“Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (I Corinthians 15:12).

Our text comes from one of the mountain-peak chapters of Scripture, expounding the great theme of the resurrection—first the past resurrection of Christ, then the future resurrection of those who “are fallen asleep in Christ” (v.18).

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17).

“Male and female created He them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created” (Genesis 5:2).

“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (I Corinthians 15:34).

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).