Doctrine
The basis for Christianity is that of a Living Resurrected Christ. Jesus died for humanity as atonement for sins. God accepted the perfectly lived life of His son as pure righteousness because Jesus lived fully up to the Law of God. Christ died, was buried, and was raised from the dead on the third day. Spiritual death was defeated for those who believe, and receive the GRACE that Jesus bought for us on the Cross. Had Jesus not been raised from the dead, it would not have fulfilled God's acceptance of righteous payment for our sin.
Humanity is under the curse of original sin brought about by the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. We are sinners by birth, and have inherited a sinful nature. This created a chasm between God and man. Religion is a way man tries to bridge that gap. Technically, it attempts to make us feel better about our sinful nature.
Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2 (biblegateway.com)
Fact 1 - God is Just - God can NOT ignore His own law.
Fact 2 - God is Love -
Fact 3 - God's Love and Justice met at the Cross - God is the only one who deals realistically with our sin. We disobey the Gospels to attempt to reconcile our sin. We don't see sin the way God does.
Ish: 53:4-6
1 Peter 3:18
2 Cor 5:18-21
1 Cor 15:4
Historical
There were many eyewitnesses to the resurrected Christ. Paul, formerly known as Saul, discusses the number of people that Christ revealed his glorified body to after his resurrection
and that he appeared to Cephas, (Peter) and then to the Twelve (disciples). After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living (at the time of his letter), though some have fallen asleep (already died). Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Cor 15:5-8 (biblegateway.com)
Paul used the words "fallen asleep" because he realized the significance of Christ's death and resurrection. Believers are not dead any longer, just sleeping in Christ.
Paul's inclusion of "abnormally born" was his way of recognizing the gossip going on that he, Paul, was not a true apostle because he wasn't of the first 12 disciples. Paul, formerly Saul, was responsible for the persecution of the Church, and the stoning of Stephen. It was on the road to Damascus that God's magnificence blinded him and his conversion changed his life.
James was the 1/2 brother of Jesus, and having to grown up with a brother claiming to be the Messiah was a bit disheartening for him. He thought he was mentally ill in some ways, but after Jesus appeared to his brother, he realized that Jesus was, in fact, the risen Messiah.
Peter was a coward, hot-headed, and impetuous. But, Peter became the Rock upon which the church was built, and one of the greatest apostles for Christ. He preached the magnificent Sermon at Pentecost, and was crucified upside down because he felt he was in no way good enough to be like Jesus, who was crucified upright.
Repentence, Faith, and Service - An encounter with the Resurrected Christ
Paul recognized his sin, honestly repented, and declared himself hopeless without Christ. These passages in 1 Corinthians preached against a fake faith, but for a true reliance on the risen Christ. And, our service should be a lifestyle not a one day affair.
Easter Sunday service recap, Rev. Tony Chester, Far Hills Community Church, Dayton/Centerville, Ohio. 4/8/12 www.farhills.org
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