What If?

WHAT IF? (1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-28)

During a neighborhood party, Joe got into an argument with his neighbor, about presidential politics. Finally, the neighbor asked why Joe was such a dedicated Republican.

Joe told him that his father and grandfather were both Republicans and he was carrying on the family tradition.

“That's it?” said the exasperated neighbor. “What if your father and grandfather had been horse thieves?”

“Well...” Joe replied, “I suppose then I'd be a Democrat like you.”

There are more “ifs” in 1 Corinthians 15 than any chapter in the Bible – 12, to be exact (1 Cor 15:2, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 29, 32, 32, 37, 44). The critics and atheists got it wrong with Christianity. Most of their debates with Christians and the attacks against Christianity center on whether there is a God. In truth, Christianity does not fall and rise with the existence of God; it does with the resurrection. The resurrection is implicit in the Old Testament but central to the New Testament.

Why is Christianity and not Judaism the staunchest defender of this teaching? What is so unique about the resurrection? What is the evidence for the resurrection? How does it change history and impact your life?

The Resurrection is Supported by Testimony

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. (1 Cor 15:3-10)

A defendant was on trial for murder. There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In the defense's closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all,” the lawyer said as he looked at his watch. “Within one minute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom.” He looked toward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked on eagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened.

Finally the lawyer said, “Actually, I made up the previous statement. But, you all looked on with anticipation. I therefore put to you that you have a reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict of not guilty.” The jury, clearly confused, retired to deliberate. A few minutes later, the jury returned and pronounced a verdict of guilty. “But how?” inquired the lawyer. “You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door.” The jury foreman replied, “Oh, we looked, but your client didn't.”

The resurrection is not only a hard story to make up; it is virtually impossible -psychologically, morally and emotionally. One would have to continuously be in a state of self-denial, speak with conviction on an unknown or uncertain subject and, more importantly, act as if it is the gospel truth.

The evidence of the resurrection includes scriptural evidence, physical witnesses and spiritual transformation. Paul states that the belief, evidence and the testimony in the resurrection are rock solid because Jesus appeared to the apostles and more than 500 believers who were still alive at the time of writing (v 5) and also to him. However, Paul’s argument is not on the appearances Jesus made, but the difference it makes. He testifies to the transformation that took place in his life. Before he persecuted the church (v 7); now he labored for Christ – not only that; he worked harder than before and harder than all (v 10). The mighty Paul did not speak out of pride, but out of humility; he calls himself the “least of the apostles” (v 9). The word “labor” does not merely mean “work,” but “work hard,” being weary and feeling fatigue from hard work, toil and labor.

Christianity could hardly make an impact around the world if believers such as Paul did not see or feel the power of the resurrection working in their hearts and lives, but were just sorry that they have betrayed Jesus or persecuted the church. They would have lived their lives a little short of Judas’ ending – not hanging themselves, but not hanging their heads high either. Losers and liars could not go out to face the critics and the lions without the courage, the joy and the peace that Jesus’ resurrection brings; instead, they would experience the cloud of depression, the sense of failure and the meaninglessness of life brought by Jesus’ death, except for the resurrection’s transforming power.