But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
(1 Cor 15:12-14, NIV)
Every single morning on my drive into work, I pass by two rather large cemeteries. On one side of the road, the expansive acreage reveals the tombstones and epitaphs of people who are now on the other side of eternity. Next to that cemetery is a large retirement community of those who have already lived the majority of their lives. I always thought it was a strange juxtaposition to have that community overlooking the two cemeteries. As I drive past, it’s pretty typical to see funerals being conducted in various areas of the grounds. I often see other loved ones coming back to the graves of their departed friends and family members, usually leaving a wreath, flowers, or something that they would have loved. I tell you all of this not to be dark, macabre, or insensitive, but to share that God has brought me a new perspective with this daily drive.
You see, many of us live very “comfortable” lives where we are numbed out, distracted, and engaging in pursuits that have no eternal value. It is easy for us to live in the day-to-day moments of our lives without considering or reflecting on our identity in Christ and our ultimate destination. The Apostle Peter expresses this idea in 2 Peter 1:9, describing that we can become “nearsighted and blind” when we forget who we are and where we are going. The Church at Corinth had forgotten and been bamboozled about who they were and where they were going, which led to Paul writing to them and ending with an important reminder in chapter 15.
The Corinthians had gotten caught up in the blunder of their world with questions about spiritual giftings, idolatry, marriage, sexual immorality, and living with one another in love despite their differences. Their issues began to consume them, incite divisions, rile questions, and cause them to lose focus of what Paul had tried to express before. Paul had only been a few years removed from them when he had to pen this letter of correction to them. After addressing most of their issues and specific quarrels earlier in 1 Corinthians, he ends with a powerful explanation of the resurrection of Christ and our future resurrection in Him. Why?
Paul saw that at the center of all their exploits and divisions, they had forgotten the simple and powerful story of the gospel. He wanted them to see their issues and questions through the lens of the gospel, which is the cause he most labored for, by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10). He powerfully and bluntly construes that if the resurrection of Christ is merely a myth, then our faith and his preaching is useless (1 Corinthians 15:14).
The foundation of our faith in Christ is that He really is who He says He is, He really did rise from the dead, defeating sin and death, and now we live in the reality that He offers us an eternal kingdom as His Father’s sons and daughters. If none of that is true, then we live in a world that is quite hopeless and meaningless. Paul goes on to write that if Christ’s resurrection is false, then “we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:19). But, we know that the gospel is true, which means we do have a Hope that is beyond this world. In light of that Hope, we have an identity as a son or daughter of the King, and we have a place being prepared for us by the King Himself (John 14:3). We know who we are in Christ and where we are going after we have “fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). This is life-altering news for us as to how we should live and think every day!
Paul David Tripp in his devotional, New Morning Mercies, writes: “When you forget eternity, you tend to lose sight of what’s important.” I began this blog post by sharing how I have felt about my seemingly somber views on the way into work. What I have come to realize is that God grants me a daily reminder about who I am, what is important, and where I am going. I know that my time is short and life is but a vapor on this earth, and I long to bring the gospel to all who have ears to hear.
My drivetime view brings me face-to-face with the reality that one day I will die. I will leave this earth the way I came, with nothing but my nakedness and returning to dust. Yet, there will be no sadness or grief. No more pain or sickness, nor death or mourning. I will be with God, and He will be with me forever as my God.
Paul’s preaching to us was not in vain, and our faith is based on the gospel truth. I pray that today you reflect and remember who you are in Christ, what is truly important, and where you are going.
Meet the Author!
Hi, I’m Kaitlin! I’m a biblical counselor with Grace Upon Grace Biblical Counseling. I hold a Master of Applied Theology with an emphasis in biblical counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. My passion is helping people discover how the gospel brings true hope and transformation to everyday life. I’m an ordinary, book-loving, sushi-eating, dog-petting gal, deeply changed by an extraordinary Savior. I cherish time with my husband and family, and I’m endlessly grateful for God’s grace, His Word, and my King Jesus.