Before closing his letter, Paul thought it worth reminding the Christians in Corinth about the gospel. The gospel is the foundation of new life in Christ. It is the power of salvation for all who hold firmly to it. In the gospel, God fulfilled his word. He sent Christ to die for our sins and be buried. Christ was buried with our sins so that we may have eternal life. More than that, Christ was raised from the dead. He is living, having defeated the powers of sin and death.

After his resurrection, Christ appeared to his apostles and many others—more than five hundred people. Here Paul included himself. Jesus appeared to Paul when Paul was persecuting God’s people. But Jesus had grace on Paul, appointing him instead to be an apostle. It is the grace of Jesus that made Paul new. Jesus still appears today, in the saving grace of the forgiveness of sins that gives people new birth.
Application: Lord, thank you for Jesus, who died, was buried and was raised. Thank you that Jesus is revealed today in every forgiven sinner. Help me witness the saving grace of the risen Jesus today.
One Word: Saved by the gospel