1 Corinthians 15 verses 12-22 answers the question posted on the thread header. ------------------------------------------------------- The Resurrection of the Dead 12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. ----------------------------------------------------
Apostle Paul was the author of this letter it was first quoted by Clement of Rome in 96AD, the date of the letter was circa 55AD.
Two defining points of Christianity are that of the resurrection and secondly salvation only by the Grace of God.
These points profoundly differentiate Christianity.
C S Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia fame) was also a prolific writer and Christian apologist, quote from his book 'The Problem of Pain'.
"From the moment a creature becomes aware of God as God and of itself as self, the terrible alternative of choosing God or self for the centre is opened to it."
