Christ has been raised from the dead, as the firstfruits of those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:20)
Konrad Adenauer, former chancellor of West Germany, said, “If Jesus Christ lives, then the world has hope. Otherwise, I cannot see a ray of hope for the world.” Then he added, “I believe the resurrection of Christ is one of the most valid historical facts.”
The resurrection of Christ and our resurrection are one. Such is Paul's thinking in 1 Corinthians 15. And if Christ has not risen from the grave, what is left? Empty teaching (verse 14), false testimony (verse 15), vain faith (verse 17), unforgivable sin (verse 17), the absence of life after death (verse 18), and the absence of hope (verse 19).
However, Christ did rise from the grave. Paul confirms the evidence of His resurrection in verses 1-11. He mentions a list of trusted witnesses who witnessed the resurrection of the Lord: Peter (verse 5), 500 people (verse 6), all the disciples (verse 7), and Paul himself (verse 8).
As the Greek philosopher Socrates lay dying, his friends asked, "Will we ever live again?" He could only reply, "I hope so." On the other hand, the night before writer and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh was beheaded, he wrote in his Bible, “From this earth, this grave, this dust, my God will raise me up.”
If we believe in Christ as Savior, we will not say, "I hope so" about our resurrection. The Resurrection of Christ gives us sure hope --Dennis De Haan
CHRIST'S RESURRECTION IS A GUARANTEE
FOR OUR OWN RESURRECTION
FOR OUR OWN RESURRECTION
*) Take from Daily Meditation