about their faith (v. 15). Further, Jesus’ death accomplished nothing, for no one’s sins have ever been forgiven (v. 17). If this were not enough, Paul continues with the even more painful comment that Christian loved ones who have died are lost; we will never be reunited with them again (v. 18). In short, Paul explains that, without Jesus’ resurrection, Christians are more pitiable than all other people because they only possess hope in this world (v. 19). As Paul states twice in this passage, the