1 Corinthians 15:2

KJV

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G1223} which {G3739} also {G2532} ye are saved {G4982}, if {G1487} ye keep {G2722} in memory what {G5101}{G3056} I preached {G2097} unto you {G5213}, unless {G1622}{G1508} ye have believed {G4100} in vain {G1500}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and by which you are being saved — provided you keep holding fast to the message I proclaimed to you. For if you don’t, your trust will have been in vain.

Berean Standard Bible

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

American Standard Version

by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 15:2 serves as a pivotal verse within Paul's comprehensive defense of the resurrection, articulating that salvation is intrinsically linked to the gospel message he proclaimed. It underscores the vital necessity of holding fast to this foundational truth, warning against a superficial or ineffectual belief that ultimately proves to be futile. The verse thus calls believers to a steadfast adherence to the core tenets of their faith, particularly the reality of Christ's resurrection, which is the bedrock of Christian hope and eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's powerful declaration in [1 Corinthians 15:1](/1_corinthians/15-1 "1 Corinthians 15:1 - The Gospel Remembered") where he reminds the Corinthian believers of the gospel he "preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand." Chapter 15 is entirely dedicated to the doctrine of the resurrection, which appears to have been a point of contention or confusion within the Corinthian church. Some members evidently denied the resurrection of the dead (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:12](/1_corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - Denial of Resurrection")). Paul's argument in this chapter is meticulously structured: he first re-establishes the historical facts of Christ's resurrection (verses 3-11), then demonstrates the logical and theological impossibility of denying the resurrection of believers if Christ Himself was raised (verses 12-19), before moving to the victorious implications of Christ's triumph over death (verses 20-28) and the practical consequences for Christian life (verses 29-34). Verse 2, therefore, functions as a crucial link, reminding them that the very salvation they possess is contingent upon the gospel message, which centrally includes the resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its diverse philosophical schools, moral laxity, and a strong emphasis on rhetorical skill and worldly wisdom. Greek philosophical thought, particularly Platonism and Stoicism, often viewed the body as inferior or a prison for the soul, making the concept of a bodily resurrection difficult for many to accept. This cultural backdrop likely contributed to the Corinthian believers' struggles with the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul's emphasis on the historical fact of Christ's resurrection and the necessity of holding firmly to this truth directly challenges these prevailing philosophical currents. Furthermore, the Corinthian church itself was plagued by divisions, pride, and ethical issues, making Paul's foundational reminder about the gospel's power and the need for genuine, enduring faith all the more critical.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is rich with theological themes, and verse 2 contributes significantly to several. The primary theme is undoubtedly **The Resurrection of the Dead**, both Christ's and believers'. Paul establishes that the resurrection is not an optional belief but an essential component of the gospel, without which faith is futile and salvation impossible (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:14-19](/1_corinthians/15-14-19 "1 Corinthians 15:14-19 - The Futility of Faith Without Resurrection")). Another key theme is **The Efficacy of the Gospel for Salvation**. The verse explicitly states that salvation is "by which also ye are saved," directly linking deliverance from sin and death to the proclaimed good news. This underscores the gospel's inherent power, as also seen in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Perseverance and Authentic Faith**. The conditional clauses ("if ye keep in memory," "unless ye have believed in vain") highlight that true saving faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative, enduring commitment that holds fast to the truth, distinguishing genuine belief from a superficial or temporary profession.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō_):** This term (G4982) signifies deliverance, preservation, or healing. In this context, it refers to spiritual salvation, encompassing rescue from the penalty and power of sin, leading to eternal life. It points to the complete work of God in bringing humanity into a right relationship with Him through Christ, securing their ultimate well-being.
* **keep in memory (Greek, _katéchō_):** Derived from G2722, this phrase means "to hold down (fast)," "to retain," or "to possess firmly." It implies more than mere intellectual recall; it denotes a tenacious adherence to the truth, a firm grasp that withstands challenges, doubts, and temptations. It speaks to the active and persistent retention of the gospel's message in one's heart and mind.
* **in vain (Greek, _eikē_):** This word (G1500) suggests something done "without reason," "idly," or "to no effect." When combined with "believed," it describes a faith that is superficial, unproductive, or ultimately proves to be unfruitful, lacking the transformative power and genuine commitment characteristic of true saving faith. It points to a belief that fails to achieve its intended purpose or yield genuine spiritual fruit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By which also ye are saved":** This opening phrase directly connects the Corinthian believers' salvation to the gospel message Paul had previously preached (referred to in [1 Corinthians 15:1](/1_corinthians/15-1 "1 Corinthians 15:1 - The Gospel's Foundation")). It emphasizes that the gospel is not merely information but the divine instrument through which God's saving power is manifested, delivering individuals from sin's dominion and its eternal consequences. It establishes the gospel as the essential prerequisite for their spiritual deliverance and eternal life.
* **"if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you":** This conditional clause introduces a crucial aspect of genuine faith: perseverance. The phrase "keep in memory" (Greek: _katéchō_) implies more than just intellectual recollection; it means to "hold fast" or "retain firmly." It suggests that true salvation is evidenced by a steadfast adherence to the core truths of the gospel, particularly the resurrection, which Paul is about to expound upon. This condition highlights that an authentic faith is not fleeting but endures through trials and temptations, demonstrating its reality through continued belief and obedience to the proclaimed word.
* **"unless ye have believed in vain":** This concluding warning serves as a sobering caveat. The phrase "in vain" (Greek: _eikē_) signifies "without cause," "to no purpose," or "fruitless." It suggests that a belief that does not result in perseverance, or that is not rooted in the full truth of the gospel (including the resurrection), is ultimately unproductive and lacks genuine saving power. This challenges the Corinthians, and indeed all believers, to examine the depth and authenticity of their faith, ensuring it is a transformative trust in Christ and His resurrection, not merely a superficial or intellectual assent that yields no lasting spiritual fruit.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Conditional Language**, evident in the "if... unless" clauses. This structure sets up a clear premise and consequence, compelling the reader to consider the implications of their faith. It functions as both an **Exhortation** to steadfastness and a **Warning** against superficiality. By presenting salvation as conditional upon "keeping in memory" the preached gospel, Paul exhorts them to active, enduring faith. Simultaneously, the phrase "unless ye have believed in vain" serves as a stark warning, prompting self-examination and highlighting the danger of a faith that is not genuine or robust enough to withstand challenges. This creates a rhetorical tension, urging the Corinthians to confirm the authenticity and depth of their belief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the essence of the gospel's saving power and the nature of genuine faith. It teaches that salvation is a divine act initiated through the faithful proclamation of the good news, but it also necessitates an enduring, active reception on the part of the believer. The warning against believing "in vain" highlights that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative, persevering trust that holds fast to the truth, particularly the foundational truth of Christ's resurrection. This steadfastness is a mark of authenticity, distinguishing a living faith from a dead one.

* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation")
* [Hebrews 3:6](/hebrews/3-6 "Hebrews 3:6 - Holding Fast to Our Confidence")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 15:2 calls us to a profound self-reflection on the nature of our faith and the gospel we profess. In a world constantly shifting its truths, Paul's words remind us that salvation is anchored in an unchangeable message: the gospel of Jesus Christ, particularly His death and resurrection. This verse challenges us to move beyond a mere intellectual understanding of Christian doctrines to a deep, abiding commitment that actively "keeps in memory" the truth. It's not about earning salvation, but about demonstrating the reality of the salvation already received through a life of consistent belief and adherence to the gospel. We are prompted to ask ourselves: Is our faith merely a fleeting sentiment, or is it a firm, unwavering grip on the transformative power of Christ? The call is to cultivate a faith that endures, proving its authenticity through perseverance and fruitfulness, ensuring that our belief is not "in vain" but leads to eternal life and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How deeply have I internalized the core truths of the gospel, especially the resurrection of Jesus Christ, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **In what ways am I actively "keeping in memory" the gospel, allowing it to shape my daily decisions and worldview?**
* **Are there areas in my life where my belief might be superficial or "in vain," lacking genuine transformative power or perseverance?**
* **How does the concept of holding fast to the gospel encourage me in times of doubt or spiritual struggle?**

### FAQ
**Does "if ye keep in memory" imply that salvation can be lost?**

Answer: The phrase "if ye keep in memory" (Greek: _katéchō_, meaning "to hold fast" or "retain firmly") does not suggest that salvation is earned by works or can be lost through a momentary lapse of memory. Rather, it speaks to the nature of genuine saving faith, which is characterized by perseverance. True faith, given by God, is not a fleeting intellectual assent but a transformative trust that endures. The condition highlights that those who are truly saved will, by God's grace, continue to hold fast to the gospel. If one ultimately abandons the faith, it indicates that their initial belief was not genuine or "in vain" (as the verse states), rather than a loss of true salvation. This aligns with other New Testament passages that emphasize the security of believers in Christ (e.g., [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - Security of the Sheep") and [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Work Completed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 15:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and content of the gospel message that saves. Paul's emphasis on "what I preached unto you" directly points to the good news of Christ's death for our sins and His glorious resurrection, as he elaborates in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel"). Christ is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, the Life")), and it is by holding fast to Him – not just a set of doctrines – that we are saved. The warning against believing "in vain" is a call to a living, dynamic relationship with the risen Lord, for a faith that does not cling to the resurrected Christ is indeed futile ([1 Corinthians 15:17](/1_corinthians/15-17 "1 Corinthians 15:17 - Faith Without Resurrection is Futile")). Our salvation is not merely a past event but an ongoing reality sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to "keep in memory" and abide in Christ ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abiding in Christ")). Thus, the verse implicitly calls us to fix our gaze on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")), whose finished work on the cross and triumphant resurrection secures our salvation and empowers our perseverance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 3:6

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Hebrews 2:1

¶ Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip.

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

John 8:31

¶ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.