Absolute Proof of bodily resurrection - 1 Cor. 15:12-13

[The Biblicist]

12 ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

This twofold argument by Paul proves the future "resurrection from the dead" is a physical bodily resurrection that is in view in 1 Cor. 15:14-57.

These two verses are the transition verses between the only subject of consideration from verses 1-11 (the physical bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ) and the "resurrection of the dead" (verses 14-56).

In verses 1-11 the personal physical bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the essence of the gospel message (1 Cor. 15:1-5) and is the subject of every apostolic witness (1 Cor. 15:6-8) and is the emphasis of the Pauline calling and ministry (1 Cor. 15:9-11). It is this one and only subject of resurrection that has been treated from verse 1 to verse 11, and it continues to be what Paul is addressing in verses 12-13 by way of transitioning between Christ's personal bodily resurrection and "the resurrection of the dead" which takes up the remainder of the chapter. No one can dispute this honestly or contextually.


Now, what is His argument in verses 12-13? He is using the unquestionable verified bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ to prove the Biblical doctrine of "the resurrection of the dead" - that is his design!

However, if "the resurrection of the dead" had no bearing on the nature and character as presented in the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5) or witnessed by men (1 Cor. 15:6-8) or is the primary emphasis of his gospel calling (1 Cor. 15:9-11) then it is pure stupidity on Paul's part to argue that Christ's resurrection is absolute proof of "the resurrection of the dead" if in fact they are not related or same in kind.

12 ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

Now, note his argument. He first states what is preached in the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5) and what has been witnessed (I Cor. 15:6-8) and what His own ministry declares (1 Cor. 15:9-11) and it is "IF CHRIST BE PREACHED THAT HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD." That truth is the basis, premise and proof upon which CONDEMNS those that "say some among you that there is no resurrection from the dead." The whole validity of his argument is that the very proof he uses refutes their denial of the "resurrection of the dead." If that proof is not evidence for such a "resurrection from the dead" then his argument is silly and absurd.


13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

Paul then addresses their denial of "the resurrection from the dead" as hypothetically true and by deductive reasoning concludes if that is true then it is also true "then is Christ not risen"

The whole premise of both arguments rests entirely on the fact that the physical bodily resurrection of Christ IS exactly what "the resurrection of the dead" consists of - a resurrection of a physically "dead" body as in the case of Christ that is the subject of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5) and has been substantiated by eye witnesses (1 Cor. 15:6-8) and is the crux of his whole preaching ministry (1 Cor. 15:9-11).

Hence, in Paul's mind the bodily resurrection of Christ and "the resurrection from the dead" stand and fall together as they are EQUIVALENT in character. If Christ's physical body did not resurrect from the grave there is no "resurrection from the dead" but if there be "the resurrection of the dead" then Christ's bodily resurrection is the proof of and for it.

 

[The Biblicist]

12 ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

This twofold argument by Paul proves the future "resurrection from the dead" is a physical bodily resurrection that is in view in 1 Cor. 15:14-57.

These two verses are the transition verses between the only subject of consideration from verses 1-11 (the physical bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ) and the "resurrection of the dead" (verses 14-56).

In verses 1-11 the personal physical bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the essence of the gospel message (1 Cor. 15:1-5) and is the subject of every apostolic witness (1 Cor. 15:6-8) and is the emphasis of the Pauline calling and ministry (1 Cor. 15:9-11). It is this one and only subject of resurrection that has been treated from verse 1 to verse 11, and it continues to be what Paul is addressing in verses 12-13 by way of transitioning between Christ's personal bodily resurrection and "the resurrection of the dead" which takes up the remainder of the chapter. No one can dispute this honestly or contextually.


Now, what is His argument in verses 12-13? He is using the unquestionable verified bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ to prove the Biblical doctrine of "the resurrection of the dead" - that is his design!

However, if "the resurrection of the dead" had no bearing on the nature and character as presented in the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5) or witnessed by men (1 Cor. 15:6-8) or is the primary emphasis of his gospel calling (1 Cor. 15:9-11) then it is pure stupidity on Paul's part to argue that Christ's resurrection is absolute proof of "the resurrection of the dead" if in fact they are not related or same in kind.

12 ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

Now, note his argument. He first states what is preached in the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5) and what has been witnessed (I Cor. 15:6-8) and what His own ministry declares (1 Cor. 15:9-11) and it is "IF CHRIST BE PREACHED THAT HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD." That truth is the basis, premise and proof upon which CONDEMNS those that "say some among you that there is no resurrection from the dead." The whole validity of his argument is that the very proof he uses refutes their denial of the "resurrection of the dead." If that proof is not evidence for such a "resurrection from the dead" then his argument is silly and absurd.


13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

Paul then addresses their denial of "the resurrection from the dead" as hypothetically true and by deductive reasoning concludes if that is true then it is also true "then is Christ not risen"

The whole premise of both arguments rests entirely on the fact that the physical bodily resurrection of Christ IS exactly what "the resurrection of the dead" consists of - a resurrection of a physically "dead" body as in the case of Christ that is the subject of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5) and has been substantiated by eye witnesses (1 Cor. 15:6-8) and is the crux of his whole preaching ministry (1 Cor. 15:9-11).

Hence, in Paul's mind the bodily resurrection of Christ and "the resurrection from the dead" stand and fall together as they are EQUIVALENT in character. If Christ's physical body did not resurrect from the grave there is no "resurrection from the dead" but if there be "the resurrection of the dead" then Christ's bodily resurrection is the proof of and for it.

In Paul's mind "the resurrection from the dead" is evidenced and exampled and proofed by the bodily resurrection of Christ and to deny one is to deny the other. Thus to deny "the resurrection from the dead" is to deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

How are those who deny the bodily resurrection of the saints viewed by Paul?


1. They are viewed as preachers of a vain gospel and whose faith is vain -

14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

In other words, those who preach such a gospel have no gospel to preach as it is "another gospel" a false gospel. And if their own faith is in that gospel they are lost - "yet in their sins"

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

That gospel saves no one. The true gospel is hope of victory over PHYSICAL death as well as spiritual or it is no gospel at all (vv. 55-56).


2. Those whose faith is in such a gospel have believed "in vain"

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. - 1 Cor. 15:2

A "vain" gospel and "vain" faith is faith in a gospel void of any hope of salvation at all.


3. They are viewed as "false witnesses"

15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

How is that? Well, what did the apostles just give witness of in verses 1-11??? Did they give witness of a bodiless resurrection??? No! They gave witness to a BODILY resurrection.

Certainly if Paul viewed himself as such IF resurrection of the physical human body is not true, then obviously all who would denied the physical bodily resurrection are to be viewed as such.

Those who deny the physical bodily resurrection have no gospel, no hope, no forgiveness of sins and are false witnesses preaching a "vain" gospel which is "another gospel" which is accursed.

 

[Aaron]

:jesus::flower:

 

[The Biblicist]

The Firstfruit of bodily resurrections

In Paul's mind "the resurrection from the dead" is evidenced and exampled and proofed by the bodily resurrection of Christ and to deny one is to deny the other. Thus to deny "the resurrection from the dead" is to deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

How are those who deny the bodily resurrection of the saints viewed by Paul?


1. They are viewed as preachers of a vain gospel and whose faith is vain -

14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

In other words, those who preach such a gospel have no gospel to preach as it is "another gospel" a false gospel. And if their own faith is in that gospel they are lost - "yet in their sins"

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

That gospel saves no one. The true gospel is hope of victory over PHYSICAL death as well as spiritual or it is no gospel at all (vv. 55-56).


2. Those whose faith is in such a gospel have believed "in vain"

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. - 1 Cor. 15:2

A "vain" gospel and "vain" faith is faith in a gospel void of any hope of salvation at all.


3. They are viewed as "false witnesses"

15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

How is that? Well, what did the apostles just give witness of in verses 1-11??? Did they give witness of a bodiless resurrection??? No! They gave witness to a BODILY resurrection.

Certainly if Paul viewed himself as such IF resurrection of the physical human body is not true, then obviously all who would denied the physical bodily resurrection are to be viewed as such.

Those who deny the physical bodily resurrection have no gospel, no hope, no forgiveness of sins and are false witnesses preaching a "vain" gospel which is "another gospel" which is accursed.

18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Here is another absolute proof that the future resurrection is a physical bodily resurrection just like Christ's.

Christ's resurrection is called "the first fruits of them that slept"

The resurrection of Jesus Christ has been proven to be a physical bodily resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-13). That resurrection was the first part of a coming greater resurrection of physical bodily resurrection.

The term "firstfruits" has a long Old Testament history behind it. The firstfruits of the barley harvest was the first part of barely gathered. The firstfruits of grapes was the first part of the grapes harvested, etc. The resurrection of Christ was the the first part of the physical dead bodies to be resurrected unto glorifcation. No physical resurrected body previous to Christ had been resurrected glorified where the principle of corruption had been removed from the body making it immortal.

Notice the term "slept" is equally used for Christ as it is for those "of them that slept." This is found in the context of "resurrection" of the physical body. It is His body that was raised up from the grave. In the grave it had lain three days and three nights as a body would lay if Christ were merely asleep and not dead. The term "slept" is a euphemism that describes the temporary condition of the physical DEAD bodies of saints in the grave as this is a "resurrection FROM THE DEAD" and it is the body of Christ that has risen "from the dead" as proven by the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5) and as witnessed by the apostles (1 Cor. 15:6-8) and it is his body raised up "from the dead" that is evidence for a "resurrection from the dead."

 

[The Biblicist]

18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Here is another absolute proof that the future resurrection is a physical bodily resurrection just like Christ's.

Christ's resurrection is called "the first fruits of them that slept"

The resurrection of Jesus Christ has been proven to be a physical bodily resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-13). That resurrection was the first part of a coming greater resurrection of physical bodily resurrection.

The term "firstfruits" has a long Old Testament history behind it. The firstfruits of the barley harvest was the first part of barely gathered. The firstfruits of grapes was the first part of the grapes harvested, etc. The resurrection of Christ was the the first part of the physical dead bodies to be resurrected unto glorifcation. No physical resurrected body previous to Christ had been resurrected glorified where the principle of corruption had been removed from the body making it immortal.

Notice the term "slept" is equally used for Christ as it is for those "of them that slept." This is found in the context of "resurrection" of the physical body. It is His body that was raised up from the grave. In the grave it had lain three days and three nights as a body would lay if Christ were merely asleep and not dead. The term "slept" is a euphemism that describes the temporary condition of the physical DEAD bodies of saints in the grave as this is a "resurrection FROM THE DEAD" and it is the body of Christ that has risen "from the dead" as proven by the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5) and as witnessed by the apostles (1 Cor. 15:6-8) and it is his body raised up "from the dead" that is evidence for a "resurrection from the dead."

21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Here is another absolute proof that the resurrection is of the physical body. Death of the physical body came by man (Adam) and the reverse came by man (Christ) or resurrection of the physical body. As "in Adam" all die spiritually and physically. Even so all who are "in Christ" shall be made alive both spiritually and physically. Christ reversed all the consequences of sin by Adam and the proof of it is in the resurrection of the physical body of Christ presented in the gospel (vv. 1-5) witnessed by the apostles and others (vv. 6-8) preached by Paul (vv. 9-11) and is absolute proof for "resurrection from the dead" (vv. 12-13) that only false witnesses deny and without which there is no future hope or salvation for anyone (vv. 14-19) but it is the "firstfruit" or first part of the future "resurrection from the dead" (v. 20).

 

[The Biblicist]

21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Here is another absolute proof that the resurrection is of the physical body. Death of the physical body came by man (Adam) and the reverse came by man (Christ) or resurrection of the physical body. As "in Adam" all die spiritually and physically. Even so all who are "in Christ" shall be made alive both spiritually and physically. Christ reversed all the consequences of sin by Adam and the proof of it is in the resurrection of the physical body of Christ presented in the gospel (vv. 1-5) witnessed by the apostles and others (vv. 6-8) preached by Paul (vv. 9-11) and is absolute proof for "resurrection from the dead" (vv. 12-13) that only false witnesses deny and without which there is no future hope or salvation for anyone (vv. 14-19) but it is the "firstfruit" or first part of the future "resurrection from the dead" (v. 20).

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

The physical bodily resurrection of Christ has been called the "firstfruits" of "the resurrection from the dead" first in verse 19 and now in verse 23. The "firstfruits" was the first part of a harvest. If they harvested grapes, then the firstfuit of the grape harvest was the first grapes harvested. If the harvest was barely, then the firstfruits of the barley harvest was barley. Christ's resurrection was the resurrection of his physical body as preached in the gospel (vv. 1-5) as witnessed by apostles and others (vv. 6-8) as presented in Paul's gospel ministry (vv. 9-11) and therefore the harvest or "the resurrection from the dead" will be a resurrection of physical dead bodies.

The "firstfruits" were actual the FIRST gathering of a crop, while other gatherings of the same crop followed. The personal bodily resurrection of Christ stood first in this order. Those that belong to Christ stand next in this order ("afterward") they that are Christ's will be resurrected. Paul is only dealing with those that sleep "in Christ" which Christ's BRINGS WITH HIM at His return:

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [lit. "go before"] them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Those "in Christ" alive at his coming and their translation is the "mystery" later shared by Paul (1 Cor. 15:50-52). However, here he is only dealing with the "dead" in Christ.

The third aspect of the resurrection HARVEST comes after "the end" of the age "when" Christ turns over the kingdom to the Father, when he has finished ruling over this world:

24 Then cometh the end, WHEN he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; WHEN he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, TILL he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

This is the "second" resurrection having to do with the "second" death after the 1000 year reign of Christ wherein death and hades give up the LOST dead and they are cast into the lake of fire which is the "SECOND DEATH" - Rev. 20:12-17. The first resurrection before the 1000 years has nothing to do with the "second death." The "second" resurrection is all about the "second" death. Death itself is cast into the lake of fire which destroys (separates - Gr. "apo" away from, luo - loose) it forever from the presence of God and the saints in the new heaven and earth. They "stand" before God in their physical human bodies before being cast into the lake of fire.


IT IS NOT MY POINT TO MAKE PRE-MILLENNIALISM AN ISSUE HERE. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE IT AN ISSUE PLEASE TAKE OUT A SEPARATE THREAD INSTEAD OF DERAILING THIS THREAD FROM THE OP SUBJECT OF PHYSICAL BODILY RESURRECTION.

 

[The Biblicist]

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

The physical bodily resurrection of Christ has been called the "firstfruits" of "the resurrection from the dead" first in verse 19 and now in verse 23. The "firstfruits" was the first part of a harvest. If they harvested grapes, then the firstfuit of the grape harvest was the first grapes harvested. If the harvest was barely, then the firstfruits of the barley harvest was barley. Christ's resurrection was the resurrection of his physical body as preached in the gospel (vv. 1-5) as witnessed by apostles and others (vv. 6-8) as presented in Paul's gospel ministry (vv. 9-11) and therefore the harvest or "the resurrection from the dead" will be a resurrection of physical dead bodies.

The "firstfruits" were actual the FIRST gathering of a crop, while other gatherings of the same crop followed. The personal bodily resurrection of Christ stood first in this order. Those that belong to Christ stand next in this order ("afterward") they that are Christ's will be resurrected. Paul is only dealing with those that sleep "in Christ" which Christ's BRINGS WITH HIM at His return:

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [lit. "go before"] them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Those "in Christ" alive at his coming and their translation is the "mystery" later shared by Paul (1 Cor. 15:50-52). However, here he is only dealing with the "dead" in Christ.

The third aspect of the resurrection HARVEST comes after "the end" of the age "when" Christ turns over the kingdom to the Father, when he has finished ruling over this world:

24 Then cometh the end, WHEN he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; WHEN he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, TILL he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

This is the "second" resurrection having to do with the "second" death after the 1000 year reign of Christ wherein death and hades give up the LOST dead and they are cast into the lake of fire which is the "SECOND DEATH" - Rev. 20:12-17. The first resurrection before the 1000 years has nothing to do with the "second death." The "second" resurrection is all about the "second" death. Death itself is cast into the lake of fire which destroys (separates - Gr. "apo" away from, luo - loose) it forever from the presence of God and the saints in the new heaven and earth. They "stand" before God in their physical human bodies before being cast into the lake of fire.

29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for [gr. eis = in reference to] the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for [gr. eis = with reference to] the dead?

Paul's argument is simple. In water baptism it is the PHYSICAL BODY that is brought under symbolizing death and burial, and then raised up symbolizing its final victory over death in resurrection. Why get baptized if you don't believe your body will be raised from the grave is his argument?

The Greek preposition translated "for" is eis and means here "with reference to." Your physical body is baptized "with reference to" what is dead - the body. Baptism is in reference to the dead body which is symbolized as dead and buried in baptism but also RAISED UP in baptism. Baptism is the declaration of hope for the resurrection of the physical body from the grave.

 

[The Biblicist]

29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for [gr. eis = in reference to] the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for [gr. eis = with reference to] the dead?

Paul's argument is simple. In water baptism it is the PHYSICAL BODY that is brought under symbolizing death and burial, and then raised up symbolizing its final victory over death in resurrection. Why get baptized if you don't believe your body will be raised from the grave is his argument?

The Greek preposition translated "for" is eis and means here "with reference to." Your physical body is baptized "with reference to" what is dead - the body. Baptism is in reference to the dead body which is symbolized as dead and buried in baptism but also RAISED UP in baptism. Baptism is the declaration of hope for the resurrection of the physical body from the grave.

30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

His argument is simple. If there is no physical bodily resurrection from the dead, then why in the world do we subject ourself to the threat of physical death, if we have nothing more to hope for but this present life (vv. 31-32). Remember, Paul has previously said, that if there be no future resurrection of the physical body, then our faith is in vain, we are yet in our sins and no hope of any future life whatsoever, as that hope is a myth if one denies victory over death in its most basic visible form - bodily resurrection. Hence, it would be irrational to subject ourselves to physical death if there was no hope for physical bodily resurrection or victory over physical death.

The Jews were trying to have Paul put to physical death because of the gospel he preached. Every time he preached the gospel he exposed himself to physical death. Hence, "I die daily" meaning when he chose to preach the gospel he made a decision to chose physical death over preserving himself from physical death as that was the daily potential cost "daily" when he chose to preach the gospel.

Paul rebukes those who are embracing the false doctrine of no future physical bodily resurrection as "deceived." The reason they are deceived is the company they are keeping (false teachers) - v. 33. They need to wake up and smell the roses instead of living in the "shame" of deception and ignorance.

 

[Greektim]

Rom 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

 

[Greektim]

Rom 8:10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.