Big Buts of the Bible #4

Continuing the countdown of the biggest 'buts' in the New Testament, here's number 4. Numbers 5-10 can be found in the archives menu.

1 Corinthians 15:19-20
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. BUT, Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Paul wrote this word in a day and setting in which followers of Christ often suffered for their profession of faith. If Christ had not been raised from the dead, they were to be pitied. The 'but' stands to make a hard contrast, indeed Jesus is a risen Lord.

I've considered this text often as I've lost a loved one or as I've been with friends who are dealing with a loss. In fact all of 1 Corinthians 15 speaks to me in those emotional times. I remember the days after my dad passed away that the words of this chapter caused me to think of life and death in a different light. Another great big 'but' appears in verse 57 of this chapter - death stings, BUT Christ...