“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” Rev. 20:6. 8. Upon what one fact does Paul base the Christian hope? “Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But _if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain_. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that _He raised up Christ_: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For _if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins_. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are _perished_. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Cor. 15:12-19. 9. What positive declaration does the apostle then make? “_But now is Christ risen from the dead_, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Verses 20-22. NOTE.—The resurrection of Christ is in many respects the most significant fact in history. It is the great and impregnable foundation and hope of the Christian church. Every fundamental truth of Christianity is involved in the resurrection of Christ. If this could be overthrown, every essential doctrine of Christianity would be invalidated. The resurrection of Christ is the pledge of our resurrection and future life. 10. What does Christ proclaim Himself to be? “_I am the resurrection and the life_: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.” John 11:25, 26. “_I am He that liveth, and was dead_; and, behold, _I am alive forevermore_, Amen; _and have the keys of hell and of death_.” Rev. 1:18. NOTE.—Christ changed death into a _sleep_. Absolute death knows no waking; but through Christ all who have fallen under the power of death will be raised, some to a life unending, some to everlasting death. 11. What question does Job ask and answer? “_If a man die, shall he live again?_ all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. _Thou shalt call, and I will answer Thee_: Thou wilt have a desire to the work of Thine hands.” Job 14:14, 15. 12. Why did Job wish that his words were written in a book, graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever? “_For I know that My Redeemer liveth_, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet _in my flesh shall I see God_.” Job 19:25, 26. 13. How does Paul say the saints will be raised?