11. Instead of being with Christ at death, to what did Paul point the attention of those to whom he preached? 1 Corinthians 15:12.
NOTE: ‘With convincing power the apostle set forth the great truth of the resurrection. “If there be no resurrection of the dead,” he argued, “then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.”’ Acts of the Apostles, page 320.
12. When will those who died in Jesus be raised from death? 1 Corinthians 15:22-23.
NOTE: ‘The resurrection of Jesus Christ is set forth as the cardinal truth upon which the hopes of Christians depend. “If Christ be not raised,” wrote Paul to the Corinthians, “your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” And he adds, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” 1 Corinthians 15:17, 19. The resurrection of Christ from the dead is the sure pledge of the resurrection of all those who “sleep in Jesus.” And this resurrection is to take place at the second appearing of Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven, in the glory of His Father, and attended by all the holy angels. At that time the righteous will enter upon their eternal reward, which has been secured to them through the gospel.’ A. T. Jones: The American Sentinel, March 25, 1897.