Originally posted by drmmjr
If we go to Heaven when we die, then why the need for the resurrection?
1 Corinthians 15:3 - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 - And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5 - And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 - After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 - After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 - And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9 - For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 - Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12 - Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 - But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 - And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15 - 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.
16 - For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 - And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 - Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 - If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 - But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 - For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 - For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 - But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Jesus didn't go to Heaven before he was resurrected.
John 20:17 - Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.