Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 15:29-34. Part 34

If I were to say, ‘the end justifies the means’, most would say you know what that means. But as Paul continues his argument for the bodily resurrection of the redeemed, the argument shifts to ‘the Resurrection justifies the Christian life and hope’ It means, being saved, submitting to believers’ baptism, living a life towards Christ even if it means a loss of your life. The fact of our bodily resurrection justifies all of the incentives towards living a godly life in Christ.

So, that is the main lesson, but Paul delivers it with rhetorical questions of logic:

  1. Why would those who are being saved also be baptized with a view of just death? Baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection.
  2. Why would those who are being saved, ‘dare’ to be baptized when at that time, it meant only one thing, you were a follower and disciple of Christ which was being heavily persecuted?
  3. Why would any one be risking their life on a daily basis for the preaching of the Gospel, if death is the end? (I die daily)

The application and summary of 1 Corinthians 15:29-34
We are left with a simple but searching question: If the dead are not raised, then what are we doing with our lives? If there is no resurrection, then baptism is empty symbolism, suffering is wasted energy and holiness is unnecessary effort. But because Christ is risen, everything changes.
The resurrection means your faith is not in vain. Your sacrifices are not forgotten. Your suffering is not meaningless. Your obedience is not wasted. Every act of courage, every step of holiness, every moment of faithfulness echoes into eternity because Jesus Christ has conquered the grave.

So the question is not, “do you believe in the resurrection?”
The question is, “are you living like you believe it?”