1 Corinthians 15:8-9

"Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."

Although the previous verses’ testimony of so many people seeing Jesus alive after being put to death would be enough to convince one that Jesus did indeed rise from the grave, Paul goes the extra step of adding his personal testimony. Paul wasn’t merely sharing second hand knowledge. He saw the risen Christ with his own eyes.

This was a revolutionary experience for Paul. He had been trying to stamp out those who followed Jesus, but after seeing him, who conquered death, he lines up with those whom he had been hunting, looking with shame upon his former actions and with thankfulness upon the grace of God.

How then should I live? Like Paul, I have great spiritual privilege. And like Paul, I should be transformed and humbled by it. To have God’s word, to have God’s Spirit working in my heart, to have so many encouraging me to do right, and to have people praying for me—I could easily pervert God’s gracious gifts into a cause for pride or boasting. But how can I look down on one who is a sinner when I am a sinner. I would be no better than the worst had God not done for me what I do not deserve.

1 Corinthians 15:5-7

"And that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles."

Jesus’ literal, physical resurrection is an indisputable reality. And his physical victory over death reflects his equally commanding victory over spiritual death. The two victories were won in one sweeping act of power—the resurrection.

Jesus appeared physically to hundreds of people. And making an open show of his triumph over the grave, he demonstrated that he was not a spirit or some afterthought that empowers his followers. He is alive. The payment for sin was accepted. The wrath of God has been satisfied.

How then should I live? I should live knowing that I am following someone who is alive. I am not simply following someone’s teachings. I am not simply modeling my life after a good pattern. I am following someone with whom I have a relationship. I am following someone who sees me—who walks with me. How important it is that I live with this reality before me. It is empowering, and it is delightful.