Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 15:29-32.
“29 Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?
30 Why are we also in danger every hour?
31 I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32 If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE.” 1 Corinthians 15:29-32.
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Paul continues to talk hypothetically. In other words, to use my own words to paraphrase in a nutshell today’s Scripture, Paul is saying hypothetically: “If there is no resurrection from the dead, then I might as well party all the time if I am only going to die without any punishment for bad behavior or any reward for good behavior.”
But, Paul is inferring by today’s Scripture that there is indeed a resurrection from the dead. Paul knows that there is a resurrection from the dead and that is why he is willing to suffer so much for the sake of the gospel. We will be held accountable at the end of our lives for our actions during our lives. We will be punished for bad behavior or rewarded for good behavior. There is a hell, and there is a heaven.
Paul later states in the Book of Galatians: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:7-10.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 