The Resurrection Changes Everything!
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In the 2023 movie Black Daemon, a giant shark seeks revenge for the misdeeds of a large oil company and their destruction of the planet. The family that finds itself in the midst of this crisis, prays to the Aztec god Tlaloc - the god of rain and fertility, similar to the god worshipped by the Zapotec and Mayans. He is still revered by many indigenous Mexican communities today as they look to him for rain and prosperity in agriculture. In the movie, as per the ancient belief, a sacrifice is needed to appease Tlaloc and atone for the sins of humanity.
Throughout world history mankind has been fascinated with both the extension of life and the afterlife.
1 Corinthians Contemporary Significance
Millions of young Muslims have tragically allowed themselves to be killed in war and terrorism, believing that martyrdom speeds their way to heaven. Mormons try to work their way up the ladder of extra-terrestrial privilege and power. Jehovah’s Witnesses hope that sufficient obedience will enable them to be one of the 144,000 who get to enjoy the new heavens as well as the new earth. Eastern religionists hope for nirvana—to be absorbed into the cosmic consciousness, which is all that there really is. Against all of these perspectives Paul’s
letters along with the rest of Scripture and Christian history indicate that Christianity alone claims to be rooted in the historical real world life of a man named Jesus, who was born miraculously, killed on a cross, buried and then physically came back to life in bodily form, after which he ascended to heaven.
Craig Blomberg (NIVAC) says
1 Corinthians Contemporary Significance
Christianity lives or dies with the claim of Christ’s resurrection
-Craig Blomberg (NIVAC)
1 Corinthians—The Word of the Cross Chapter 28: Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12–34)
Timothy Keller describes the resurrection as “the hinge upon which the story of the world pivots.”
Karl Barth says that 1 Cor 15 “forms not only the close and crown of the whole epistle, but also provides the key to its meaning from which light is shed onto the whole, and it becomes intelligible … as a unity” (my italics).
Yet as we’ve seen time and time again, the Corinthian church had much learning to do when it comes to both Christian belief and Christina behavior. In their syncretistic culture...
The pagan world denied resurrection, although they believed in all kinds of different theories about life after death. What they did not believe in was someone physically coming back to life after being dead.
The Jewish world, by contrast, did hold out the possibility of resurrection, which can be observed in some of the later Old Testament writings, especially in a passage like Daniel 12 but it was more of a corporate resurrection at the end of the world, not a personal resurrection as was claimed for Jesus.
Into this confusion, Paul declares that
The Resurrection is the Heart of the Gospel (1-11; 20-28)
The Resurrection is the Heart of the Gospel (1-11; 20-28)
1 Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, so we proclaim and so you have believed.
First Corinthians Resurrection of the Dead and the God of Israel
Corinth was not the only church puzzled by resurrection of the dead. Paul confronted confusion over the fate of believers in Thessalonica who died before the parousia (1 Thess. 4:13–18). Somewhat later false teachers turn up claiming that the resurrection has occurred already (2 Tim. 2:17–18).
The Ancient Creed
The Ancient Creed
Same Message (Crucified & Resurrected King)
Historians, even those who are atheists and sceptics, have corroborated the fact of the empty tomb. Dr. Jakob Kremer, an Austrian historian, states, “By far most exegetes hold firmly to the reliability of the biblical statements concerning the empty tomb.” (Jakob Kremer, Die Osterevangelien–Geschichten um Geschichte ,Stuttgart: Katholisches Bibelwerk, 1977, pp. 49-50.) Similarly, Dr. D. H. van Daalen states, “It is extremely difficult to object to the empty tomb on historical grounds; those who deny it do so on the basis of theological or philosophical assumptions.” (D. H. Van Daalen, The Real Resurrection(London: Collins, 1972), p. 41.)
1 Corinthians—The Word of the Cross Apologetic Credibility
Anthony Flew, one of the most respected atheistic philosophers within the last fifty or sixty years, claims: “The evidence for the resurrection is better than for claimed miracles in any other religion. It’s outstandingly different in quality and quantity from the evidence offered for the occurrence of most other supposedly miraculous events.”3 Flew eventually became a theist, but he did not become a Christian. Though he thought the evidence was strong for the resurrection, he never actually embraced it.
See further
William Lane Craig
As D. H. Van Daalen has pointed out, it is extremely difficult to object to the empty tomb on historical grounds; those who deny it do so on the basis of theological or philosophical assumptions (like the assumption that miracles are impossible) (Son Rises, pp. 84-85).
As Van Daalen has remarked, it is extremely difficult to object to the fact of the empty tomb on historical grounds; most objectors do so on the basis of theological or philosophical considerations (Assessing, p. 271).
https://smartfaith.net/2020/08/29/atheist-historians-admit-evidence-for-resurrection/
https://www.kcmifm.com/blog/2022/3/31/historical-evidence-for-the-resurrection-the-empty-tomb
Same Man (Christ/Messiah of God_
Same Mission (Kingdom/Koinonia of God)
Tom Wright, “Chapter Three: The Surprise of Resurrection,” in Jesus, the Final Days, ed. Troy A. Miller (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2008), 77.
Jesus, the Final Days Early Christian Distinctives on Resurrection
From Paul, on through the New Testament, through the Apostolic Fathers and through the great theologians at the end of the second century (e.g., Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Origen), we find a remarkably consistent set of beliefs about what will happen to God’s people ultimately after death.
A notable exception to this are the Gnostics.
Jesus, the Final Days Early Christian Distinctives on Resurrection
The early Christians held firmly to a view of a future hope that focused on resurrection.
Jesus, the Final Days Early Christian Distinctives on Resurrection
The early Christians held firmly, as did the Pharisaic Jews, to a two-step belief about the future: first an interim waiting period, and second a new bodily existence in a newly remade world. Let me stress again, there is nothing like this in paganism.
Jesus, the Final Days Early Christian Distinctives on Resurrection
within early Christianity there is virtually no spectrum of belief about resurrection.
Jesus, the Final Days Early Christian Distinctives on Resurrection
because of the early Christian belief in Jesus as Messiah, we find the development of the very early belief that Jesus is Lord—and therefore that Caesar is not.
2nd century AD Justin Martyr argues that those who deny the resurrection are not Christians.
God’s Plan to Reign Supreme
God’s Plan to Reign Supreme
20 But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at his coming, those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he abolishes all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he puts all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be abolished is death. 27 For God has put everything under his feet. Now when it says “everything” is put under him, it is obvious that he who puts everything under him is the exception. 28 When everything is subject to Christ, then the Son himself will also be subject to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.
God’s Assault on Death
Christ, the new Adam is first fruits
7/9 NT uses in Paul’s letters
first produce or profit given as a gift of thanksgiving signifying the pledge of the remainder and the assurance of a full harvest…the first installment
The First Epistle to the Corinthians 2. The Resurrection of Christ as the Foundation of Present Life and Eschatological Promise for Christian Believers—First Confirmatio (15:20–34)
As firstfruits Christ is the “first one” to have been raised: “the first or best part of belongings or possessions” in lexicographic usage (vv. 20–23). As such, however, Christ is also “a representation of the rest” (my italics).41 This prepares the way for Paul’s theology of Christ as the last Adam (vv. 21–22).
All subdued
Christ King of all
All given to Father
Death last enemy/alien/intruder subdued
The Resurrection is the Hope of Christianity (12-19; 29-34)
The Resurrection is the Hope of Christianity (12-19; 29-34)
Implications of No Resurrection in 1 Cor 15.12-19
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. 15 Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified wrongly about God that he raised up Christ—whom he did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. 19 If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.
What if statements - hypothetical (general)
Faith in vain
Preach in vain
Gospel lie
Still in sin
Dead are destroyed
Implications of No Resurrection
29 Otherwise what will they do who are being baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, then why are people baptized for them? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I face death every day, as surely as I may boast about you, brothers and sisters, in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus as a mere man, what good did that do me? If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 34 Come to your senses and stop sinning; for some people are ignorant about God. I say this to your shame.
What if statements - hypothetical (specific)
Baptized for dead (remember division over who baptized, public profession)
Suffering lifestyle
Moderation lifestyle (just “eat, drink, die” Epicurians v. 32b)
The Resurrection is the Healing of the Body (35-58)
The Resurrection is the Healing of the Body (35-58)
35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have when they come?” 36 You fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And as for what you sow—you are not sowing the body that will be, but only a seed, perhaps of wheat or another grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he wants, and to each of the seeds its own body. 39 Not all flesh is the same flesh; there is one flesh for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is different from that of the earthly ones. 41 There is a splendor of the sun, another of the moon, and another of the stars; in fact, one star differs from another star in splendor. 42 So it is with the resurrection of the dead: Sown in corruption, raised in incorruption; 43 sown in dishonor, raised in glory; sown in weakness, raised in power; 44 sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written, The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, then the spiritual.
47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 Like the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; like the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.
50 What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor can corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53 For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. 54 When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place:
Death has been swallowed up in victory.
55 Where, death, is your victory?
Where, death, is your sting?
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
15.35-44 Analogies from nature
Seeds (15.36-38)
Bodies (15.39-40a)
Glory (15.40b-41)
Physical/Spiritual Bodies (15.42-44)
Adam (15.45-49)
15.45-49 First & Last Adam (Physical and Resurrected More Than Physical Body)
Jesus in bodily form after resurrection not recognized at first (Road to Emmaus) but ate fish, also seems to have gone through walls, but was physically materially present
A new kind of body but contrasted with dualistic notions of body/soul etc.
15.50-57 Reiteration pulling in OT
Triumph over Death
Death is an intruder and most people recognize that. What they do with that; however, varies
Some fight death via exercise, diet and the like, trying to avoid the inevitable or at least prolong the current status
Others lose hope and embrace death
Alarming rate of suicide, depression, mental illness increase this
Terminal illness increase this (Dignitas) - we are all terminal!
In 2021, just one month before launch day Richard Pope learned he had terminal cancer (3-5 years). This did not stop him from planting, rather he decided to remain faithful to the plan to plant.
We are all terminal…none of us know how long we actually have left…will we remain faithful to God’s plan for us and the world?
God’s intention is that he will do whatever it takes, if you will, to bring his plan into fruition. When Winston Churchill was asked about his policy and aim regarding the global war that was beginning he said the following
1 Corinthians—The Word of the Cross Chapter 30: Victory over Death (1 Corinthians 15:50–58)
Sir Winston Churchill declares: “You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, What is our aim? I can answer with one word: Victory—victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.”1
What adversaries do you face in doing the work God has called you to do? In furthering the mission of God’s church?
Do your own personal ambitions get in the way?
Your family?
Your job?
Your friends, neighbors?
Lack of belief?
Transformation of the Body
In his excellent book, Earthen Vessels, Matthew Anderson (60-61) quotes Rodney Clapp as saying that “the resurrection and transformation into a spiritual body…is the divine equivalent of inventing the internal combustion engine”.
NT Wright creates the term transphysical (not sure if he would still use that today) but his word is an attempt to define what he describes as “ a body which was still robustly physical but also significantly different from the present one” This new body will not be less physical than what we now have, but rather more physical, in such a way that it is not corruptible, not perishable - it is not less clothed, but more fully clothed.
1 Corinthians—The Word of the Cross Categorical Expansion
God’s intention is not that Christians would be disembodied souls floating around in the clouds, but that they would live with him forever as whole persons, both body and soul
6 On this mountain,
the Lord of Armies will prepare for all the peoples a feast of choice meat,
a feast with aged wine, prime cuts of choice meat, fine vintage wine.
7 On this mountain
he will swallow up the burial shroud,
the shroud over all the peoples,
the sheet covering all the nations.
8 When he has swallowed up death once and for all,
the Lord God will wipe away the tears
from every face
and remove his people’s disgrace
from the whole earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
Cf. Rev 21.4
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.
Paul brings in this passage from Isa to demonstrate God’s desire to bring salvation to all and to have people from everywhere at His banquet table. In this regard, God’s power will remove the obstacles to that goal.
Also pulling in Hos 13.14
14 I will ransom them from the power of Sheol.
I will redeem them from death.
Death, where are your barbs?
Sheol, where is your sting?
Compassion is hidden from my eyes.
Here Paul turns the Hosea passage from a judgment oracle to a taunt against death itself, as he knows that Jesus has defeated it - he mockingly provokes death as it were.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Summary/Charge tied back to 15.1-2 - don’t live your life in vain.
The Resurrection changes how you live! Garland in his commentary says...
1 Corinthians—The Word of the Cross If the Resurrection Is True …
“Resurrection means endless hope, but no resurrection means hopeless end