Fundamental Teaching

Resurrection from death is a fundamental teaching of the Gospel. Indeed, that’s “good news.” Therefore, that is HOPE. Our end is not found in our tomb! There is life, life eternal. If the Christian doctrine would bring people hope only for this life, then Christians would be the most pitiable people in the world, but there is more. 1 Corinthians 15:19. Paul is convinced: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54,55.  Christ said: “For the hour is coming, in which all that are in graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” John 5:26-29. Christ Himself gave us an example of resurrection.

Hence, God’s new world will be established with those who are worthy of life eternal, those who obeyed Him in this life.

Witnessed

First, the apostles testified about Jesus’ resurrection. Second, then He appeared to about 500 brethren at one time; after this He was seen of James. Finally, the resurrected Christ was seen by Paul. 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. Therefore, all these men were witnessed of the Lord’s resurrection. John, Peter, Paul, and so on took the resurrection as an historical fact. They were eyewitnesses of His resurrection Romans 1:4. Additionally, Thomas was a witness to the resurrection. John 20:26-29. And, Paul said that is a resurrection which he was preaching. 1 Corinthians 15:13-16.

Doubt and Deception

Some people say it is impossible that a dead person may live again. The problem is a purely materialistic viewpoint of the world. Jesus asked a question on this subject: “A grain of corn planted in the ground, it cannot live and produce unless it dies,” Why should it be impossible to give new life to those that died? It was God that created life in the beginning! Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 “be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not.” What Paul meant is that people should think about spiritual things. Therefore, God’s message, the Gospel, brings us the resurrection. Most noteworthy is that the greatest promise of the New Testament is the resurrection from the dead and eternal life.

See also: Identifying the Biblical Church

In Christian Love,
Bill Arnold, Minister
Ridgeway Church of Christ
Harrison, Arkansas