1 Corinthians 15:12-19

1. Christians’ Lord did not rise
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 1 Corinthians 15:12-13 (ESV)

11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. Matthew 28:11-15 (ESV)

2. Christian faith is empty
14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:14 (ESV)

32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” Acts 17:32 (ESV)

3. Christians misrepresent God
15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 1 Corinthians 15:15 (ESV)

4. Christians are under the dominion of sin
16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:16-17 (ESV)

6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” Acts 23:6 (ESV)

5. Christian loved ones have perished
18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 1 Corinthians 15:18 (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

6. Christians are most to be pitied
19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
1 Corinthians 15:19 (ESV)