The resurrection of Christ gives meaning to faith, life and perseverance

Date: 16 Nov 2025, 9.30 am

Speaker: Ps Daniel Tan Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12-34   

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TRANSCRIPT

Introduction

A blessed Sunday to everyone both in Henderson and those who are joining us online.

For those who are online and you are not a Hermonite, may I warmly invite you to join us for in-person service next Sunday. We would love to get to know you.

Our address is found in our website www.hermon.org.sg.

For all those online who are Hermonites and you are participating because you need to stay at home due to your health or are a care-giver.

Know that your presence is missed, know that we hold you in our prayers. Know that that we look forward to the day when you can be present with us again.

Church, do we see ourselves like that of the church in Philadelphia of Revelations 3?

Last Sunday, Ps Zhiwen challenged us that the church in Philadelphia is a good role model for us. They were small and powerless yet they were commended for keeping true to Scripture.  

Though they were in a challenging situation, yet, they were exhorted to hold fast to the Gospel.

So, we were challenged that we too have an open door that God has set before us.

For Hermon, our open door will soon be the 7000 flats coming up at Keppel just down the road from us.

The Lord has also already given us the geographical area of ASEAN.

Of the 11 countries in ASEAN, 4 are in the challenging category. The rest are not.

That’s good news right? So, we would have no excuse to be God’s heavenly ushers.

Now, if we are going to be heavenly ushers, bringing people to Christ, we would need to be certain of the Good News of Jesus.

We won’t want to introduce our friends to the wrong person or to give a wrong impression about Christianity to our loved one.

And so, it is timely as we consider being like the church in Philadelphia that we go through 1 Cor 15 and be reminded of what the Gospel is.

We are having 3 sermons on 1 Cor 15. And the emphasis for the 3 sermons in summary are:

• 1 Cor 15:1-11 – the resurrection of Jesus is a key element of the Gospel. Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

• 1 Cor 15:12-34 - belief in our bodily resurrection is key to our understanding of the resurrected life. Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

• 1 Cor 15:35-58 - needful to understand correctly the nature of our resurrected bodies and what that means about death’s hold on us. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. O death, where is your victory, where is your sting.

  
  

I pray that all of us will appreciate the relevance of 1 Cor 15 for our faith.

Because the resurrection of Jesus is fundamental to our faith, may we understand it clearly, so that 2 things will happen.

Firstly, it will convict our hearts as to what it means to be a believer.

And secondly, it will transform our actions towards living for Jesus.   

Christ’s resurrection means faith is not futile (v12-19)

Let’s begin our journey through the middle part of 1 Cor 15 by looking at v12 to 19. The resurrection of Christ means that our faith is not futile.

1 Cor 15:12 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. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 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. 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. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

In v12, Paul is addressing an issue that has come up in the Corinthian church.

After death is there a division between the material and the spiritual? Is the body only material and thus after death only the spiritual remain?

Is there even a bodily resurrection for believers?

Paul thus tells them, not only is the resurrection of Jesus critical to the Christian faith it also has implications for our own bodies.

Since Christ has been raised from the dead, it must follow then that there is such a thing as the resurrection of the dead.

In this section, Paul will use negative examples to warn of the consequences of not holding to the truth that there is a resurrection of the dead.

He will then move on to the positive consequences of the resurrection of the dead in v20-34.

Here are the list of the consequences if there is no resurrection of the dead

• V13 – Christ has not been raised

• V14 – Apostles’ preaching is in vain

• V14 – Corinthian’s faith is in vain

• V15 – Apostles are false witnesses

• V17 – Corinthian’s faith is futile, they remain in their sins

• V18 – those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished

• V19 – Christians are to be the most pitied

  
  

One bible commentator has helpfully suggested 4 groups to view these consequences by – speakers, recipients, dead and living.

The first group are the speakers, the preachers and teachers of the Gospel.

If Christ has not risen and thus no resurrection, then the Apostles’ preaching is all in vain.

That means their preaching is empty, it’s hollow, it has no substance, it is foolish and lacking in truth.

It would be a complete waste of time to preach and teach the Christian faith if it was empty.

Why waste hours as Sunday preachers, studying the passage, reading through commentaries and hammering out a sermon, if the faith is an empty one.

Why would our CG leaders and Sunday School teachers, set aside time to prayerfully prepare for each session if the faith was hollow?

If it is meaningless, why bother Paul is saying.

Not only is it speaking foolish things, worst, v15 says, preachers will be found to have misrepresented God. They have become false witnesses.

If the resurrection is false, then teachers of the Gospel are saying things about God that are not true.

That means we should stop talking about worshipping our living saviour, we should stop sending missionaries to proclaim eternal life, we should not gather as churches to sing He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today.

What about the recipients, those who have listened and received the Gospel message?

You have believed a lie. You have thus put your faith in vain. Another word for it is futile (v17).

You thought that Jesus can save you from your sins but if He is not risen, He has not conquered death, you and I are still in our sins.

For the recipients, I think the best way to see it is liked being scammed.

In 2023, Joceyln Kwek a married woman, 49, pleads guilty to using love scams and other tricks that cheated 10 victims of S$880,000. She is facing jail time of between 7 to 10 years.

3 men thought they have found the love of their live with Jocelyn. But instead, they got their bank accounts emptied.

Imagine how they felt when what they believed about Jocelyn proved false.

If the resurrection of the dead is false, we who have received and believed the Gospel have been scammed big time.

The third group is that of the dead (v18). These are those who have fallen asleep in Christ. If there is no resurrection, then we cannot say they have fallen asleep. They have instead perished.

At funerals, as we commit the body to the Lord, we read from 1 Thessalonians 4 -

1 Thess 4:15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

If the resurrection of the dead is not true, there is then no hope for the dead. They have utterly perished. Death is thus the final end. 1 Thessalonians 4 is pure rubbish.  

Finally, the living (v19). If we are going to be scammed about things like eternal life, that there is a wonderful new creation to look forward to, that it’s going to be a place where there are no tears, no death and no pain.

Wow, then believers are the most scammed. We have believed in the biggest lie.

So, Paul says, if the resurrection is not true, then we are to be the most pitied amongst all.

Church, may we ask ourselves, do we live life today as if we think Christianity is a scam?

What I mean is that our priorities and our purpose in life is so centred on the here and now that eternity does not factor in at all.

We are only concern about the investment of our children’s secular education and their career prospects and not their spiritual education.

We are so concern about our physical health, we are discipline in our diet, our exercise and our supplements. But we neglect our spiritual health. We don’t meditate on Scripture and we are not accountability to fellow Christians.

We prepare to live well but for 80 years only, not for eternity. By our actions we show we are uncertain that there is life after death.

May the truth of Christ’s resurrection instead mean that our genuine faith is not futile.

Christ’s resurrection means there is life victorious (v20-28)

Let’s now look at v20 to 28. I’ve entitled this segment as Christ’s resurrection means there is life victorious.

In the earlier section, Paul gave the negative consequences if the resurrection of the dead was not true.

Here in this segment, Paul will give the positive consequences since the resurrection of the dead is true.

1 Cor 15:20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

The resurrection of Christ, Paul says in v20 is the firstfruits for those who have fallen asleep.

This is a farming metaphor. At the start of the harvest, the firstfruits are the first harvest that is ripe. It is the first produce for that season.

It is an indicator of what will be for the rest of the harvest.

In the Jewish context, Paul was referring them to the sacrifice found in Leviticus 21.

Lev 23:10 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, 11 and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12 And on the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb a year old without blemish as a burnt offering to the Lord.

The offering looks forward with the expectation to the Lord to supply the full harvest. In a sense, the dedicated firstfruits can be regarded as the guarantee of the full harvest.

It is interesting here to also see that together with the firstfruits given to the priest to wave it as an offering to the Lord, it also includes the offering of a male lamb as a burnt offering.

And we know from Hebrews that Jesus is our Passover lamb. His sacrifice is the once for all sacrifice that paid the price for our sins.

So, as we think of firstfruits, we see that Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Him and as well as to remind us that that it was made possible by Christ sacrificial death on Calvary.

In v21, Paul then goes on to show how we are connected to both Adam the first human and to Christ who is the Last Adam (v45).

Because of Adam’s sin, we all are born in sin. Everyone in the human race is fallen.

But because the resurrection is true, Christ the Last Adam has conquered death and so all who are in Christ, shall be made alive.

Because the resurrection of the dead is true, we can sing without any doubt:

Christ (is) the true and better AdamSon of God and Son of manWho, when tempted in the gardenNever yielded, never sinnedHe who makes the many righteousBrings us back to life againDying, He reversed the curseThen rising, crushed the serpent's head

Ps Luwin quoted a saying that there are only 2 things that are certain – taxes and death.

Taxes we can escape but not death because we are all the descendants of Adam. Thus, in Adam all of us die.

The question for us today is are we in the Last Adam, are we in Christ? Because if we are, then, there is hope that we will live though we die.

Today, if you have not placed your trust in Jesus Christ the Last Adam, today is an opportunity for you to do so. Speak with the friend that brought you to the service.

V23 speaks about Christ’s coming. As Christians, we believe that Jesus will come again. We affirm that every time we have communion, for we proclaim His death till He comes (11:26).

Because Jesus is alive, there is the resurrection of the dead. And so, when Jesus comes again, Paul paints for us a wonderful picture.

All of God’s enemies will be destroyed and the one that none of us will escape from in this life, death, will also be destroyed.

I’ve been to the Mandai Crematorium so many times, but each time I’m there, I’m reminded how painful death is. It hurts so badly.

I wish I can be numb about it, but I can’t. And often times, I get so, so, angry at death. Why must we all face it? Why must we also suffer before finally dying?

But this is where our faith makes the difference.

Death is not the end, death just reminds us of our sin. Death then, for Christians is to point us back to the empty tomb.

The resurrection of Jesus is proof that Jesus has already defeated death.

And it’s this glorious picture that Paul paints.  

Church, the glorious truth is that every rule, every authority and every power will be subjected to the reign of King Jesus.

These verses do not mean that our Triune God is not ruling everything now. No, Jesus already is in absolute authority as the Great Commission in Matthew 28 tells us – for all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus.

The picture is that by the gracious mercies of God, the time is not yet for God’s supreme authority to be eternally established and to never be threatened again.

God’s absolute sovereignty is already established but it will be completely consummated when Jesus returns.  

Significant here, Scripture shows us both the equality of God the Father and God the Son. And at the same time, the loving submission of the Son to the Father.

Remember Paul had pointed to this relationship when dealing with the tensions between the husbands and wives in the public worship space in chapter 11 and 14.

What a wonderful picture of the implication of the resurrection of Christ.

Church, our future looks glorious. All of God’s enemies are defeated, death is destroyed, we will be resurrected because Christ is our firstfruit, and God’s reign will be fully consummated.

In the midst of our daily struggles and the steady decay of society, the resurrection of Jesus, shows us the picture of glorious hope that is coming.

It means though we are breaking down physically, we can still live victoriously because we know what our future holds.

Church, Scripture wants us to see the world for what it is. Everything around us is fleeting. Moth will destroy, dust will cover, thieves will steal. The attractions of the world will fade and will perish.

But because of the resurrection of Jesus, our future reality is so, so, much different. It’s brighter than the sun. It is more glorious than all of nature we see now. God’s kingdom is going to be paradise.

Church, we can live victoriously because Christ’s resurrection points us to a glorious future.

Christ’s resurrection means encouragement to persevere (v29-34) 

Last Sunday, Ps Zhiwen reminded that the Open Door principle comes together with adversity and tough challenges.

To be like the church in Philadelphia, it means there is a need to persevere in being witnesses for Christ.

I’m suppose we can say, in the history of the church, the spread of the Gospel has generally taken place amidst much challenges and in spite of persecution.

Our future hope is glorious but on this side of eternity, Paul encourages, the resurrection of Christ is to help us in the present, to persevere through trials and tribulations.

1 Cor 15:29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

V29 mentions about the sacrament of baptism. There is a lot of different opinions about what Paul meant by the phase “being baptized on behalf of the dead”. I’ll leave it to the CGs to discuss all the various opinions.

If you are not in a CG but curious about this matter, take this as an opportunity to join a CG.

Baptism is a sign that you identify with Jesus. Baptism, we know is our official entrance into the family of God.

Now, why would you want to be baptised, identified with just another dead guy?

There is no value in that right? It would be a meaningless and empty ritual.

But since Jesus is alive, He has resurrected, ah now, that’s a different proposition all together.

We are baptised and are identified with a Risen Saviour!

When we identify with Jesus our Risen Saviour, then what has happened to Jesus will also happen to us. Jesus died and rose again and so will we.

So it is for our benefit that we are baptised into the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. It is a meaningful sacrament.

Paul, as Ps Zhiwen has shared and as Paul himself has written here, suffered much for the Gospel.

If there is no resurrection from the dead, then everything he has suffered for, would be pointless.

I mean, imagine, we don’t even want to do things that are not productive. What more suffering for something that is worthless.

Thus, if the resurrection of the dead is untrue, Paul says he would then have adopted the attitude of the people of Israel in Isaiah’s time – let’s eat and drink for tomorrow we die.

Isa 22:12 In that day the Lord God of hosts called for weeping and mourning, for baldness and wearing sackcloth; 13 and behold, joy and gladness, killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

The context in Isaiah was that they were wanting to feast because they felt they had no hope for the future. Israel was under siege by the Assyrians. Yet Israel did not want to repent in the face of God’s disciplining hand.

To them, God and His ways was not part of their framework. So, they wanted to just party before dying.

But Paul thinks the opposite. God is very much in the forefront of Paul’s thoughts and actions.

There is a bright future ahead, a glorious hope that the resurrection gives.

Thus, suffering for the Gospel, bearing adversity because of God’s open door is worth it.

One day, when we meet Jesus face to face and we hear His commendation – well done good and faithful servant, I think our hearts will sing:

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase, So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Finally, the resurrection of Jesus, not only does it encourage us to be willing to face adversity, it also calls us to persevere in holiness.

Paul quotes a contemporary author, be circumspect about the company you keep.

And I think Paul was suggesting then, don’t keep company with those who think there is no resurrection of the dead.

These people, if they think life on earth is all that there is, that there will not be any accountability to God in the future, then it would be the excuse to have the greatest party on earth.

It’s like if there is no bank to keep you accountable, then you can splurge and spend on your credit card and die a person with as much debt as possible.

But the resurrection is true and though we die yet we will live. We are citizens of a heavenly kingdom.

And this citizenship begins the day we receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord.

Therefore, Paul says, be sober, don’t be drunk and intoxicated with earthy life.

No, live in a way that makes it apparent that you belong to God. Live as children of the Kingdom, as citizens of heaven.

Church, is discipleship, a lifestyle that you seek to persevere in?

Scripture implies that if you and I understood the truth of the resurrection, we will persevere in the process of sanctification. We would enthusiastically seek to be more and more like Jesus.

A discipleship lifestyle thus will shape our affections, our passions and our aspirations away from the glitter of society.

And instead will turn us towards loving what Jesus loves, grieving as He grieves and hating what He hates.

Church, the truth of the resurrection is our encouragement to persevere in holiness. 

Conclusion

Two Sundays ago, I encountered the testimony of a young but matured believer.

She is of the same age as I am, a cancer survivor, and I would say, not more than 24 months in the faith.

I had the honour and privilege to be part of her funeral service.

I was told by her relative that when she came to accept the Lord. One of her prayers, uttered aloud included this phased – Lord I accept everything.

This is a statement of a mature believer not a young one. It is a statement if I ask myself, I’m not sure I can fully and confidently make even now.

But this is a statement that the resurrection of Jesus and our own future resurrection should enable us to make.

Our closing hymn will remind us, the resurrection of Christ will transform our faith, motivate our perseverance and reassure us of our eternal hope.

The resurrection of Jesus should help us sing with conviction:

Unto the grave, what will we sing?

"Christ, He lives, Christ, He lives!"

And what reward will Heaven bring?

Everlasting life with Him

There we will rise to meet the Lord

Then sin and death will be destroyed

And we will feast in endless joy

When Christ is ours forevermore

Oh, sing hallelujah

Our hope springs eternal

Oh, sing hallelujah

Now and ever we confess

Christ, our hope in life and death

Reflection Questions

• What might it look like to live in the certain hope of a bodily resurrection and eternal life in the New Creation when Jesus returns? List at least one practical difference it will make in your life.
  

• Share with your CG, how the historical resurrection of Jesus and the certainty of our own resurrection in the future gives us motivation to live for the Gospel?