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Basic Bible Study Course

RESURRECTION

LESSON #14, (Part #3)

1 CORINTHIANS 15:12-58

1. CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS

(1) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; (2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. (3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (5) And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: (6) After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. (7) After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. (8) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. (9) For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet 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 which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (11) Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.

2. IF CHRIST IS NOT RISEN YOUR FAITH IS ALSO VAIN

(12) 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. (16) For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: (17) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is in vain; ye are yet in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:12-17.

3. IF IN THIS LIFE ONLY WE HAVE HOPE IN CHRIST

Jesus is NOT dead. JESUS IS ALIVE. HE IS RISEN! Since Jesus arose and is making intercession for us and has given us hope and promise of eternal life if we serve him, it is worth it ALL to serve him. The alternative is hell and the lake of fire forever!

(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. (21) 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. 1 Corinthians 15:18-23.

(10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:10-11. Read Philippians 3:8-21.

(24) Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (25) For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. (26) The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (27) For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. (28) And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.

(29) Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? (30) And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? (31) I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (32) If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we die. (33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:29-34.

What advantage is there for us to die to sin daily if the dead rise not? None. What good is water baptism if Christ is not resurrected? None. Water baptism shows our death to living for ourselves and the devil (2 Corinthians 5:17 & Ephesians 4:22-24). Because Jesus IS resurrected, the advantage is eternal life to the obedient believer in Christ Jesus. Galatians 2:20 lets us know that the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. Through water baptism we show our death to sin by repentance of sin and acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We daily put sin to death in ourselves as we walk with Christ Jesus (Luke 9:23). Read Romans Chapter 6 out loud, paying particular attention to Verse 3-6. Read Romans 8:13 and Colossians 3:3-6.

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12.

4. NOT QUICKENED, EXCEPT IT DIE

(35) But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? (36) Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: (37) And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: (38) But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. (39) All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 1 Corinthians 15:35-39.

We are compared to seeds. Seeds can be planted. Romans 6:5 says, "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Read Verse 6. Isaiah 61:3 says God calls us the planting of the Lord.

Jesus was the son of man (Luke 22:69, John 1:51, others) and the Son of God (Romans 1:4, John 20:31, Luke 1:35, others). Jesus was the seed of flesh (2 Timothy 2:8, Romans 8:3-4, Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 Peter 4:1-2). We are from the seed of flesh. 1 Corinthians 15:37 says we are not the same that we SHALL BE. When Christ is resurrected in us, we will be changed and bear HIS IMAGE (Ephesians 4:13). When we are born again, we become the children of God. 1 John 3:9 says, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."

A seed has to die in order for it to grow and bear fruit. Jesus died and brought forth many souls unto God through his atoning sacrifice for sin. Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. We intercede to Christ for others (James 5:20). We are supposed to bear fruit and watch carefully that it remain (John 15:16). We are compared to trees that bear fruit. When we were in sin we bore fruit unto death, but when we get saved we bear fruit unto holiness (Romans 6:16-23). Read Romans Chapter 7.

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 7:4.

We must die to fleshly will and ways, so that we can live in Christ. That which thou sowest is not quickened except it die. MORTAL means inevitably subject to death. QUICKEN means to restore to life. Romans 8:11 says ". . . he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." We are resurrected in Christ while we live in a mortal-inevitably subject to sin and death body. Read James 1:14-15, Revelation 12:11.

Jesus is our example. He became obedient to the death of the flesh, submitted to God in all things while alive in his body, and then was obedient to the death of the cross, which God had ordained (Romans 14:8 & Philippians 2:8).

5. SOWN IN CORRUPTION, RAISED IN INCORRUPTION

(40) There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. (41) There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. (42) So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: (43) It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: (44) It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:40-44.

(21) Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (23) And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:21-23.

Read Acts 13:26-37 and Romans Chapter 8. When you are saved your soul has been redeemed from going to hell because Jesus has washed it clean in his blood and eternal life abides in you (Titus 2:13-14). Whether we are alive or dead at the coming of Jesus, we shall all be CHANGED. We shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption (Verse 21). 1 Corinthians 15:50 says, ". . . flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." We are in a body of death (Romans 7:24). Though our soul is changed, the body will not be redeemed until we are changed according to the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:50-54.).

(45) And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. (46) Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. (47) The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 1 Corinthians 15:45-49.

Through spiritual resurrection from sin IN THIS LIFE, we can be changed into the image of Christ.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29.

The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We believe God for our salvation, and we must believe God to continue to work in us, changing us into the image of Jesus until we reach ". . . the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). If we have been saved and continue with Christ, there is a day coming when we shall be changed a final time at the last trump (1 Corinthians 15:50-53).

(50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:50-53.

Revelation 4:11 says that the Lord created all things. For his pleasure they are created, but he has declared judgment for sin (Romans 6:23). God does not tolerate sin. He made Jesus our advocate and intercessor (1 John 2:1-2 & Hebrews 7:25). We can be washed in his blood and become clean and pleasing to God again. Our flesh and blood is corruptible and cannot please God. That is why we MUST be changed into the image of God's Son. He is our example.

(13) But I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

6. DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY

(54) 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. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (58) 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. 1 Corinthians 15:54-58.

WHEN and THEN are important in Verse 54. He lived a sinless life and then died for sinners (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15-16, Hebrews 7:25-26, 1 Peter 2:22-24). If we are planted in the likeness of his death, then we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection (Romans 6:5). We have been given the victory over sin through Jesus and are to be busy in the Lord's work.

If we don't get saved and put on Christ now, we will NOT be resurrected to eternal life at the last day (Romans 13:14 & Galatians 3:27). Jesus said, ". . . I am the resurrection" in John 11:25. If we put on Christ, we put on resurrection power. Remember that we must continue in Christ (Colossians 1:22-23 & Ezekiel 33.) Read Ephesians 2:1-10, especially Verses 1-5. We were DEAD in trespasses and sins, but he quickened us.

7. THE FIRST RESURRECTION and THE SECOND DEATH

(28) Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, (29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29.

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:6.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Revelation 2:11.

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Revelation 20:14.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8.

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 10:2. Read also Proverbs 11:4 & 19, Proverbs 12:28, Proverbs 14:12.

*** If we are the children of God and children of the resurrection, then we must grow in Christ and learn to live and BE IN CHRIST. For further study on this references are listed: Acts 2:30, Acts 24:24, Romans 5:1 & 11, Romans 6:2-23, Romans 7:4, Romans 8:2-39, Romans 12:5, Romans 16:7 & 10, 1 Corinthians 1:2 & 30, 1 Corinthians 3:1, 1 Corinthians 4:10-17, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:17-31, 2 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Corinthians 3:14, 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 2 Corinthians 12:2 & 19, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Galatians 1:22, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:26-28, Ephesians 1:1-10, Ephesians 2:6-13, Ephesians 3:6, Ephesians 4:15, Philippians 1:13 & 20, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 3:14, Philippians 4:21, Colossians 1:2 & 27-28, Colossians 2:5-11, Colossians 3:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:14, 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Timothy 1:14- 16, 2 Timothy 1:9-13, 2 Timothy 2:1 & 10, 2 Timothy 3:12-15, Philemon 1:6, Hebrews 13:21, 1 Peter 3:16, 2 Peter 1:8, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 John 5:20, 2 John 1:9, Jude 1:1 & 21.

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