If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. – 1 Corinthians 15:19
There were some within the ancient Church at Corinth who doubted the physical resurrection of Christ. Paul, in his letter to them, established the necessity of this vital doctrine. If there was no resurrection of the body, then Christ Himself was not raised from the dead, and if Christ Himself was not raised, then neither can we be. Of course, if we are not going to be resurrected, then we have no hope.
A certain hope is a foundational truth of the abundant life in Christ. To live in constant fear of death is not truly “living.” For the one who believes in Christ, there is no death sentence. Death is simply the means to a glorious eternity with the Savior. This corruptible body must die in order for the incorruptible, glorified body to reign with Christ, in whom the “sting” of death is removed, and the encouraging truth of the old hymn is revealed.
Because He lives, we can face tomorrow, for such a life, His life, truly is worth the living.
He alone can believe in immortality who feels the resurrection in him already. – Frederick W. Robertson
