13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
empty tomb
20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.*
If Christ were not risen from the dead, we would be the most worthless, sad, pitiable people. But Christ IS risen. Therefore all we stand for is true, and we must live for no other cause.
crucifix
So many people in Italy grieve on their knees before a dead Christ, seeking confort from his “grieving mother”, or some other dead saint.
But those they seek intercession from are indeed dead.
Our Savior, however, is not dead. HE IS ALIVE, in flesh and blood, risen the firstfruits of those who died.
May we never for a moment forget the Risen Savior that we follow and serve and testify. Only He is worthy of our worship and our service.
