What 'According to the Scriptures' Means for Christ's Death and Resurrection
Orientation
The phrase 'according to the Scriptures' is often misunderstood as a simple historical footnote, leaving believers unaware of the profound inheritance secured by Christ's work.
- It reassures that the Gospel is not a shallow message but the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose.
- It establishes that our salvation is anchored in the unbreakable testimony of God's Word.
- It points to a deep reservoir of divine intent foretold by the prophets.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
— 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Clarification
The phrase does not merely point to Old Testament prophecies, but to the comprehensive 'mystery of Christ' revealed through Paul, which encompasses far more than forgiveness of sins.
- It corrects the reduction of the Gospel to 'going to heaven' or moral example.
- It describes the error of missing the total termination of everything that stood against us at the cross.
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (Colossians 1:26)
— Colossians 1:26
Structure
The biblical logic reveals that Christ's death and resurrection, according to the Scriptures, accomplished a multifaceted salvation that transforms believers into a new creation united with Christ.
- It shows how Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's sufferings and glory are fulfilled.
- It introduces the Pauline revelation of our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Weight-Bearing Prose
The anchor phrase ‘according to the Scriptures’ in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 signifies that Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection are the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. This establishes the Gospel as God’s eternal purpose, not an afterthought. Through Paul’s revelation of the ‘mystery of Christ,’ we learn the comprehensive scope of this work, which was hidden in ages past.
Pauline categories reveal that Christ’s death terminated the old Adamic nature (Romans 6:6), abolished the legal ordinances that condemned us (Colossians 2:14), and disarmed spiritual rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15). His resurrection brought life and immortality to light (2 Timothy 1:10) and seated believers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
The result is not merely forensic forgiveness but a transformative union. Believers are baptized into His death and resurrection, created as one new humanity in Him (Ephesians 2:15), and made members of His Body, which is His fullness (Ephesians 1:23). Christ Himself is our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). This is the Gospel’s power unto salvation.
Integration
This truth is your anchor and assurance. The work is complete, accomplished ‘according to the Scriptures.’ Your standing is not based on your effort to understand these depths, but on Christ’s finished work. He has already reconciled all things to Himself, made peace by His blood, and defeated every power that stood against you.
You are safe in this reality. The pressure is off. Your growth is simply coming to see more of the Christ who is already your life, your sanctification, and your reward. Rest here. The Gospel that saved you is the same Gospel that contains these infinite depths—all yours in Christ, with no hierarchy of access. He is your portion, now and forever.