Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in 1 Corinthians to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith in 1 Corinthians.
The Book of 1 Corinthians, written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, addresses a range of issues within a diverse and sometimes troubled congregation. Despite the corrective tone in many sections, Paul consistently centers his teachings on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, underscoring that salvation is by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. This epistle provides a profound and practical exposition of the Gospel, highlighting its implications for both individual believers and the church as a whole.
Central to the message of 1 Corinthians is the proclamation of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the foundation of the Christian faith. Paul succinctly encapsulates the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, emphasizing that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, all in accordance with the Scriptures. This passage serves as a cornerstone for understanding the essential elements of the Gospel and underscores the historical and theological significance of Christ’s redemptive work.
The epistle also addresses the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of believers. Paul discusses how the message of the cross, though considered foolishness by the world, is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18). This transformative power is evident in the moral and spiritual changes that occur in believers, as they are called to live holy and sanctified lives in response to God’s grace (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
The Gospel in 1 Corinthians
The Gospel in 1 Corinthians Showcased in Scripture
- 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 states that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God.
- 1 Corinthians 1:21: “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
1 Corinthians 1:21 explains that, since in the wisdom of God the world did not know God through its own wisdom, God chose to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching.
- 1 Corinthians 1:30: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”
1 Corinthians 1:30 declares that it is by God’s doing that believers are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
- 1 Corinthians 2:2: “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
1 Corinthians 2:2 states that Paul decided to know nothing among the Corinthians except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
- 1 Corinthians 6:11: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
1 Corinthians 6:11 states that believers were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 encapsulates the core of the Gospel message that Paul preached. It affirms that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again on the third day, also in accordance with the Scriptures. The passage emphasizes that Christ’s resurrection was witnessed by Peter and then by the Twelve. These elements—Christ’s sacrificial death, burial, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances—form the foundation of the Christian faith, underscoring the significance of Jesus’ work for the salvation of humanity.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10: “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
1 Corinthians 15:10 reflects Paul’s acknowledgment that his labor and apostolic work are the result of God’s grace. He states that he is what he is by the grace of God, and the grace bestowed upon him was not in vain; rather, he worked harder than all the other apostles, yet not by his own effort but by the grace of God working through him.
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-22: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 explains the significance of Christ’s resurrection in relation to the resurrection of believers. It asserts that Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, becoming the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. This passage underscores that Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of the future resurrection of all believers, establishing a foundation for hope and redemption.
These verses highlight the core message of the Gospel as presented in 1 Corinthians, focusing on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the transformative power of faith in Him, and the grace of God as the foundation of salvation.
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Moreover, 1 Corinthians explores the implications of the Gospel for Christian unity and community. Paul emphasizes that believers are all members of the body of Christ, each with unique gifts and roles, but united in purpose and mission (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The Gospel thus serves as the basis for unity within the church, fostering mutual love, respect, and cooperation among its members.
As we delve into these key passages, it becomes evident that 1 Corinthians not only conveys the core message of the Gospel but also addresses its practical outworking in the life of the church. This epistle challenges believers to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel, reflecting the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection in their everyday lives. Through its rich theological insights and practical exhortations, 1 Corinthians offers a comprehensive view of the Gospel’s profound impact on both individuals and the Christian community.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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