Did the Resurrection of Jesus Really Happen? Part 5 – 1 Corinthians 15:10

Paul writes this chapter to remind the Corinthians of the gospel: Jesus died, was buried, and was raised on the third day. One by one, he makes his case for the veracity of the gospel through the testimonies of the church, the Scriptures, and the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. Last of all, he points to himself. Saul the Pharisee encountered the risen Lord, and was converted to become Paul the Apostle. By God’s saving grace, Paul received saving faith, which brought about his full commitment to Jesus as Lord.

Before Paul was saved by God, he lived in pursuit of salvation by his own good works. But he was a hopeless case from the beginning, because no matter what good work he did, Paul continually committed the worst sin against God- the sin of unbelief. Paul practiced unbelief because he was born depraved. He was desperately wicked, and unable to change himself. Paul was completely lost before God, and everything he did earned only God’s wrath. (Eph 2:3-5)

This understanding of God’s holiness and sin is crucial; without it, you will surely reduce the power of and need for forgiveness. As you truly know how wicked and helpless you are, you will see that grace is the only way. But far too often, we don’t surrender to God’s grace, because we still think we have it in us to offer something good to God.

What is saving grace? John MacArthur defines it as “God’s kindness toward those who are undeserving of His favor but who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.” We are saved by grace alone- sola gratia. God must save us for us to be saved. When a sinner is saved by God’s grace in Christ, His grace never departs from him. God’s grace places the sinner in Christ. In his relationship with the Lord, God’s grace continually works in his life. (Eph 2:8-9)

By God’s grace, you are what you are- He sees you with the righteousness of Jesus, because He has made you one with Christ.