1 Corinthians 15.3-6 gives a quick summary of foundational tenets of the Christian faith:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas , then to the twelve.  Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”

The basics are that Jesus the Christ was crucified, dead, and buried; he rose from the dead and appeared to many.  But the three verses contain a boatload of implications (at least five) for what we believe and how we act.

1. The events are historical facts. This early creed was written during the lifetime of eye witnesses who were available for questioning. 

 2. There is a plan.  The events happened “in accordance with the scriptures“ so there was foreknowledge of the crucifixion and resurrection.

3. The plan included Christ dying for our sins.  The pinnacle of God’s plan was the historical event of Jesus’ redemptive death on the Cross.

4. The Scriptures are valued as an authentic and accurate resource.

5. Perpetuation of the faith is already in motion.  Those who were not eyewitnesses are telling the good news that they received and believed.