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I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. --- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NLT The central theme of the gospel is given in these verses, a key text for the defense of Christianity. The three most important points are: (1) Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. Without the truth of this message, Christ’s death was worthless, and those who believe in him are still in their sins and without hope. However, Christ as the sinless Son of God took the punishment of sin so that those who believe can have their sins removed, “The Scriptures” refers to Old Testament prophecies such as Psalm 16:8-11 and Isaiah 53:5,6. Christ’s death on the cross was no accident or afterthought. It had been part of God’s plan from all eternity in order to bring about the salvation of all who believe. (2) He was buried. The fact of Christ’s death is revealed in the fact of his burial. Many have tried to discount the actual death of Christ, but Jesus did in fact die and was buried in a tomb. (3) He was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said. Christ was raised permanently, forever; his Father raised him from the dead “on the third day” as noted in the Gospels (Friday afternoon to Sunday morning---three days in Jewish reckoning of time). This also occurred As the Scriptures said.” Jesus quoted the prophet Jonah in Matthew 12:40 (see Jonah 1:17) to show the connection to “three days” as prophesied in the Old Testament. Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110 also foretell the resurrection of the Messiah. --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your rich love for us. Thank You for Your hope that can see beyond our sins. Thank You for Jesus’ mighty act of salvation on the cross. Christ died for me and rose again so that by grace through faith in Him I might be forgiven of my sins and receive eternal life. Remind us that the Gospel of our salvation is our core truth. Give us the boldness to proclaim this message of first importance. In Jesus’ name Amen