I Corinthians 15:1-34

The main question that Paul answered in I Corinthians 15 is that of the resurrection. In verses 1-11 he prefaces his answer with a reminder of  the Good News - what he proclaimed; what they received; "on which [they had] taken [their] stand" - all that their faith was based on - "provided you keep holding fast to the message".  The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul reminds them, is this: "the Messiah died for our sins, in accordance with the [Scriptures]; and he was buried and he was raised on the third day, in accordance with the [Scriptures]. " And He was seen by Peter and the apostles and 500 more.. and Paul himself.  "... this is what we proclaim, and this is what you believed." 

And based on this - on the full Gospel of Jesus Christ - they needed to know without doubt - that the resurrection is real!  Paul argues that:

If Jesus was raised from the dead, then resurrection is possible.

If resurrection is impossible, then Jesus couldn't have been raised.

If Jesus wasn't raised, then none of us could be saved. 

If we can't be saved, then faith is useless and we are all still in sin. 

But, Jesus was raised! Hallelujah!

He is the "first fruits" and we will be the rest of the harvest!  Hallelujah!

Not only that, but Jesus will "put an end to every rulership, yes, to every authority and power" Hallelujah!

"The last enemy to be done away with will be death."

Everything will be put in "subjection under His feet." Hallelujah!

"Now when everything has been subjected to the Son,  then He will subject himself to God, who subjected everything to him; so that God may be everything in everyone." ( v28) 

This is God's plan and His promise!

Father in heaven, Holy and Mighty, Infinite and All wise, we hallow Your Name.  Let all the earth exalt thy holy Name!  O the depth of Your mercy and love.  Thank You for sending Jesus Christ the Messiah to die for our sins, to be buried, and then to be raised from the dead!  A glorious resurrection awaits all of us who believe and hold fast to this message of Good News!  We long for the day that all things will be subjected to the Son forever and ever.  May we be ready! Keep us clinging to these truths and to our Rock, Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen.