07/08/2026
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that 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 Corinthians 15:3-4
“HE CONQUERED DEATH”
Knowing what Christians believe is essential to our lives as followers of the Lord Jesus. We want to be able to provide answers to those who come to us asking questions about what we believe. What is the central message of Christianity?
In our previous blog, we discussed the core Christian doctrine that announces Christ as the only way to salvation. Today’s release will center on Christ’s Resurrection.
Jesus died and conquered the grave.
At the core of the Christian message is the bodily Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus died by crucifixion, and the Roman soldiers made sure that He actually died. Then, three days later, He rose from the dead.
In today's verse, the Apostle Paul writes an early Christian creed that summarizes the core message of Christianity: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose on the third day according to the Scriptures. Paul's use of the terms "received" and "delivered" denotes that he is passing on formal, fixed tradition.
According to scholars, this creed was circulated among Christians within a few years (or even months) of Jesus' crucifixion. Therefore, it is a critical historical source for those who became believers in the first century.
Paul states that Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice for our sins (1 Peter 3:18; Isaiah 53:5-6), was buried (Isaiah 53:9), and rose from the dead (Psalm 16:9-10). As such, Jesus’ death and resurrection are not only scriptural items, but historical realities. Secular history affirms the truthfulness of these two events (Tacitus, 116 AD; Josephus, 93 AD; and Lucian, 2nd century). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is considered one of the most secure and undisputed facts of ancient history.
The Resurrection of Christ shows God’s power. To believe that Jesus died and rose again is to believe in the God who created the universe and thus possesses the power to raise the dead. If the Resurrection did not happen, then God is a liar and therefore not worthy of our praise and worship. But Jesus did rise from the dead, with over 500 people witnessing His resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:6).
Do you affirm that Jesus died on the cross and rose on the third day?
Pursue the Savior today!
