In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds us of the gospel message, with a strong emphasis on resurrection. Jesus died, but the veracity of his resurrection was witnessed by many, including Paul. There was an idea being spread that Christ hadn’t been raised, but if this were the case then Paul’s preaching and our hope is in vain.
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep… in Christ shall all be made alive”. This is the great hope of the gospel, of faithful people stretching back to Abraham. It is not a vain hope, but instead “We shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet…the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
This is an enormous source of strength and encouragement; a cause for praise and rejoicing, of looking beyond present suffering to future victory. “Death is swallowed up in victory… thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”.