We set out with the simple aim of looking in detail at the Gospel statement of I Corinthians 15:3. As we reach the end of this work, we’ll return to that opening text, and I invite you to take a few minutes to read through the passage again and think deeply about its meaning and implications for you personally, in the light of the scripture we have studied together. This is the Gospel of Christ, and as Paul writes in Romans 1:16, it is the power of salvation to all who believe:

¹ Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, ² and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

³ For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. ⁶ Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷ Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. ⁸ Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

I Corinthians 15:1-8

Whether you have been a Christian for many years, or have come to the Gospel more recently, please do join my prayers and the prayers by giving thanks to God, who gave his son, Jesus Christ, that despite our many sins we could not only be forgiven, but reconciled to him, saved from the coming wrath and granted eternal life by faith in his name.

Whilst we were once alienated and hostile to God, doing evil deeds; we are now forgiven and reconciled to God by Christ’s offering of himself made once for all time upon the cross. May God strengthen you to hold fast to the one Gospel, both in your own life, and as you bring this message of Christ’s saving work to your neighbours throughout the world, that they too might receive salvation.

Amen