Which comes first – the chicken or the egg? Paul’s argument is like that. If there is no resurrection, Christ has not risen from the dead, the dead have no hope of resurrection and the Christian faith is futile (v 14). Some of the Corinthians did not believe in bodily resurrection (v 12). They continued to believe that humans consisted of a separate body and soul. The body ceased to exist after death and only the ‘good’ soul soared to heaven to be with the gods. 

In verses 14–19 Paul writes of four consequences of not believing in the resurrection: preaching the gospel and faith in Christ are useless (v 14); anyone who argues in favour of the resurrection makes God out to be a liar (v 15); if Christ has not been raised, his death is meaningless, and there is no forgiveness for sins (v 17); there is, then, no hope for Christians who die (v 18). If there is no resurrection, there is no waking from death for those who ‘have fallen asleep in Christ’ – and if this is true, then ‘we are of all people most to be pitied’ (v 19). Paul’s argument brings a bleak result, but hope is coming... 

What do you ‘hope’ for? Praise God that the Christian hope is sure and certain, based on the unfailing promises of his Word. 

In former periods, Christians thought much about the end times. Some of this thinking was speculative and unhelpful. Understandably, this led others to shy away from an interest in Christ’s return and the events which will surround it. It’s important to avoid divisive and pointless speculation, but it’s also vital that we properly consider the return of Christ. The Bible gives us a sure way forward. 

Let’s join some of the dots of Paul’s thinking. First, we see that Christ is risen from the dead, the ‘firstfruits’ of those who have ‘fallen asleep’ (v 20). ‘Firstfruits’ is an agricultural term drawn from the Old Testament. It denotes the first yield of the harvest with the rich promise of more to come.¹ Next, if we have put our trust in Jesus we are now ‘in Christ’ (v 18). As time passes some of these believers die but some remain alive. Now to the central point. Christ will return, the dead in Christ will be raised (or, in the imagery of this passage, those who have ‘fallen asleep’ will awake) (vs 13,20). Then those still alive will also be transformed (cf v 52). This is part of the big story of Scripture, the grand narrative that reminds us what has already happened and shows us what will surely come. 

Knowing this enables us to live with great hope. Verse 19 puts it negatively: if this isn’t true we are to be pitied indeed. Positively, if it is true (and it is!) what a sure hope we have. For Paul this hope is so real it breaks through into his present and infuses everything he does with life. If we truly appreciate what God will do and live in the light of it, our discipleship will also be characterised by such life and hope. 

How can this sure hope mark you out as different as you go about your work today? How can it free you from despair, fear and half-heartedness? 

¹ Eg Deut 26:1–11