1 Corinthians 15:2

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

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}.

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.

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

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

1 Corinthians 15:2 (KJV) stands as a foundational verse within Paul's profound discussion on the resurrection, emphasizing the power and necessity of the gospel for salvation and the importance of holding fast to its truth.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's reaffirmation of the gospel message he had delivered to the Corinthian church. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses doubts and misunderstandings within the Corinthian community regarding the resurrection of the dead, a central tenet of Christian faith. He meticulously lays out the historical evidence for Christ's resurrection and its implications for believers, underscoring that their salvation is intricately tied to this foundational truth.

Key Themes

  • The Power of the Gospel for Salvation: The verse explicitly states that salvation is "by which also ye are saved," directly referring to the gospel preached by Paul. This highlights the gospel as the divine instrument for deliverance from sin and eternal life, a concept echoed in Ephesians 2:8-9 regarding salvation by grace through faith.
  • Perseverance in Faith: The condition "if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you" emphasizes the need for steadfast adherence to the truth of the gospel. It's not about earning salvation through works, but about demonstrating the authenticity of one's faith through continued belief and obedience. This perseverance is a mark of genuine conversion.
  • Authenticity of Belief: The warning "unless ye have believed in vain" serves as a sober reminder that not all professions of faith are genuine. It challenges believers to examine the depth and reality of their conviction, ensuring their faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Saved" (Greek: sozo): This term encompasses a broad meaning of deliverance, preservation, and healing. In this context, it refers to spiritual salvation from sin's penalty and power, leading to eternal life. It underscores the complete work of God in rescuing humanity through Christ.
  • "Keep in memory" (Greek: katecho): This phrase implies more than just intellectual recall. It means to "hold fast," "retain," or "possess firmly." It suggests a persistent adherence to the truth, a firm grasp that withstands challenges and temptations.
  • "Believed in vain" (Greek: eike pisteuo): The word eike means "without cause," "for naught," or "to no purpose." When combined with pisteuo (to believe), it describes a belief that is superficial, unproductive, or ultimately proves to be unfruitful, lacking the transformative power of true saving faith. This concept resonates with warnings found elsewhere about the importance of true, living faith (e.g., James 2:17 on faith without works).

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 15:2 serves as a vital reminder to continually reflect on the core truths of the gospel, particularly the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It encourages a deeper, more committed faith that is not easily swayed by doubt or worldly philosophies. We are called to not only hear the gospel but to internalize it, allowing it to shape our lives and provide lasting hope. This verse prompts self-examination: is our faith genuine, producing fruit and perseverance, or is there a danger of having "believed in vain"? The steadfastness it calls for is a testament to the enduring power of the good news.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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