Why does Les say 1 Corinthians 15 puts John 3:16 in the shade?
The first four verses of 1 Corinthians 15 give the clearest definition of the gospel found anywhere in Scripture. Unlike John 3:16, which does not tell everything and requires reading between the lines, this passage explicitly declares the gospel Paul preached, received, and by which believers are saved.
Les explains that the first four verses of 1 Corinthians 15 contain the clearest defining of the gospel found anywhere in Scripture. That is why he says it puts John 3:16 in the shade: John 3:16 does not tell everything, and a reader has to read between the lines, while this passage tells everything. In verse 1 Paul declares the gospel, the same gospel he refers to in Romans 1:16—the gospel he preached, the Corinthians received, and wherein they stand positionally, not driven about by every wind of doctrine. Verse 2 says by it they are saved, or experience salvation, if they keep in memory what Paul preached, lest they believe in vain; they must know what they believe and understand what the gospel is. In verse 3 Paul says he delivered first of all what he also received, and Les reminds us Paul constantly refers to receiving the whole dispensational truth of the grace of God, which then went out to others; without understanding that, a person misses the point.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
See the restFor God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
More Questions
Why does Les say 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is the clearest definition of the gospel?
Les teaches that 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 contains the clearest and most complete definition of the gospel in Scripture; it puts John 3:16 in the shade because John 3:16 requires reading between the lines.
Why does Les tie Isaiah 9:6 to John 3:16?
Les connects Isaiah 9:6 with John 3:16 because both passages speak of a Son being given by God.