Trivial Nonsense?

Whenever I see the results of polls taken among “Christians” in the United States, I am amazed at what some say they do or do not believe even though it is clearly addressed in the Scriptures. I have often been caused to wonder whether or not they have ever read the Bible or even understand its significance. Someone has shared that an Arlington, Virginia (USA) minister stated the following: “We have closed our minds to such trivial considerations as the question of the resurrection of Christ. If you fundamentalists wish to believe that nonsense, we have no objections, but we have more important things to preach than the presence or absence of an empty tomb 20 centuries old.” [original source unknown]

Trivial? Nonsense? More important things to preach? Closed minds indeed!

In I Corinthians 15, as Paul reminded these Christians of the Gospel he had preached to them (verse 1) -- the Gospel upon which their salvation was based (verse 2) -- he wrote. . .

“(3) For I delivered to you as OF FIRST IMPORTANCE what I also received: that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS in accordance with the Scriptures, (4) that HE WAS BURIED, that HE WAS RAISED ON THE THIRD DAY in accordance with the Scriptures, (5) and that HE APPEARED to Cephas, then to the twelve. (6) Then HE APPEARED to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. (7) Then HE APPEARED to James, then to all the apostles. (8) Last of all, as to one untimely born, HE APPEARED also to me.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV)

All “in accordance with the Scriptures”, Paul noted that AT THE CORE of the Gospel message was the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In stark contrast to the previously noted claim that there are “more important things to preach”, Paul placed it all in the context of being “OF FIRST IMPORTANCE”! Paul in no way trivialized the significance of all this. Why should such truth in relation to Jesus not be trivialized? Because Paul went on to state. . .

“(17) And IF CHRIST HAS NOT BEEN RAISED, YOUR FAITH IS FUTILE AND YOU ARE STILL IN YOUR SINS.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV)

Praise God, in Christ we are not left there! Because of Jesus’ resurrection of which many were able to testify since Jesus appeared to them -- some of whom were still living at the time Paul wrote this letter (verse 5) -- we have a hope that extends beyond this life (verse 19) to our own resurrection based on the reality of our Lord’s. ( 1 Corinthians 15:50-57) Therefore, knowing the great hope we have in Christ that has been secured by His death, burial and resurrection should make it crystal clear the empty tomb is no trivial thing. That emptiness is FULL OF THE HOPE that is ours in Jesus. May we help others come to know its significance for them as well so that they may come to understand it is actually nonsense not to believe!

Have a great day POINTING TO THE ETERNAL SENSE OF THE RISEN SAVIOR!
Carl

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