1 Corinthians 15:3–8 “3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared to me.”
Citizens of the United States who are residents of a state, a county, or a municipality can be called upon to serve on a jury. A court assembles a jury to hear witnesses share their account of the character and actions of a person accused of violating the law. The testimony of a witness may speak to the defendant’s guilt or innocence regarding the charges brought against them. The credibility of a witness is determined by the witness’s knowledge of the individual and the witness’s firsthand knowledge of the events associated with the crime. Each member of the jury attempts to determine the reliability of each witness.
Scripture teaches that spiritual life is a miraculous gift from God to all who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. However, the miraculous gift of spiritual life does not mean that those who come to a saving knowledge of Jesus believe in something unreasonable or ridiculous. Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Hearing the word of Christ builds faith, and faith is built on reliable witnesses who spent time with Jesus Christ, hearing and seeing firsthand what Jesus said and did.
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, shares the first-priority importance of the gospel. Paul associates the credibility of the gospel with how the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled the promises of Old Testament Scripture. Additional credibility came from eyewitnesses who saw and interacted with Jesus following His resurrection. The reliability of these witnesses is further substantiated by the fact that most of them died as a direct result of sharing their testimonies of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. People lie. But few people are willing to die to defend a lie. We have confidence in their credibility.
Trusting the gospel of Jesus Christ transformed the lives of these firsthand witnesses. Since Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, the gospel has transformed lives for centuries. Jesus said he would build His church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Cf. Matthew 16:18). Jesus is keeping His word. The gospel message keeps advancing.
Through the gift of spiritual life and illumination by the Holy Spirit, we have accepted the gospel message that fulfills Scripture and is built on reliable firsthand witnesses. Our faith in the gospel is rooted in truth and trustworthy witnesses. Consequently, we can abide in the gospel hope we have been given and confidently share the gospel message with which we have been entrusted.
Let us live confidently and share boldly!
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