Orthodoxy
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
The Gospel: Of First Importance
In our fast-paced world, we're often faced with urgent decisions. Imagine a raging fire approaching your home, and you have mere minutes to evacuate. What would you grab? What's truly of first importance?
This scenario invites us to consider a more profound question: What's of first importance in our spiritual lives? The answer, simply put, is the Gospel.
The Apostles' Creed, a foundational statement of Christian faith, encapsulates the essence of the Gospel. It reminds us of the core beliefs that have sustained believers for centuries. But what exactly is this Gospel, and why is it so crucial?
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, provides a concise definition:
"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, he was buried, and he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."
This succinct statement carries immense weight. It's not just a historical fact but a transformative truth that has the power to save us. Paul emphasizes that this Gospel is "of first importance" – it's the bedrock of our faith, the foundation upon which everything else is built.
But what are we to do with this Gospel? Paul outlines four key actions:
Remember it
Receive it
Stand on it
Hold firmly to it
We're called to continually remind ourselves of this good news, to receive it afresh each day, to stand firmly upon its truth, and to hold onto it with all our might. It's not a one-time event but an ongoing process of embracing and living out this transformative message.
The power of the Gospel lies not just in its message but in its ability to change lives. Throughout history, we see examples of individuals radically transformed by encountering the risen Christ:
Peter, once a fearful denier, became a bold proclaimer of the faith.
Mary Magdalene, freed from seven demons, became the first witness of the resurrection.
Paul, formerly a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most influential apostles.
These dramatic transformations testify to the Gospel's authenticity and power. But is this Gospel true? Paul provides compelling evidence by listing the eyewitnesses who saw the resurrected Jesus – over 500 people at one time, many of whom were still alive when Paul wrote his letter. This wasn't a myth or legend but a verifiable historical event with numerous eyewitnesses.
The truth of the Gospel isn't just a matter of historical fact; it's a matter of eternal consequence. As John 3:36 starkly puts it: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them."
This brings us to the crucial question: What does the Gospel do? Simply put, it saves us. It offers forgiveness, transformation, and the promise of eternal life. It's the key that unlocks the door to a relationship with God, bridging the chasm created by our sin.
But the Gospel's impact goes beyond individual salvation. It has the power to transform entire communities and societies. It brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the captive, and light to those in darkness.
Consider the story of Paulina and her family in Tijuana, Mexico. Paulina, once lost in New Age practices and demonized, had a dream where Jesus called her to follow Him. Her husband, trapped in alcoholism, found freedom. Even their lost cat was found after they prayed together! While this may seem like an extraordinary tale, it's a vivid illustration of the Gospel's power to bring radical change and hope in seemingly hopeless situations.
The Gospel doesn't just offer a better life now; it promises an eternal future beyond our wildest imaginations. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:
"The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power."
This promise of resurrection and eternal life with God is the ultimate hope offered by the Gospel. It's a future where our current struggles and limitations will be transformed into unimaginable glory.
Given the profound importance and transformative power of this message, we're called not just to embrace it for ourselves but to share it with others. Like a basketball player calling out a screen to protect their teammate, we have a responsibility to warn and invite others to experience this life-changing truth.
Sharing the Gospel doesn't always require grand gestures or eloquent speeches. Sometimes, it's as simple as being ready to give an answer for the hope we have, even in everyday situations. Whether it's a conversation with a seatmate on a flight or a discussion with a neighbor, we have countless opportunities to point others to the transformative power of Christ.
As we go about our daily lives, let's remember what's of first importance. Let's hold fast to the Gospel – not just as a set of beliefs, but as a living reality that continually transforms us and offers hope to a broken world. May we be people who receive it, stand on it, hold firmly to it, and eagerly share it with others.
In a world full of fleeting trends and shifting sands, the Gospel remains our unchanging foundation. It's the message that meets our deepest needs, offers true hope, and points us toward an eternal future with our Creator. Today, and every day, let's make the Gospel of first importance in our lives.