it is finished

It is FinishedIt is Finished1 Cor 1 Cor

15:12-1915:12-19

It isIt isFinishedFinished

It is FinishedIt is Finished

Churchill rightly believed that a resurrection of Churchill rightly believed that a resurrection of life awaits the righteous.life awaits the righteous.



““The trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised The trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Cor 15:52-54, ESV).victory’” (1 Cor 15:52-54, ESV).



““The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:16-17, ESV).always be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:16-17, ESV).



But, what if that’s not the But, what if that’s not the case?case?



But, what if that’s not the But, what if that’s not the case?case?

What if when we die, it is best to What if when we die, it is best to declare, “It is finished”?declare, “It is finished”?



““When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (Jn 19:30, ESV).up his spirit” (Jn 19:30, ESV).



““When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (Jn 19:30, ESV).up his spirit” (Jn 19:30, ESV).• We have always understood Jesus to be saying We have always understood Jesus to be saying

that he has finished the Father’s work.that he has finished the Father’s work.



““When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (Jn 19:30, ESV).up his spirit” (Jn 19:30, ESV).• We have always understood Jesus to be saying We have always understood Jesus to be saying

that he has finished the Father’s work.that he has finished the Father’s work.• But, what if he meant that his life was over But, what if he meant that his life was over

FOREVER?FOREVER?



Some of the Corinthians seem to have believed Some of the Corinthians seem to have believed that.that.



Some of the Corinthians seem to have believed Some of the Corinthians seem to have believed that.that.• ““How can some of you say that there is no How can some of you say that there is no

resurrection of the dead?” (1 Cor 15:12, ESV).resurrection of the dead?” (1 Cor 15:12, ESV).



Some of the Corinthians seem to have believed Some of the Corinthians seem to have believed that.that.• ““How can some of you say that there is no How can some of you say that there is no

resurrection of the dead?” (1 Cor 15:12, ESV).resurrection of the dead?” (1 Cor 15:12, ESV).• In this text, Paul says, “Okay. Let’s imagine such a In this text, Paul says, “Okay. Let’s imagine such a

world.”world.”



Let’s go to a fantasy world Let’s go to a fantasy world where Jesus is still dead.where Jesus is still dead.



Let’s go to a fantasy world Let’s go to a fantasy world where Jesus is still dead.where Jesus is still dead.

Let’s go to his Let’s go to his OCCUPIED OCCUPIED tomb.tomb.



What would such a world be What would such a world be like?like?



We would PUTREFY.We would PUTREFY. Our faith would be POINTLESS.Our faith would be POINTLESS. The apostles would be PERJURERS.The apostles would be PERJURERS. We would be PERVERSE.We would be PERVERSE. The dead would have PERISHED.The dead would have PERISHED. We would be PITIFUL.We would be PITIFUL.



We would PUTREFYWe would PUTREFY

vv 12-13vv 12-13



““Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised” (vv 12-13, ESV).has been raised” (vv 12-13, ESV).



For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down nicely.nicely.



For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down nicely:nicely:• Either Jesus has been raised, signaling the Either Jesus has been raised, signaling the

resurrection of ALL the dead.resurrection of ALL the dead.



For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down nicely:nicely:• Either Jesus has been raised, signaling the Either Jesus has been raised, signaling the

resurrection of ALL the dead; orresurrection of ALL the dead; or• Jesus has not been raised, signaling that NONE of Jesus has not been raised, signaling that NONE of

the dead would be resurrected.the dead would be resurrected.



For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down nicely:nicely:

It was either one way or the other.It was either one way or the other.



For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down For Paul, the issue of the resurrection boils down nicely:nicely:

It was either one way or the other—You could not It was either one way or the other—You could not say that Jesus was resurrected but that there say that Jesus was resurrected but that there would be no final resurrection.would be no final resurrection.



But, some of the Corinthians were saying that But, some of the Corinthians were saying that the dead would not be raised.the dead would not be raised.



But, some of the Corinthians were saying that But, some of the Corinthians were saying that the dead would not be raised.the dead would not be raised.• Most Palestinian Jews accepted the final Most Palestinian Jews accepted the final

resurrection.resurrection.



But, some of the Corinthians were saying that But, some of the Corinthians were saying that the dead would not be raised.the dead would not be raised.• Most Palestinian Jews accepted the final Most Palestinian Jews accepted the final

resurrection.resurrection.• ““Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth

shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan 12:2, ESV).shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan 12:2, ESV).




The Sadducees “say that there is no The Sadducees “say that there is no resurrection” (Mk 12:28, ESV).resurrection” (Mk 12:28, ESV).





Jews influenced by Gr philosophy also denied the Jews influenced by Gr philosophy also denied the resurrection.resurrection.





Jews influenced by Gr philosophy also denied the Jews influenced by Gr philosophy also denied the resurrection.resurrection.• It seems that the Corinthians would fall into this It seems that the Corinthians would fall into this

category.category.





Jews influenced by Gr philosophy also denied the Jews influenced by Gr philosophy also denied the resurrection.resurrection.• The Corinthians.The Corinthians.• Paul spends the 1Paul spends the 1stst 3 chapters arguing against Gr 3 chapters arguing against Gr

philosophy.philosophy.



The Corinthians wanted Jesus’ resurrection as a The Corinthians wanted Jesus’ resurrection as a bedrock of their faith, while they denied the final bedrock of their faith, while they denied the final resurrection.resurrection.



The Corinthians wanted Jesus’ resurrection as a The Corinthians wanted Jesus’ resurrection as a bedrock of their faith, while they denied the final bedrock of their faith, while they denied the final resurrection.resurrection.• It cannot be both ways!It cannot be both ways!



The Corinthians wanted Jesus’ resurrection as a The Corinthians wanted Jesus’ resurrection as a bedrock of their faith, while they denied the final bedrock of their faith, while they denied the final resurrection.resurrection.• It cannot be both ways!It cannot be both ways!• If Jesus is dead, it is finished!If Jesus is dead, it is finished!



If Jesus is dead, our bodies will putrefy, rot.If Jesus is dead, our bodies will putrefy, rot.



If Jesus is dead, our bodies will putrefy, rot.If Jesus is dead, our bodies will putrefy, rot.• Sure, they are going to rot.Sure, they are going to rot.



If Jesus is dead, our bodies will putrefy, rot.If Jesus is dead, our bodies will putrefy, rot.• Sure, they are going to rot.Sure, they are going to rot.• But, they shall also be raised.But, they shall also be raised.




““What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable” What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable” (1 Cor 15:42, ESV).(1 Cor 15:42, ESV).




““What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable” What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable” (1 Cor 15:42, ESV).(1 Cor 15:42, ESV).

Our bodies shall be raised to a state where they cannot Our bodies shall be raised to a state where they cannot decompose!decompose!



But, that’s only if “It is NOT But, that’s only if “It is NOT Finished”!Finished”!



Our Faith would be Our Faith would be POINTLESSPOINTLESS

v 14v 14



““And if Christ has not been raised, then our And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (v preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (v 14, ESV).14, ESV).



If Jesus is dead, the apostles’ preaching is vain.If Jesus is dead, the apostles’ preaching is vain.



If Jesus is dead, the apostles’ preaching is vain.If Jesus is dead, the apostles’ preaching is vain.• The thrust of that preaching was the resurrection The thrust of that preaching was the resurrection

of Jesus Christ.of Jesus Christ.




of Jesus Christ: God “has fixed a day on which he of Jesus Christ: God “has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31, ESV).(Acts 17:31, ESV).




of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31).of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31).• ““Vain” means “empty.”Vain” means “empty.”




of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31).of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31).• ““Vain” means “empty.” The idea is that without Vain” means “empty.” The idea is that without

the resurrection of Jesus, the apostles’ preaching is the resurrection of Jesus, the apostles’ preaching is pointless or useless.pointless or useless.




of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31).of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31).• ““Vain” means “empty.”Vain” means “empty.”• Why did Paul proclaim the resurrection at the Why did Paul proclaim the resurrection at the

Areopagus if Jesus is still dead?Areopagus if Jesus is still dead?





Areopagus if Jesus is still dead?Areopagus if Jesus is still dead? ““Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead,

some mocked” (Acts 17:32, ESV).some mocked” (Acts 17:32, ESV).





Areopagus if Jesus is still dead?Areopagus if Jesus is still dead? Acts 17:31.Acts 17:31. It was pointless for Paul to endure that if Jesus is still dead!It was pointless for Paul to endure that if Jesus is still dead!



If Jesus is dead, our faith is pointless.If Jesus is dead, our faith is pointless.



If Jesus is dead, our faith is pointless.If Jesus is dead, our faith is pointless.• It makes perfect sense for Paul to lump faith & It makes perfect sense for Paul to lump faith &

preaching together.preaching together.




preaching together. “Faith comes from hearing, preaching together. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rm and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rm 10:17, ESV).10:17, ESV).




preaching together. “Faith comes from hearing, preaching together. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rm and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rm 10:17, ESV).10:17, ESV).

• But, if Jesus is dead, that faith is pointless!But, if Jesus is dead, that faith is pointless!



Let those words sink in!Let those words sink in!



Let those words sink in!Let those words sink in!

What a dark world What a dark world IF IF “It is “It is Finished”!Finished”!



If “It is Finished,” the If “It is Finished,” the Apostles are PERJURERSApostles are PERJURERS

v 15v 15



““We are even found to be misrepresenting God, We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised” (v 15, ESV).dead are not raised” (v 15, ESV).



If Jesus is still in his tomb, the apostles were the If Jesus is still in his tomb, the apostles were the biggest liars the world has ever seen!biggest liars the world has ever seen!



If Jesus is still in his tomb, the apostles were the If Jesus is still in his tomb, the apostles were the biggest liars the world has ever seen!biggest liars the world has ever seen!

They testified that God had raised Jesus from the They testified that God had raised Jesus from the dead.dead.



Why did the apostles go Why did the apostles go throughout the world throughout the world

declaring the resurrection of declaring the resurrection of Jesus?Jesus?



The apostles saw Jesus after his resurrection.The apostles saw Jesus after his resurrection.



The apostles saw Jesus after his resurrection.The apostles saw Jesus after his resurrection.• Paul: “Last of all, as to one untimely born, he Paul: “Last of all, as to one untimely born, he

appeared also to me” (v 8, ESV).appeared also to me” (v 8, ESV).



The apostles saw Jesus after his resurrection.The apostles saw Jesus after his resurrection.• Paul: “Last of all, as to one untimely born, he Paul: “Last of all, as to one untimely born, he

appeared also to me” (v 8, ESV).appeared also to me” (v 8, ESV).• Why would an educated person go from being a Why would an educated person go from being a

persecutor of the church to being persecuted in persecutor of the church to being persecuted in the church if he had not seen Jesus alive after the the church if he had not seen Jesus alive after the his resurrection?his resurrection?



If Jesus is dead, we have believed the biggest If Jesus is dead, we have believed the biggest FRAUD in human history!FRAUD in human history!



If Jesus is dead, we have believed the biggest If Jesus is dead, we have believed the biggest FRAUD in human history!FRAUD in human history!• The apostles taught us not to lie.The apostles taught us not to lie.



If Jesus is dead, we have believed the biggest If Jesus is dead, we have believed the biggest FRAUD in human history!FRAUD in human history!• The apostles taught us not to lie.The apostles taught us not to lie.• ““Having put away falsehood, let each one of you Having put away falsehood, let each one of you

speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (Eph 4:25, ESV).members of one another” (Eph 4:25, ESV).



If “It is Finished,” the If “It is Finished,” the APOSTLESAPOSTLES needed to put needed to put

away falsehood!away falsehood!



If it is Finished, We are If it is Finished, We are PERVERSEPERVERSE

v 17v 17



““If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (v 17, ESV).and you are still in your sins” (v 17, ESV).



““If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (v 17, ESV).and you are still in your sins” (v 17, ESV).

If Jesus is rotting in Jerusalem, we are perverse, If Jesus is rotting in Jerusalem, we are perverse, i.e., we still bear our sins!i.e., we still bear our sins!



Jesus’ resurrection—as well Jesus’ resurrection—as well as his blood—was necessary as his blood—was necessary

to cleanse us from sin!to cleanse us from sin!



We are cleansed by Jesus’ blood.We are cleansed by Jesus’ blood.



We are cleansed by Jesus’ blood.We are cleansed by Jesus’ blood. ““In him we have redemption In him we have redemption through his bloodthrough his blood, ,

according to the riches of his grace” (Eph 1:7, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph 1:7, ESV).ESV).



Jesus’ resurrection—as well Jesus’ resurrection—as well as his blood—was necessary as his blood—was necessary

to cleanse us from sin!to cleanse us from sin!

How is his resurrection necessary How is his resurrection necessary for my salvation?for my salvation?



Without the resurrection, Jesus is a fraud!Without the resurrection, Jesus is a fraud!



Without the resurrection, Jesus is a fraud!Without the resurrection, Jesus is a fraud!• ““From that time Jesus began to show his disciples From that time Jesus began to show his disciples

that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be third day be raisedraised” (Mt 16:21, ESV).” (Mt 16:21, ESV).



Without the resurrection, Jesus is a fraud!Without the resurrection, Jesus is a fraud!• ““From that time Jesus began to show his disciples From that time Jesus began to show his disciples

that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be third day be raisedraised” (Mt 16:21, ESV).” (Mt 16:21, ESV).

• If Jesus was not raised on the third day, he was a If Jesus was not raised on the third day, he was a liar & he could not have been the perfect sacrifice liar & he could not have been the perfect sacrifice for sin!for sin!



Without the resurrection, Jesus is a fraud!Without the resurrection, Jesus is a fraud! Without the resurrection, Jesus is not the Son of Without the resurrection, Jesus is not the Son of

God!God!




God!God!• Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power

according to the Spirit of holiness by his according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead” (Rm 1:4, ESV).resurrection from the dead” (Rm 1:4, ESV).




God!God!• Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power

according to the Spirit of holiness by his according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead” (Rm 1:4, ESV).resurrection from the dead” (Rm 1:4, ESV).

• If he was not resurrection, Jesus is If he was not resurrection, Jesus is NOTNOT the Son of the Son of God whom we believe & whom we confess.God whom we believe & whom we confess.



What would a world without What would a world without forgiveness be like?forgiveness be like?



We would still bear our guilt.We would still bear our guilt.



We would still bear our guilt.We would still bear our guilt.• ““When I kept silent, my bones wasted away When I kept silent, my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long. For day and through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer” (Ps 32:3-was dried up as by the heat of summer” (Ps 32:3-4, ESV).4, ESV).



We would still bear our guilt.We would still bear our guilt.• ““When I kept silent, my bones wasted away When I kept silent, my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long. For day and through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer” (Ps 32:3-was dried up as by the heat of summer” (Ps 32:3-4, ESV).4, ESV).

• If Jesus is still dead, we have absolutely no way to If Jesus is still dead, we have absolutely no way to have that guilt removed.have that guilt removed.



We would still bear our guilt.We would still bear our guilt. How many of us have needed forgiveness from How many of us have needed forgiveness from

family & friends?family & friends?




family & friends?family & friends?• We learn to forgive by being forgiven by God.We learn to forgive by being forgiven by God.




family & friends?family & friends?• We learn to forgive by being forgiven by God.We learn to forgive by being forgiven by God.• ““Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving

one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:32, ESV).4:32, ESV).



What a horrible world What a horrible world IF IF “It is “It is Finished”!Finished”!



If “It is Finished,” the Dead If “It is Finished,” the Dead have PERISHEDhave PERISHED

v 18v 18



““Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (v 18, ESV).have perished” (v 18, ESV).



““Perished” obviously doesn’t refer to physical Perished” obviously doesn’t refer to physical death, for Paul is speaking of the “dead in death, for Paul is speaking of the “dead in Christ.”Christ.”



““Perished” obviously doesn’t refer to physical Perished” obviously doesn’t refer to physical death, for Paul is speaking of the “dead in death, for Paul is speaking of the “dead in Christ.”Christ.”• The Gr term refers to killing.The Gr term refers to killing.



““Perished” obviously doesn’t refer to physical Perished” obviously doesn’t refer to physical death, for Paul is speaking of the “dead in death, for Paul is speaking of the “dead in Christ.”Christ.”• The Gr term refers to killing. The king then” sent The Gr term refers to killing. The king then” sent

his troops and destroyed [same word] those his troops and destroyed [same word] those murderers and burned their city” (Mt 22:7, ESV).murderers and burned their city” (Mt 22:7, ESV).





• The term also refers to eternal damnation.The term also refers to eternal damnation.





• The term also refers to eternal damnation.The term also refers to eternal damnation. ““Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the

soul. Rather fear him who can destroy [same word] both soul. Rather fear him who can destroy [same word] both soul and body in hell” (Mt 10:28, ESV).soul and body in hell” (Mt 10:28, ESV).





• The term also refers to eternal damnation.The term also refers to eternal damnation. ““Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the

soul. Rather fear him who can destroy [same word] both soul. Rather fear him who can destroy [same word] both soul and body in hell” (Mt 10:28, ESV).soul and body in hell” (Mt 10:28, ESV).

““The heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for The heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction [same word] of the ungodly” (2 Pt 3:7, ESV).[same word] of the ungodly” (2 Pt 3:7, ESV).



IF IF “It is Finished,” the dead “It is Finished,” the dead in Christ are in torment in Christ are in torment

awaiting an eternal hell!awaiting an eternal hell!



IF IF “It is Finished,” the dead “It is Finished,” the dead in Christ are in torment in Christ are in torment

awaiting an eternal hell!awaiting an eternal hell!

They have to be in torment, for if “It They have to be in torment, for if “It is Finished,” they died in sin.is Finished,” they died in sin.



Sin leads to hell.Sin leads to hell.



Sin leads to hell.Sin leads to hell.• ““The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God

is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rm 6:23, is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rm 6:23, ESV).ESV).





• ““Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (Js 5:20, ESV).and will cover a multitude of sins” (Js 5:20, ESV).





• ““Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (Js 5:20, ESV).and will cover a multitude of sins” (Js 5:20, ESV).

• ““As for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, As for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Rv 21:8, ESV).second death” (Rv 21:8, ESV).



Haven’t we all found comfort Haven’t we all found comfort in the death of a Christian in the death of a Christian loved one by knowing that loved one by knowing that

death has been conquered?death has been conquered?



If “It is Finished,” there is If “It is Finished,” there is NO NO HOPE!!!!!!HOPE!!!!!!



If “It is Finished,” there is If “It is Finished,” there is NO NO HOPE!!!!!!HOPE!!!!!!

In such a world, Mammaw is in In such a world, Mammaw is in torment awaiting eternal hell without torment awaiting eternal hell without

hope!hope!



If “It is Finished,” We are If “It is Finished,” We are PITIFULPITIFUL

v 19v 19



““If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (v 19, ESV).of all people most to be pitied” (v 19, ESV).



How many times have we How many times have we heard that if Christianity isn’t heard that if Christianity isn’t

true that we still have a true that we still have a better life than an atheist?better life than an atheist?



How many times have we How many times have we heard that if Christianity isn’t heard that if Christianity isn’t

true that we still have a true that we still have a better life than an atheist?better life than an atheist?

Paul says, “Paul says, “NO!!NO!!””



Why should we be pitied if Why should we be pitied if we only have hope in this we only have hope in this

life?life?



Because we haven’t lived “the good life.”Because we haven’t lived “the good life.”



Because we haven’t lived “the good life.”Because we haven’t lived “the good life.”• If Jesus is still dead, we need to be concerned with If Jesus is still dead, we need to be concerned with

pleasure & riches.pleasure & riches.



Because we haven’t lived “the good life.”Because we haven’t lived “the good life.”• If Jesus is still dead, we need to be concerned with If Jesus is still dead, we need to be concerned with

pleasure & riches.pleasure & riches.• ““If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink,

for tomorrow for tomorrow we die’” (1 Cor 15:32, ESV).we die’” (1 Cor 15:32, ESV).



Because we are in for quite a shock when we Because we are in for quite a shock when we die!die!



Because we are in for quite a shock when we Because we are in for quite a shock when we die!die!• We believe that were we to die today, we would go We believe that were we to die today, we would go

to the Paradise of God.to the Paradise of God.




to the Paradise of God.to the Paradise of God. ““My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far

better” (Phil 1:23, ESV).better” (Phil 1:23, ESV).




to the Paradise of God.to the Paradise of God. ““My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far

better” (Phil 1:23, ESV).better” (Phil 1:23, ESV). ““Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your

good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here” (Lk 16:25, ESV).now he is comforted here” (Lk 16:25, ESV).




to the Paradise of God.to the Paradise of God.• But, if Jesus is still dead, we shall go to a terrible But, if Jesus is still dead, we shall go to a terrible

place of torment.place of torment.





place of torment.place of torment. ““It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one

eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mk 9:47-worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mk 9:47-48, ESV).48, ESV).





place of torment.place of torment. ““It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one

eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mk 9:47-worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mk 9:47-48, ESV).48, ESV).

““The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night” (Rv14:11, ESV).they have no rest, day or night” (Rv14:11, ESV).



How much we should be How much we should be pitied!pitied!




The atheist dies knowing he has no The atheist dies knowing he has no hope.hope.




The atheist dies knowing he has no The atheist dies knowing he has no hope.hope.

But, we die believing in hope, but But, we die believing in hope, but there is none there is none if if “It is Finished.”“It is Finished.”



Paul seeks to impress on the Corinthians the Paul seeks to impress on the Corinthians the consequences of what they were saying.consequences of what they were saying.




The good news is that the fantasy world we have The good news is that the fantasy world we have examined this morning does examined this morning does NOT NOT exist.exist.




The good news is that the fantasy world we have The good news is that the fantasy world we have examined this morning does examined this morning does NOT NOT exist.exist.• ““In fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the In fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the

firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v 20, firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v 20, ESV).ESV).



Praise God that Jesus has Praise God that Jesus has been raised from the dead!been raised from the dead!



Therefore:Therefore:

•We shall NOT PUTREFY.We shall NOT PUTREFY.•Our faith is NOT POINTLESS.Our faith is NOT POINTLESS.•The apostles are NOT PERJURERS.The apostles are NOT PERJURERS.•We are NOT PERVERSE.We are NOT PERVERSE.•The dead have NOT PERISHED.The dead have NOT PERISHED.•We are NOT PITIFUL.We are NOT PITIFUL.



Do you have hope this Do you have hope this morning?morning?

it is finished

Spiritual

jesus resurrection

final resurrection

resurrection boils

resurrection mk

resurrection of life

palestinian jews

spirit jn

fantasy world