the Resurrection

The Uniqueness of the Resurrection

When one visits India, the greatest of Hindu societies, he witnesses millions of people who are born into deep poverty. They grow up in this poverty-stricken society and die in it; then their families cremate them according to their religious ritualism. Their childhood consists of dancing on yesterday’s garbage and begging passing motorists and tourists for rupees. However, they have no hope.


After their cremation, a Hindu priest examines the ash pile the next day to see what kind of tracks he can find there. If there are deer tracks among the ashes, the loved one has been reincarnated as a deer, for example. With no substantiation of fact, millions of Indians go to bed with no more hope than this. However, as believers in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christians have a better hope.


Buddhists believe in eventual nirvana, or “a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and samsara” (New Oxford American Dictionary, 2nd edition). Because of a negative outlook on our current society, existentialists hope to advance by picking themselves up by their own bootstraps. Agnostics and atheists do not believe in much of anything except themselves, so they make their own heaven or hell now. The late John Lennon wrote a song titled “God,” in which he decried belief in everything except himself and his wife. However, the Christian’s hope is anchored securely only in his belief in Jesus Christ and His resurrection. Indeed, we have a hope beyond this life!

II. The Uniqueness of the ResurrectionWhen Paul the apostle met with the students of the

great philosophers at Mars’ Hill, he found people who loved to learn but had never come to know the truth. When Paul spoke to them of divine judgment and resurrection, some of them scoffed and others believed. Those who believed received a sure hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

II. The Uniqueness of the ResurrectionMany in our world may attempt to offer us a New

Age religion of peace and harmony, yet all they can promise is some form of Eastern mysticism and a faulty belief in reincarnation. The blood-bought church of Jesus Christ offers more—hope in the Resurrection.

III. Deliverance from Fear of Death

Deliverance from Fear of Death

Hebrews 2:14-15“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also

himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of

death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage”

(Hebrews 2:14-15).


The fear of death grips the hearts of mankind because no one really knows what lies on the other side. Many people ponder the ideas of a real heaven and a real hell. Still others consider the destinies of their dead loved ones and family members who have passed from this life. Some even reflect on divine judgment and other aspects of the afterlife. The Bible has the answers to these and similar questions about eternity. Although many other theories and religious books exist that proclaim similar or dissimilar accounts of the afterlife, the Bible stands steadfastly on the witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

III. Deliverance from Fear of DeathThe Resurrection clearly sets Christianity apart

from other world religions because no other religion can claim that its central religious figure arose from the dead. That fact alone gives credence to Jesus’ words regarding the judgment that awaits all mankind. However, we need not fear that judgment if our sins are under the blood of Jesus Christ.

III. Deliverance from Fear of DeathThrough the Bible, we know that heaven and hell

are real and that they are the abodes respectively of the saved or the lost. The Word also declares that those who die in Christ will be reunited and will forever live together with the risen Savior. (See I Thessalonians 4:16-18.) These facts offer great comfort and hope to God’s people. Surely, we need not fear death, for Christ has overcome death. (See Revelation 1:18.)


Paul admonished the Corinthians to keep working for God because their labor would not be in vain in the Lord. He spoke of a time when incorruption and immortality would replace corruption and mortality. This could happen only through a resurrection from the dead—victory over death that each believer would experience. All believers should hold to the fact of the Resurrection and continue in the work of the Lord until they realize the fulfillment of their eternal hope.


“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So

when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the

saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our

Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always

abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the

Lord” (I Corinthians 15:53-58).


As the people of God, we should continue wholeheartedly in the work of Jesus Christ. Because of the hope of resurrection, fear of death should not hinder our life with the Lord. Through the power of the Resurrection, He also can empower believers to take dominion over the things that stand in the way of fruitfulness and faithfulness in their own lives.


The apostle Paul declared that he would forget “those things which are behind” and reach “forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13). He further stated that he would “press toward the mark for the prize” (Philippians 3:14). In a practical sense, that meant that he would allow nothing to keep him from attaining the ultimate prize.

IV. The Blessed HopeThe Blessed Hope

I Peter 1:3-5“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us

again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the

dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,

reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last

time” (I Peter 1:3-5).

IV. The Blessed Hope (A)A. Resurrection and Rapture

Jesus Christ arose from the dead by divine purpose, and in a similar fashion, all believers will rise in the rapture of the church. The New Testament does not specifically mention the word rapture, but the action whereby Jesus will raise His church to be with Him forever is clearly expressed. (See I Corinthians 15:51-57; I Thessalonians 4:16-17.) One day soon, the trumpet of God will sound, and the dead in Christ—those who have died in the faith—will be raised from their earthly tombs. Then those believers who are alive at the time will rise with them into the sky to meet the Lord in the air and to be with Him forever.

IV. The Blessed Hope (A)Unlike any other faith or religion, we have a Savior who wants us to be with Him so much that He has prepared us a place and personally will come back to take us there. (See John 14:3.)

Jesus Christ resurrected from death, came forth from the grave, and lived in a glorified body for approximately forty days before ascending into heaven. His resurrection and ascension are patterns to us that reveal the spiritual catching away that He has planned for all believers. Our hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of all the dead assures us that He will indeed catch away His church to be with Him forever.

IV. The Blessed Hope (B)B. Eternal Life

“And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as

were ordained to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48).

I John 2:25

“And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life”

(I John 2:25).

IV. The Blessed Hope (B)Unlike the depictions of heaven in secular and religious literature and art, we will not be floating on clouds and eternally strumming on harps. Only those who attend dead, dry churches and hear dead, dry homilies could envision such a farfetched scenario. Conversely, the Bible informs us that our hope is to worship and reign with the risen Christ eternally. Eternity will never be boring, lazy, or unfulfilling, for we will be with the One who loves us and gave His life as a ransom for us. Indeed, we will share in the reign of the King of kings and Lord of lords as we experience the beauty of the new heaven and new earth for eternity. What a glorious hope and promise that awaits Christ’s glorious church!

V. A Promising Future (A)A Promising Future

A. Heaven and the Holy City

Many songwriters have expressed their views on eternity. One said, “Jesus will be what makes it heaven for me,” while another indicated that if there were no street of gold, just being with the Lord eternally would be worth it all. There is a real place called heaven. A holy city—a place prepared by Jesus for His chosen, faithful, and true bride—really does exist.


“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the

things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath

revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so

the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God” (I Corinthians 2:9-11).

V. A Promising Future (A)When we find ourselves in the glorious presence of God while standing in the sanctuary and praising Him, or when we fall on our faces in worship before the King of kings, we have at that moment a little glimpse of what heaven will be. Those of us who have experienced the new birth through repentance, water baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost know that heaven will be such a glorious place that we will be required to have glorified bodies just to be there.

V. A Promising Future (A)Believers presently have many wonderful, spiritual experiences in Christ Jesus—being intoxicated on His presence, dancing in enthusiasm, raising holy hands to Him, bowing in reverence in His presence, or shouting to His glory. However, these all are but a small taste of what awaits believers in eternity. That knowledge alone should give every believer power to continue until he realizes his ultimate hope in Jesus Christ.

V. A Promising Future (A)We also possess hope that heaven is a place of no more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Certainly, the things of earth, with all their hurts and pains, will have grown strangely dim in that place called heaven. God will make His throne among us, and we will inherit all the riches, splendor, and glory that belong to Jesus Christ. However, we will receive that inheritance only because we are His bride. (See Revelation 21:1-2, 9-10.)

V. A Promising Future (B)B. With God for Eternity

When a young man first falls in love or first gets married, all he can think about is spending the rest of his life in the presence of and loving the object of his affection—his bride. Separation, even for a short time, is unthinkable, for he is satisfied only in the presence of his bride. The Christian certainly will be with loved ones and friends in heaven, but the ultimate experience of heaven will be living with the Savior eternally. (See Revelation 22:1-5.)

V. A Promising Future (B)We often quote the line of the song, “Jesus will be what makes it heaven for me,” but have we considered what will make it heaven for Him? Perhaps what will make it heaven for Him will be our presence there. Could we imagine the disappointment He would feel if He prepared a place for us and we did not come to enjoy it? He has given us hope of eternity through the Resurrection, and we will complete Christ’s desire by rising to meet Him and living in heaven eternally with Him.

ReflectionsHaving been invited to attend a wedding reception, a pastor was seated next to his friend’s employer. The man and his wife were of the Hindu faith, and soon the pastor and he engaged in a lively conversation about world religions. Trying to use much tact and not water down the gospel, the pastor remembered the approach of the apostle Paul. He mentioned the Muslim faith and how different it was from Christianity. While ending the conversation, the pastor noted that the major difference between Islam and Christianity was that Jesus rose from the dead while Mohammed was still dead and buried.

ReflectionsA strange but understanding look came over his newly found friend’s face. This Hindu man then understood the difference between the Christian faith and his faith. Jesus rose from the dead substantiating everything He ever taught. Instead, the Hindu faith is one of reincarnation—not resurrection. Indeed, the power is in the Resurrection!

ReflectionsCertainly, the Resurrection is a historical fact, witnessed by many who lived as contemporaries of Jesus Christ. Their preaching and teaching came from firsthand knowledge, and they revolutionized their world with the message of His resurrection. We have the documents of this fact in the Word of God, the Bible. Therefore, we can, with conviction, preach and teach the Resurrection with power and authority. He did arise from the dead, and He was the “firstfruits” of the resurrection of the righteous.

Reflections“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” (I Corinthians 15:20-23).

ReflectionsOur hope lies not in this world but in the world to come after our own resurrection from the dead. If we are dead at Christ’s coming, we will come out of the grave and meet Him in the air. If we are alive when the trumpet sounds, we will rise together with those who have died in Christ. That is the hope of the Christian—resurrection to eternal life with Jesus Christ. Certainly, He will come again to receive those who have made themselves ready to meet Him.

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Title Page. Lesson Seven I Corinthians 15:12-15 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection