“It is impossible to explain the origins of Christianity unless Jesus Christ rose from the dead.” Several messianic movements around the same time which ended when the founder was killed. Some found a new leader; none claimed their dead leader was alive and they were still following him. Makes no sense. MANY CHALLENGES: was he really killed? was the tomb really empty? was he seen alive or were they hallucinations? is it a recasting of some ancient mythology like Osiris? Historians laugh at these challenges on historical grounds. Examine them one by one. But if this creed is not true, we are in a pitiful state. text v.16-19 THE PROTO-CREED: Paul speaks of what he received, the very foundation of our faith, the normative statement of the essentials, both for understanding Scriptures and for salvation. He quotes a ‘proto-creed’ which preceded the creeds we recite today. It is centered in Christ and anchored in Scripture. “Christ died and was buried; Christ rose and he appeared to many.” This is the seed or core of the gospel. The gospel is not something we live out… We simply take it. It was what was done for us (past) on the Cross, is done (new life) and will be done for all eternity. DEEP ROOTS IN THE SCRIPTURES: This creed is also a lens which makes sense of all preceding Scriptures. His sufferings – Genesis 3:16 bruised, Psalm 22 forsaken of God, mocked by man, Isaiah 53:4-5 wounded and crushed. His resurrected eternal new life – Psalm 16:9-11 not left in Sheol, Isaiah 9:6 Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, 2 Samuel 7:16 David’s throne established forever, Ezekiel 37:25 Prince forever, Daniel 7:13-14 everlasting dominion.
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Dr. Liam Goligher was Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church from May of 2011 until December of 2023. He previously pastored churches in Ireland, Canada, England, and his native Scotland.
Dr. Goligher has been closely involved in Bible teaching and evangelistic ministry...
