Articles
Some things are difficult to believe!
If we are honest with ourselves, I think you will agree that the bible asks us to believe some things, that from a purely human and worldly perspective, are hard to believe. The resurrection of the dead is something that many have dreamed of. If you have lost a loved one to death you know that there is a longing to see that person again, a desire for them to be returned to you healthy and happy. We also know that we don’t have the power to do this. Paul the apostle addresses a group of Christians that is struggling with their belief. They are questioning what they have been taught, and some are saying that “there is no resurrection” (1 Corinthians 15:12). They seem to fear that when they died that would be the end, and they will simply cease to exist. Paul addresses their concern and brings their focus back to Christ.
“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-20)
Just because something is hard to believe doesn’t mean it’s not true. One of the central core teachings from the New Testament is that Jesus was raised from the dead. This momentous event is crucial in the plan laid out by Jesus during his ministry. From a purely human perspective this is an event that is hard to believe, but it is true and we must hold it close to our heart.
Brad Tolbert, Weevils for Chri
