Standing Firm in the Gospel

Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1–11

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.”

 (1 Corinthians 15:1)

Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—of the foundation of faith: the gospel of Jesus Christ. He urges believers to receive it, stand firm in it, and hold fast to it. Salvation is not by merit but by Christ’s finished work.

Churches are filled with people at various stages of belief. Some are seeking, others pretending. Yet as Jesus taught (Matthew 13:28-29), it is not for us to uproot imposters; God alone judges hearts. Our call is to continue believing and following Christ, for salvation belongs to those who persevere (1 Corinthians 15:2).

Paul summarizes the gospel’s core: Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). His death was no accident but the fulfillment of Scripture (Isaiah 53:5-6; Psalm 16:8-11). His burial confirmed His death, and His resurrection secured eternal life, just as prophesied.

Anticipating doubt, Paul names eyewitnesses: Peter, the Twelve, over five hundred believers, James, all the apostles, and finally himself (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). Even skeptics like James, Jesus’ half-brother (John 7:5), became church leaders after seeing the risen Christ (Acts 15:13). Paul’s own encounter with Jesus transformed him from persecutor to apostle, a work of pure grace.

Paul humbly confesses, “by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). His tireless labor was fueled by divine kindness, not human strength. True humility, as Paul demonstrates, is not denying effort, but recognizing God’s hand behind every success.

As William Barclay writes, “It is not what we have done, but what God has done for us, that is the source of our salvation.” Charles Spurgeon adds, “If there be anything of merit, it is the result of the grace which has been bestowed.”

Today, let us receive this gospel anew, stand firm in Christ’s finished work, and hold fast to the hope of His resurrection.

Prayer

Lord, help me to stand firm in the gospel, to live by Your grace, and to hold fast to the hope You have given. Amen.