There were people in the church at Corinth who were denying the possibility of bodily resurrection.  Paul begins by reminding them that the gospel was not only that Christ died for our sins, but that He also rose again bodily.

Paul then lists people who saw Jesus and even touched Him after he rose again.  These included Peter (a private interview); a gathering of His disciples on Easter Sunday evening; James; 500 Christians at one time, most of whom were still alive when the letter was written; the meeting with the apostles at the Ascension and a few years later Paul himself.

Paul then goes on to say that if we deny the possibility of bodily resurrection, we are really denying the bodily resurrection of Our Lord.  That would mean that we would not know if the sacrifice at Calvary’s cross was of any use, and also that Paul and his friends had been preaching a false gospel.  But, if Christ rose again, that guarantees our resurrection also.  Paul speaks of Jesus as the first fruits of a great resurrection when Jesus comes again.

Some may ask how this can happen.  He illustrates this from the realm of nature.  A seed is planted and dies but, it produces a lovely flower later although this flower is linked to the original seed.  It is the same principle with our resurrection.  We shall have bodies suited for Heaven but linked to our original personality.

The apostle adds that some would be alive when Jesus comes again.  So whether we are among the millions who have already died or among those still alive when Jesus comes, we shall have a fantastic future in Heaven.

At this point we must ask ourselves if we are among that number.  If not, why not?  In that case turn to Christ now.  Repent of all that is wrong and receive His salvation, (purchased for us at the Cross).  Then whatever your circumstances you can truly say that the best is yet to be.

Let us be always grateful for this infinite love shown to us.  Paul ends this chapter by saying “Therefore stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain”.

Amen.

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