Our Victory Over Death
Bob Yandian
I want to take you into 1 Corinthians 15, one of the greatest chapters in the Bible, which is completely devoted to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the future resurrection of every believer.
The Message of Easter
We make a big deal about Christmas—and that’s fine. But Easter is where the power is. You see, it wasn’t Jesus’ birth that saved us. It wasn’t even the crucifixion that saved us. It was His resurrection. That’s why He came. He came to die, yes—but also to rise again, so that we who were born spiritually dead could be raised into newness of life and ultimately receive resurrection bodies of our own.
The resurrection is not a side note to the gospel—it is the gospel. Paul made that crystal clear in chapter 15, verse 1, when he said, “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, and in which you stand.”
A New Creation Reality
The Corinthians were struggling with this. They came out of Greek philosophy, which taught that the soul was good and the body was evil. They looked forward to death because they thought it meant escaping the body and floating into some kind of spiritual nirvana. So when Paul taught them they’d be raised and given a resurrection body, they were horrified. But that’s what the Word teaches. And if you received Jesus, you received the whole gospel—resurrection body and all.
You didn’t receive a dead Savior. You received a living one. And you’re headed toward a body just like His—glorified, incorruptible, and eternal. That’s part of your salvation package. As Paul put it, “By which also you are saved.” Not just were saved. Are saved. That means you’re living in a continual state of salvation, and the resurrection is already part of your future.
If There Is No Resurrection…
Now Paul uses a debater’s technique here. He assumes the argument of his critics to show its flaws. “Let’s just say for a minute there is no resurrection,” he says. “Well, then Christ isn’t risen. And if Christ isn’t risen, your faith is useless. Our preaching is a lie. We’re all still in our sins. And every believer who died is gone forever.”
If this life is all there is, then we are, as Paul says, “of all men most miserable.” But praise God, that’s not the end of the story.
But Now Christ Is Risen!
Verse 20 says, “But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Firstfruits is a beautiful Old Testament image. The priest would walk through the harvest fields and wave the first handful of grain before the Lord, guaranteeing that the rest of the crop was on the way. Jesus is our firstfruits. That means our resurrection is guaranteed.
We are in Christ. We are not in Adam anymore. Adam brought death, but Jesus brings life. When we were born, we were born in Adam. But when we were born again, we were transferred into Christ—and because He rose, we will too.
The Resurrection Body
What kind of body are we talking about? One like His. His resurrection body could be touched and handled, yet it could walk through walls. He ate with the disciples, but He also appeared and disappeared. He still bears the marks of the cross—nail prints in His hands and feet, and a scar in His side. You and I will receive the same kind of body—perfect, eternal, glorified—but without the scars.
No sickness. No sin. No aging. A body that moves at the speed of thought. And this happens at the rapture of the Church—when the trumpet sounds, and the dead in Christ rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
Five Resurrection Ranks
Paul outlines five “orders” of resurrection:
Jesus Christ, the firstfruits.
Church Age believers, resurrected at the rapture.
Old Testament saints and Tribulation martyrs, resurrected after the Second Coming.
Millennial saints, resurrected at the end of the 1,000 years.
The unjust, resurrected for judgment at the Great White Throne.
Resurrection isn’t just a doctrine—it’s your destiny. And it all started when Jesus conquered the grave.
Victory Secured
Jesus didn’t just die. He spoiled principalities and powers. He descended into hell and stripped Satan of his authority. He rose again, and in doing so, He gave us eternal life. That’s what Easter is all about.
The empty cross was necessary—it dealt with sin. But the empty tomb is what gave us victory. I’ve said before, you could wear a little rock with a hole in it around your neck, because that’s where the power is—the empty tomb.
Resurrection changes everything. It gives hope in life and in death. It gives purpose to our suffering. It gives substance to our faith. And one day, when the trumpet sounds, you’ll step into that eternal body and live forever in the presence of God.
So don’t be discouraged. This world is not your home. You are on your way to something better—much better. That’s why we rejoice. That’s why we preach. And that’s why we celebrate resurrection.
Keep walking in faith, stay grounded in the Word, and remember—your victory over death has already been won.
Pastor Bob Yandian
What if the true power of the Christian life isn't found in the cross alone—but in the empty tomb?
In Resurrection: Our Victory Over Death, Bible teacher Bob Yandian takes readers deep into one of the most foundational—but often misunderstood—truths of the Christian faith: the resurrection. With clarity and insight, Yandian explores 1 Corinthians 15—the "Manifesto of the Resurrection"—revealing how this one truth defines our past, empowers our present, and secures our eternal future.
Drawing from the rich context of the Corinthian church—a community struggling with carnality, confusion, and compromise—Yandian unveils the transforming power of the resurrection message. You'll discover why Paul fought so hard to correct their thinking, and why belief in the bodily resurrection is essential to true spiritual maturity.
Whether you're new to the faith or a seasoned believer, this book will challenge you to see the resurrection not just as a past event, but as the very heartbeat of your Christian walk. Through practical teaching and deep spiritual truths, Resurrection: Our Victory Over Death will ignite your faith and ground your hope in the victory Jesus secured when He rose from the grave.
The cross paid the price—but the resurrection sealed the victory.
Psalm 11:3 says, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" In this series Bob Yandian breaks down foundational doctrines that bring strength and stability. Basic doctrines are not difficult, but easy to understand. They often come disguised as complicated or deep sounding words, but the definitions are simple. Topics include, redemption, predestination, sanctification, unlimited atonement, the flesh, resurrection bodies, baptism, being filled with the Spirit, and laying on of hands. This USB flash drive contains 32 MP3 audio lessons by Bob Yandian on the topic of foundations.
32 MP3’s
The MP3s can be listened to on computers, MP3 players, smartphones, tablets, as well as car stereos equipped with USB connections.
Bundle and save! Includes a copy of Theology Simplified Volumes 1 & 2.
Theology Simplified Volume 1
A Practical Guide to Foundational Biblical Truths
Basic doctrines are not difficult but easy to understand. They often come disguised as complicated or deep-sounding words, but the definitions are simple.
Pastor, author, and renowned Bible teacher Bob Yandian explains the deep truths of Scripture in ways anyone can understand. Using straightforward vocabulary and down-to-earth examples, Pastor Bob makes complex theological concepts clear and practical.
Theology Simplified demystifies eight crucial doctrines of the Christian faith:
Redemption Justification Sanctification * Reconciliation
Predestination Election Propitiation * Glorification
These eight precepts, essential for all believers to understand, come to light as you study the pages. Theology Simplified will give you a deeper understanding of the finished work of Jesus Christ, allowing you to walk in maturity and stability in your Christian life.
160 Pages - Paperback
Theology Simplified Volume 2
Uncover the Depths of God's Word with Ease
The Bible is full of misunderstood terms and concepts. Many Christians struggle to understand the deeper meaning behind the scriptures they know and learn. What is God’s plan for mankind? Are you living fully in Jesus’s redemption? Do you understand the Church’s true purpose and God’s perfect timing?
Finding these answers can be simple! You can unearth the profound treasures of your redemption, awaken to the glory of your righteousness, and claim the abundant rewards destined for you.
Drawing from decades of biblical research and practical teaching, renowned Bible scholar and teacher Bob Yandian demystifies eight complex theological concepts, inviting you to discover the profound simplicity of God’s plan for humanity.
In his trademark clear and relatable style, you’ll gain a confident understanding of:
The doctrine of theology: A roadmap for understanding God’s Word
The fall of man: The turning point of human history and God’s plan for restoration
Faith for salvation: Your key to unlocking the kingdom of heaven
Unlimited atonement: The boundless extent of Christ’s reconciling work
Advocacy of Jesus and the Holy Spirit: Your endless support in the court of heaven
The seasons and times of God: Discerning heavenly plans in our chaotic world
The triumphant Church: Your place in God’s victorious plan
The Book of Life and heavenly rewards: The eternal ledger of the redeemed
Shake off the stress of academic doctrine and embrace the confidence that comes from knowing God’s redemptive plan for your life. These eight truths will guide you to a new depth of understanding and fellowship that will forever change you.
180 Pages - Paperback
In Understanding the End Times, Pastor Bob points out that while we have every reason to believe Jesus’ coming is imminent, we need to focus on understanding God’s plan for the ages by weaving together biblical prophecies and interpreting world events in light of it.
With straightforward, scriptural teaching, he outlines:
The Rapture of the Church
The Judgment Seat of Christ
The Tribulation
Daniel’s 70th week
The Second Coming
Dispensational truths
The Millennial Reign
End-Time FAQs
Don’t be concerned or confused about what’s ahead. This teaching will make it clear that the Bible does not line up with the world- the world must line up with the Bible. Christian, look up to see that your redemption is closer than ever!
170 Pages