What is primary in the life of a believer? What is the fundamental truth upon which a believer’s life is built? What is the foundation for the hope, peace, and joy that a believer possesses? What is of first importance? Paul leaves no doubt as to the answer in 1 Cor 15:3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, is of first importance for the believer!
The Gospel is not proclaiming Jesus’ death only but that Jesus died for our sins! There was something eternally unique and eternally saving about the death of Christ. His death was more than an example of love or the murder of an innocent man. His death was payment for sin, securing salvation for all who would believe in Him. His death was for us, to save us from God’s wrath toward our sin and to cleanse us from the guilt of our sin.
Paul includes the burial of Christ in this nutshell Gospel description. This is so significant because you don’t bury living people, you bury dead people. Jesus really, actually died! To remove any doubt, he remained in the tomb three days! Since he was actually dead, then he actually defeated death! Through him we have everlasting life!
The final component is Christ’s resurrection. The resurrection announces that everything Christ said is true, and everything the Scriptures declare of him is true! The resurrection is proof positive that Jesus Christ is Messiah, that Jesus Christ is Lord, that Jesus Christ is Savior! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is of first importance for all who believe!
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