Of First Importance

by Dr. Al Hearne II

[This image, Of First Importance, was created by DALL·E.]

1 Corinthians 15:3-4, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."

The truth of the Gospel message is not secondary or optional. It is "of first importance," a phrase that emphasizes its rank, succession, and preeminence in the life of the believer. The Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Corinth, affirms the foundational truth of the Christian faith, delivering what he had also received, indicating that this message did not originate with him, but he received it through divine revelation. According to Galatians 1:11-12, Paul received this Gospel not from man but through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 

The Gospel message Paul shares includes two central, scripturally grounded truths. First, Christ died for our sins. This was not a random death but one foretold by the Scriptures. Psalm 22 outlines the physical suffering of crucifixion centuries before its practice. Psalm 69 references the vinegar Jesus would be given to drink on the cross. Isaiah 50 details the humiliating treatment Jesus endured, and Isaiah 52 and 53 describe how the Messiah would be beaten, pierced, and crushed for our iniquities. All of these point to the suffering Savior who bore the penalty of sin on our behalf.

Second, Christ was raised from the dead on the third day, again in accordance with the Scriptures. Jesus Himself referenced Jonah 1:17 in Matthew 12:40 as a prophetic sign of His resurrection. Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110 testify to the resurrection of the Messiah. The resurrection is not merely an event but a validation that Jesus is who He said He is: the Son of God and Savior of the world.

Together, these truths form the core of the Gospel: Jesus came, lived a sinless life, was crucified, and resurrected. Jesus paid the price of our sins as the perfect sacrifice so that we can be restored to a right relationship with God.

 

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 reminds us that the Gospel is not merely good advice but good news of first importance. It is the anchor of our faith and the foundation upon which all other doctrines and practices must rest. Christ's death for our sins means we are not left to bear the burden of guilt and shame. His resurrection ensures our hope is not in vain.

As believers, we are called to believe this message and live in light of it. Accepting the Gospel changes everything: our identity, our purpose, and our eternal destiny. It compels us to share this truth with others and to walk in the joy and freedom it brings. The Gospel is not simply a part of our story: it is the story.

 

Reflective Practice

1. How does understanding the Gospel as "of first importance" shape your daily life and decisions?
2. In what ways do the Scriptural prophecies about Christ's death and resurrection strengthen your faith?
3. How are you living out the reality of Christ's death and resurrection in your relationship with God and others?

 

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Gospel, the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. Help us to embrace this truth as the foundation of our lives. May we never lose sight of its importance, and may it transform our hearts, guide our actions, and inspire our witness. Strengthen our faith and draw us ever closer to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.