What is the gospel according to 1 Corinthians 15?
According to 1 Corinthians 15, the gospel is the singular message that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. It is the gospel preached, received, and stood in, by which believers are saved if they keep it in memory and understand it.
Les explains that 1 Corinthians 15 is where everything centers: not a gospel, but the gospel—singular, indicating there is only one. Paul declares the gospel he preached, which the Corinthians received and wherein they stand, by which they are saved if they keep in memory, meaning they understand what was preached. The content is given in verses 3 and 4: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. Les notes this was foretold in the Old Testament. He stresses that salvation is not glib; believers must know what they believe and what God requires. Flipping to Romans, Les connects this to God's foreknowledge: Christ died for our sins as part of God's plan, knowing Adam would sin and man would need a Redeemer.
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: