The Risen Christ, Our Hope^(A)

¹² Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

⁸ Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?

³² And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.”

¹⁸ who have strayed concerning the truth, ^(A)saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

^8 (A)For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

¹³ But if there is no resurrection of the dead, ^(A)then Christ is not risen. ¹⁴ And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. ¹⁵ Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because ^(B)we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. ¹⁶ For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁷ And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; ^(C)you are still in your sins! ¹⁸ Then also those who have ^[a]fallen ^(D)asleep in Christ have perished. ^19 (E)If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

¹⁷ comfort your hearts ^(A)and ^[a]establish you in every good word and work.