Note that Paul preached "Jesus and the resurrection." Why was it not Jesus and the incarnation, or Jesus and the crucifixion? Many scriptures prove that Paul did preach the foundation doctrines of incarnation and crucifixion; but be it ever remembered that he jealously insisted upon the resurrection.

Paul himself was converted to a risen and glorified Christ (Acts 9:3,17). He did not confine himself to the mere question of forgiveness of sin and salvation from hell, precious as they are. He preached a resurrection gospel!

Paul labored to present everyone as being perfect in a risen, glorified Christ (Colossians 1:27-29). He aimed at the glorious end of planting the soul in Christ and of keeping it there. He wrote:

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith... abounding in it with thanksgiving.
- Colossians 2:6-7

You are complete in Him... buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him... [and] made alive together with Him.
- Colossians 2:10,12,13

Such was Paul's preaching and teaching. This was his gospel. This is true Christianity, in contrast with all the forms of human religiousness and fleshly piety that are under the sun. Life in a risen Christ was Paul's grand theme.

It was not merely forgiveness and salvation by Christ, but union with Him. Paul's gospel, the glad tidings, planted the soul first in a risen and glorified Christ. Forgiveness of sins and redemption are the necessary consequence. This is the glorious gospel of the blessed God with which Paul was entrusted (1 Timothy 1:11).

Charles H. Mackintosh