Definition: And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from 1 Corinthians 15:17. It’s a pretty profound statement about the nature of belief and its relationship to Jesus Christ. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that if Jesus doesn’t rise again after his death, your faith is empty and useless. Let's unpack that a little bit: “And if Christ be not raised…” – This refers to the belief that Jesus didn’t die on the cross. It’s about the promise of his resurrection. “…your faith [is] vain” – “Faith” in this context means trust and believing in something, even when there's no evidence. But if Jesus doesn’t rise, that belief is built on a shaky foundation. It's not solid or reliable. “ye are yet in your sins.” – This means you’re still making mistakes, being wrong, and living a life of wrongdoing. It’s essentially saying that without the resurrection, your faith is just an empty wish – it doesn’t change anything and won't lead to a better life. Think of it like this: Imagine building a house on sand. It might look nice for a little while, but eventually, it will crumble. Your faith is the foundation of your life, and if that foundation isn’t strong, everything else you build upon it will be unstable. Why is this important? The apostle Paul is warning us about the dangers of weak faith – faith that doesn't have a real basis in Jesus Christ. It’s not enough to just believe something; you need to trust and act on it. In short, this verse encourages us to: Believe with conviction: Don’t just say you believe; truly believe that Jesus is alive and has conquered death! Live a righteous life: Your faith needs to translate into good deeds and a commitment to God's will. Do you want me to explain any of these parts further, or perhaps delve deeper into the context of this verse within the larger story of the Bible?