When we read Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, we are drawn back to the heart of the Christian faith: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (NASB). This is not merely a formula or a blueprint for self-improvement. It is a declaration—an announcement of what God has done through His Son.

The gospel is not a human strategy, nor is it a moral code or pathway to reform. It is the good news of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became flesh, dwelled among us, bore the weight of our sins, and triumphed over the grave. Every element of the gospel speaks to who Christ is and what He accomplished—not as an abstract concept, but as the living, breathing Savior who came to rescue sinners.

Too often, we reduce the gospel to a “plan of salvation,” a checklist of steps to secure a better life. But Paul’s words remind us that the gospel is deeply personal. It is the story of the incarnate God, the One who bore our iniquities and fulfilled the promises of Scripture. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are not mere historical events; they are the ultimate expression of God’s love and power to redeem.

Think of what these truths mean for us: Christ did not die to improve us; He died to save us. He was buried, taking our sin and shame with Him to the grave, and then rose victorious, securing for us the hope of eternal life. This is why Paul calls it “of first importance.” There is nothing more vital, nothing more central to our faith, than the message of Christ crucified and risen. As we reflect on this, the words of the old hymn come alive with fresh meaning:

“O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood.”

This is the victory we could never win for ourselves. Sin had left us powerless, condemned, and in need of a Redeemer. Yet in His mercy, God acted decisively in Christ. Jesus sought us when we were far off, bought us at the cost of His life, and plunged us into the cleansing flood of His grace.

Consider the wonder of this message.

How does the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection speak to your heart today? Do you see in it not just a roadmap, but the face of a Savior who loves you and gave Himself for you?

Let the gospel draw you to worship, not because of what you’ve done, but because of what He has done. This “old, old story” is as life-giving now as the day it was first proclaimed. Christ’s victory is our hope, His resurrection our assurance, and His life the foundation of our faith.

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, BSB).

Cross-references:
Romans 5:8
Colossians 1:13-14
1 Peter 1:3-5.

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