A story of Redemption and forgiveness.

Pastor Jon Verwey

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. — 1 Corinthians 15:12–13 (NIV)

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” v.17

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” v.19

“…If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.’” v.32

If Jesus was not raised from the dead, your faith is futile.

If Jesus was not raised from the dead, you are still in your sins.

“All sin incurs a debt, and that debt never vanishes—it is paid for one way or another. Someone always pays—either someone substitutes for you so you can be forgiven or you pay your own penalty. It never goes away on its own.” — Timothy Keller, Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?

If Jesus was not raised from the dead, we are to be pitied.

If Jesus was not raised from the dead, “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead… v.20a

Matthew/Luke/1 Corinthians Combined Reading

“Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me.”

“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Have I surrendered my life to Jesus, and do I believe all that we are “remembering” and “proclaiming” in communion?