Definition: By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 1 Corinthians 15:2. It's a really powerful message about the importance of faith and remembering what we've been taught. Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it means: “If you want to be saved (saved means forgiven and welcomed into God’s family), you need to remember what I told you about how to do that.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “By which also ye are saved…” : This refers to the message of Jesus Christ – the central truth of Christianity. It's not just any teaching, but the core belief in God's son and his sacrifice for us. “…if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you…” : This is the crucial part. “Preached” means taught or explained. "unto you" means to you, specifically those who are following this message. So, it’s about sharing and remembering my teachings – the core beliefs and principles of Christianity. “…unless ye have believed in vain.” : This is where it gets really important. “Believed in vain” suggests something that's not genuine or true faith. It means you haven't truly accepted Jesus Christ as your savior and Lord. It’s like putting on a costume – it looks good, but doesn't actually represent who you are. In simpler terms: The verse is saying that if you want to receive God’s grace (the blessings of salvation) through faith in Jesus, you must remember what I taught you about him and his love for us. If you don’t genuinely believe in him, you're not truly saved! Why is this important? This verse emphasizes the importance of: Genuine Faith: It stresses that faith isn't just a feeling; it needs to be based on truth and understanding. Consistency: It encourages us to consistently live our lives according to the teachings we’ve received, rather than just fleeting emotions. Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give a brief example of what "believed in vain" might look like? Talk about how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?