Note 4 at 1Co 15:14: Paul made denying our bodily resurrection equal to denying the physical resurrection of Jesus (see note 3 at 1Co 15:13). This verse shows the consequences of denying Christ's resurrection: It makes the Gospel vain ("not successful; futile," American Heritage Dictionary) and faith vain. The Corinthians who had had life-changing encounters with Jesus would have known that this certainly was not true, and they would have been forced to reject this false idea that there is no resurrection.

Note 5 at 1Co 15:14: Out of the thirteen sermons to unbelievers recorded in the book of Acts, eleven clearly mention the Resurrection. In the two sermons that remain, it was not mentioned, but it was implied. Why is the Resurrection so important?

First of all, the resurrection of Jesus makes Christianity different from religion because we are dealing with a real, alive person, not just principles. As John said in 1Jo 1:1-3, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." Christianity is fellowship with a real person who is alive.

Second, forgiveness of sins is not obtained by a doctrine but by Christ Himself (Mt 9:2, 6; and Ac 5:31). If Jesus did not rise from the dead, He cannot give salvation to us. However, He did rise from the dead, and now He lives forever to make intercession for us (Heb 7:25).

Third, it is Christ living in us (Ga 2:20) that gives us power to live victorious lives (Ro 8:9). If there were no resurrection, there would be no power.

Fourth, there are a number of scriptures that link our own spiritual resurrection (i.e., being born again, Joh 3:3) with that of Christ's (Eph 2:1-6; Col 2:13, 3:1; and Ro 6:1-11). According to Scripture, if Jesus didn't rise from the dead, we cannot be saved (1Co 15:17).

Last, the resurrection life of Jesus is the guarantee of our physical regeneration (Ro 8:11). Because Jesus conquered death, the fear (Heb 2:15) and the sting of death (1Co 15:55) have been removed for us. This produces great comfort for those who believe (1Th 4:13-18).

So, faith in the present-tense ministry of Jesus is essential to true Christianity and would be impossible if Jesus were not alive. Without Jesus being alive, Christianity would just be another dead religion.