Q.
Some in fundamentalism are teaching that the resurrection was not necessary. Where do you stand on this issue? It is a new and unexpected position to me, and I’m wondering if it is a common belief among fundamentalists?
Judy
A.
Hello Judy,
Thank you for your question. To be honest I’m shocked some in fundamentalism would maintain the resurrection is not necessary. The early fundamentalists considered the bodily resurrection of Christ a fundamental of the faith.
1 Corinthians 15 is the great resurrection chapter, but it starts with the Gospel. Beginning with verse 3, the text includes the fact that Christ died for our sins (proven by the fact that He was buried) and that He rose again (proven by the fact that He was seen). Then, Paul argues for the resurrection of Christ, and in verse 17, he states, “if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” Clearly, the resurrection is necessary and vital to the Gospel message.
Jesus is “the Firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18). As the “firstborn,” Jesus’ resurrection was necessary for there to be a resurrection of the saints. Therefore, the bodily resurrection of Christ is an essential, fundamental doctrine.
John
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I would really like to understand the context of these denials of the importance of the ressurection. My suspicion would be that they are taking individual aspects of the entire gospel and separating them out. Which is like removing the transmission from a car, you can get it started, it just won’t take you anywhere. We can discuss the gospel in its individual aspects, but it is just not the gospel without all of it. In John 2 Jesus gives the resurrection as a sign of authenticating his Sonship. The failure of a resurrection would have made him a false… Read more »
Well stated, Gene!