Christ the life-giver

15More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. (1 Corinthians 15:15-18)

Thoughts: Paul was saying that he is not trying to deceive people.  False witnessing- lying- is a terrible sin for Paul.  Paul is also saying if Christ is not raised, no one is raised. If someone says, "No one can ever rise from the dead" then this also includes Christ.
Paul also says if Christ is not dead two things happen: 1) Our faith is futile- there is no fruit of eternal life in it.  Your faith may last for awhile here- but not forever.  2) We are still in our sins- that is, Christ's atonement doesn't count.  This means those who are dead will remain dead.
Basically, Christ brings life.  He showed this by the resurrection.  If Christ is not raised, then there is no life to bring.  

Prayer: Lord and giver of life, help me to acknowledge you.