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What should Christians believe about hope beyond the grave? There are many different perspectives in our culture, but what do the Scriptures have to say? Let's find out.

Last week we saw the significance of our Resurrected King. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then Jesus or his disciples were LIARS.

The Resurrection - A Big Fat Lie?

1 Corinthians 15:14–19 (CSB) and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. 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...And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.

But…if He rose from the dead, then we can trust what He said.

Many Saw the Risen Jesus 

1 Corinthians 15:5–8 (CSB) and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then He appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, He also appeared to me.

Because He Lives…

1 Corinthians 15:20–23 (CSB) But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, those who belong to Christ.

What in the world is THAT about? This is taught NOWHERE in all of Scripture. So why does Paul write about it?

Paul is not commanding baptism of the dead - whatever that meant to the Corinthians - nor is he condemning this Corinthian practice here in this text (he might have addressed this at another time). Instead, Paul uses this Corinthian tradition to point to this Christian truth - that those who have died have hope beyond the grave.

What’s baptism a picture of? Death, burial, and....RESURRECTION!

If this life is all there is, why would Paul and other Christians do things that put them in danger to face death every day? Paul writes about this in other places and focuses on our hope beyond the grave.

If this life is all there is, and the dead are not raised, then we should follow the ancient slogan (and current worldview for many) - Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. (Is 22:13; Ecc 2:24) 

Paul is likely quoting this line from a play which is now lost to time (Thais by Menander). This quote is exactly what has been happening to some followers of Jesus who have been deceived by those who don’t believe in the resurrection of the dead - those who live by “Let us eat, drink, for tomorrow we die”. Their bad company has corrupted the good morals of Christians. * Spending much time with those who BELIEVE and BEHAVE wrongly will impact our morals and limit our influence to others.

Christians must wake up from the deception and come to their senses. Christians who live with HOPE beyond the grave also know there is JUDGEMENT beyond the grave.Christians are to live like Jesus has risen and is returning, and then to influence the people who are ignorant about God, rather than becoming like them.

Paul now borrows from Genesis 1-2 to show how God created the heavens and the earth, all the plants, animals, and humans. Paul is using an illustration that farmers understand.

When you plant/sow a seed, you plant something in the ground, that will eventually live and grow again. The dormant seed does not have the same body as the plant that rises out of the ground.

Paul moves from earthly bodies of people & animals to heavenly bodies - what people see in the ‘heavens’ - (what we would call “space”).

The body that is raised is going to be different - real & touchable - yet no longer dying, without honor, & weak - like sinful Adam; but raised, glorified, & powerful - like sinless Jesus.  

When Jesus physically raised from the dead, the apostles feared they were seeing a ghost. Jesus told them,

Luke 24:39–43 (CSB) Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.

Jesus had a physical body that could be recognized & touched. He could eat…yet…He could no longer die. Similar, but different. In this way, we will be transformed into the image of Jesus, the Man of heaven - able to touch and be touched, able to eat, but…no longer able to die. (And there’s more.)

Followers of Jesus who have died will be raised to live forever; those who are still alive when Jesus returns will be changed to be like the risen Jesus! John, the apostle of Jesus (who SAW Jesus ascend into heaven, and who heard the angels declare that Jesus would return the same way - Acts 1:11), writes about what will happen in that moment.

Paul wrote that we will know Him fully when we are “face to face.” (1 Cor 13:12) As we look forward to that moment, we must BE LIVING like Jesus is RETURNING, living pure. What a moment that will be - when the followers of Jesus will be reunited with one another and with our King (also see 1 Thes 4:13-18)!

When the stinger is removed, there will be NO MORE FEAR! And this is exactly what will happen on that day. The stinger of death that comes from sin will be removed! No more sin = no more death!

Your faithfulness to Jesus & your work for Jesus is not empty; it is not wasted. 

Why end with this warning? Sometimes it’s not until we stare death in the face that we consider the Christian claims about eternity.

• Are you safe in the arms of Jesus? Is He King over your life? If not, or if you have questions CONTACT US.

discussionquestions

Take some time to discuss these questions with your family, friends, or group.

1. What challenged or encouraged you most from today’s teaching? You might need to look back in your notes to help explain your answer.
2. Read 1 Cor 15:45-54. How are future transformed bodies of believers likely to be similar & different from earthly bodies? Spend some time talking about what life without sin & sin nature will be like.
3. Read Revelation 20:11-21:8. How does this picture of future hope and future judgement comfort you and concern you for yourself/others?
4. How can a Christian grieve for someone’s death while still holding on to the hope of resurrection?
5. Read 1 Cor 15:58. Discuss how believing in the future resurrection & the return of Jesus should impact how we live on earth. In what areas are you struggling to stand firm (steadfast & immovable)? Why should Christians be encouraged to know that what we do for Jesus is not done in vain (not a waste)?
6. What specific areas do YOU need to commit to do the work of the Lord?  
7. What other questions has this teaching or discussion prompted for us to talk about?
8. Share prayer needs and pray for one another.