The First Importance

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared......" . (1 Corinthians 15:3-5)

The Gospel is the "first importance". Nowhere else in Scripture does it use that phrase. Although Scripture is important in its entirety because it is God-breathed, Paul would emphasize the Gospel to be the most important. I wrestled asked myself, "Why is it the first importance?" Although the answer to that question is found in the same chapter of 1 Corinthians, I want to try and take another angle in answering that question.

I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 3 where Paul talks about laying a foundation of one's faith.

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)

Paul laid down the foundation by preaching Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the foundation of our faith. The Gospel is what saved and continues to save us. Without the Gospel being the foundation and center of our faith, other things in which we try to build the foundation of our faith (e.g. memorizing the Bible, God is love, leading worship, teaching Sunday school, mission trip), although important, will fall.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Therefore, I think that`s one of the reasons why the gospel is the "first importance". Whether Christian or non-Christian, the Gospel continues to transform and hold people. The gospel should and ought to affect every area of our lives. Whether if you`re struggling in different areas of your personal life or even your faith, may you find the answer in the Gospel.