1 Corinthians 15:29-34

                                                         1 Corinthians 15:29-34

Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?  Why are we in danger every hour?  I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!  What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”  Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”  Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

 

Paul continues to present his arguments to prove the hope of the resurrection.  He points out the contradictions in their thinking.  Many people think that something like the resurrection is not logical.  Paul wants to point to the fact that this type of thinking is dangerous and we must be careful not to fall in the trap the enemy is striving to set.

 

CONTRADICTS LOCAL CUSTOMS: Just to be clear, I don’t believe that this passage supports being baptized for the dead.  Paul refers to what must have been a local custom of being baptized for the dead as being contradictory to the belief that there was no resurrection.  Paul is not defending that practice but simply pointing out that it is inconsistent for them to say there is no resurrection while at the same time practicing this custom.  Paul’s argument is simply that it does not make sense.

 

CONTRADICTS LOGIC OF SUFFERING: Paul’s second argument is from his own personal testimony and experience.  Paul suffered great personal harm preaching the message of the resurrection.  It there is no resurrection; what is the point of suffering in light of eternity?  If all we have to life for is in this life, Paul says we might as well eat, drink, and be merry.  Why would anyone live the way Paul lived?  He was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, fought with beasts, and lived a sacrificial, impoverished life for no purpose whatsoever; if there is no resurrection. 

 

CONTRADICTS LOVE FOR TRUTH: Believing the teaching that there is no resurrection is simply contradictory to the truth.  The philosophies of the world may seem attractive to people, but they are dangerous.  When we spend time in the company of sceptics and heretics, in all likelihood, we will become skeptical and heretical.  Those who love the truth will seek out those who follow the truth.  God calls us to a life of sinning because the reject the truth that comes from God.

 

APPLICTION: Be consistent with our practices and beliefs.  Suffer willingly for the cause of Christ, knowing that there are rewards in eternity for faithfulness.  Love the truth of God’s Word and spend time with those who love and obey Scripture.

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