Jesus Died for Our Sins: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 KJV Meaning

Few passages in the Bible summarize the Christian faith as clearly and powerfully as 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 KJV. In just two verses, the Apostle Paul delivers the core message of the gospel: that Jesus died for our sins, that He was buried, and that on the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures. This statement is not poetic reflection or theological speculation. It is the foundation upon which Christian belief stands.

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 KJV (The Verse Itself)

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 KJV

Paul intentionally frames this message as something received and delivered. He is not inventing doctrine. He is passing on truth that stands at the centre of Christian faith.

Also Read: Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree? The Meaning Most People Miss

Why Paul Says “First of All”

When Paul says he delivered this message “first of all,” he is not speaking about timing alone. He is speaking about priority.

This gospel message was the most important truth the Corinthian believers needed to understand and remember. Before spiritual gifts, church order, or moral instruction, Paul anchored them in the reality that Christ died for our sins and rose again on the third day. Everything else in Christian life flows from this foundation.

Jesus Died for Our Sins — What That Means

The phrase “Jesus died for our sins” is one of the most searched and quoted truths in the Bible, yet it is often misunderstood. Paul does not say that Jesus died as an example of love only, or as a tragic martyr. He says Jesus died for our sins.

This means Christ took the penalty that sin demanded. According to Scripture, sin separates humanity from God, and death is its consequence. Jesus’ death was substitutionary, meaning He bore what humanity could not remove on its own. This is why the Bible repeatedly emphasizes that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

Why Paul Emphasizes “According to the Scriptures”

Paul repeats the phrase “according to the Scriptures” twice, once for Jesus’ death and once for His resurrection. This repetition is deliberate.

He is showing that the gospel is not a new idea disconnected from the Old Testament. The death and resurrection of Christ fulfilled God’s long-revealed plan. Prophecies, sacrifices, and promises all pointed forward to this moment. Christianity rests not on sudden inspiration, but on fulfilled Scripture.

Also Read: How to Preach About Salvation So People Truly Understand the Gospel

The Importance of Jesus Being Buried

Paul includes a detail many people overlook: Jesus was buried. This confirms the reality of His death.

Burial eliminates the idea that Jesus merely appeared to die. It affirms that His death was real, complete, and witnessed. The burial also sets the stage for the resurrection, showing that what happened on the third day was not symbolic revival but physical victory over death.

On the Third Day He Rose Again KJV

The phrase “on the third day he rose again” is not a minor detail. It confirms the historical and bodily resurrection of Jesus.

The resurrection proves that death did not defeat Christ. It validates His identity as the Son of God and confirms that His sacrifice was accepted by God. Without the resurrection, the message that Jesus died for our sins KJV would be incomplete and powerless. Paul later states clearly that without the resurrection, faith itself would be empty.

Why the Resurrection Is Central to the Gospel

The resurrection is not an optional belief within Christianity. It is the cornerstone.

Through resurrection, Jesus demonstrates authority over sin and death. It assures believers that forgiveness is real and that eternal life is possible. The gospel is not simply about forgiveness in the past but hope for the future. This is why Paul defends the resurrection so strongly in 1 Corinthians 15.

Why Paul Calls This the Gospel He Received

Paul emphasizes that he received this message before delivering it. This highlights continuity.

The gospel was not altered to fit culture or philosophy. It was entrusted, preserved, and passed on. This reinforces the reliability of 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 KJV as a faithful summary of early Christian belief, not a later invention.

What These Verses Teach About Salvation

These verses explain salvation in clear terms. Salvation is not achieved by human effort, moral improvement, or religious performance.

Salvation comes through trusting that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Faith is anchored in what Jesus has done, not in what people can accomplish.

Also Read: Why Abraham Is Called the Father of Faith in the Bible

Why This Passage Still Matters Today

In every generation, the temptation exists to move away from the simplicity of the gospel. People may emphasize morality, spirituality, or social identity while neglecting the core message.

Paul’s words bring the focus back to what matters most. Christianity begins and ends with the reality that Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures and conquered death through resurrection.

A Thought to Reflect On

The gospel is powerful because it is simple, yet it is never shallow. In two verses, Paul presents a message that changes eternity.

The question these verses invite is not merely whether they are understood, but whether they are believed.

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