The Resurrection: Christianity’s Unshakable Foundation

The Resurrection: Christianity’s Unshakable Foundation

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul delivers what is arguably the most important chapter in the New Testament on the resurrection. He reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached — that Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared to many witnesses. This is not abstract theology but the beating heart of the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, Paul says, our faith is worthless. With it, death is defeated, and eternal hope is secured.

A Primary Historical Document

1 Corinthians was written around A.D. 55, just 20–25 years after the crucifixion. When Paul recites the creed in verses 3–7, he is quoting a tradition that likely dates back to the early 30s, within a few years of Jesus’ death. Scholars across the spectrum — even skeptical ones — acknowledge this creed as one of the earliest Christian testimonies.

This makes 1 Corinthians 15 a primary source document for the resurrection, not a later invention.

The Witnesses

Paul names specific witnesses: Peter (Cephas), the Twelve, more than 500 brothers and sisters at once, James, all the apostles, and finally Paul himself. Many of these were still alive at the time of writing, which meant their testimony could be verified. Christianity did not rest on private visions but on public appearances of the risen Christ.

Uniqueness to Christianity

Other religions may offer moral codes, philosophies, or spiritual experiences, but only Christianity stakes its entire existence on a historical resurrection. Paul makes the claim boldly: “If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.” (1 Cor. 15:17, NLT).

No other faith makes its truth claims so dependent on a verifiable event in history. The resurrection is not an optional belief — it is the foundation of the gospel itself.

The Importance of the Resurrection

1. Validation of Jesus’ identity: Declares Him Son of God in power (Rom. 1:4).

2. Victory over sin and death: Death is swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:54).

3. Guarantee of future resurrection: Christ is the “firstfruits” of those who have died (15:20).

4. Motivation for endurance: Because the resurrection is true, our labor in the Lord is never in vain (15:58).

Application

The resurrection calls believers to confidence and hope. It assures us that death does not have the last word. It anchors our faith not in emotion or myth, but in history and the power of God. It challenges us to live with eternal perspective, knowing that our work for Christ carries into the life to come.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 15 stands as one of the most important chapters in Scripture and one of the strongest evidences for Christianity. It preserves the earliest creed, names living witnesses, and insists that everything hangs on the resurrection. Without it, Christianity collapses. With it, we have unshakable hope: Christ is risen, and because He lives, we too shall rise.

“But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.” (1 Cor. 15:20, NLT)