Talk:1 Corinthians 15

The message of the Gospel has the effect of working a change in personal life. This is discussed in the latter part of 1Cor 15.

Paul indicates the redemptive work of Christ is the first thing to consider, but some remaining things to consider are discussed in the rest of chapter 15. The Gospel has to do with changing corruptible into incorruptible. In the context of the soul, this includes the idea of crucifying the flesh. The Romans 7 war is won by faith in Christ. When the character of Christ is being manifested in the life of the one who is being changed through grace and faith, the battle is being won.

1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Romans 6 shows us that victory.

Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. Rom 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. Rom 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

I John describes that victory:

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1Jn 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1Jn 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

The Gospel being lived in its entirety leads to the joy of the Lord. This is not an artificial joy, conjured up by a preacher's assurances of salvation because they prayed and the "saved one" held steady to think and believe in salvation without works ever. This is a daily joy resulting from a clear conscience. This is joy from helping needy people, and in the process of doing ministry of helps, these needy ones come to know the loving God of the universe in a personal way, so that they become dear children who imitate God (imitating His love and grace and mercy and humility).

The Gospel produces Christ-likeness.

1Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Christ-likeness is labor. Christ is the boss who oversees the labor. The lazy ones will be cast out into outer darkness, where there shall be gnashing of teeth. That "hell" is the society of the world, where greed, anger, lust and hate are practiced religiously by the fools who chose their own way, rather than submit to God's way.

These are some thoughts which relate to I Cor. 15, and I did not even touch the idea of "baptized for the dead" (which should read "baptized for dead") in verse 29. That's a whole new discussion. That verse relates to the topic of the Gospel and being changed to Christ-likeness, but so many people misunderstand this verse. It has nothing to do with being baptized to have saved your unsaved Grandma who is dead and in her grave. No, no, no! Wrong! The context says nothing like that.

Doug Scofield