1 Corinthians 15:2
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:2 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from 1 Corinthians 15:2 underscores the importance of remembering and holding onto the teachings of the gospel. The phrase "By which also ye are saved" highlights the crucial role that the message of Christ plays in the salvation of individuals. It emphasizes that believing in the gospel is the key to salvation. The verse goes on to caution believers to keep in memory what they have been taught, indicating that forgetting or disregarding these teachings could lead to a state of having "believed in vain." This serves as a reminder that true faith involves not only initial belief but also ongoing remembrance and application of the teachings of Christ. By actively holding onto and living out the truths of the gospel, believers can ensure that their faith is genuine and effective in bringing about salvation. This verse serves as a call to continuously reflect on and adhere to the teachings of Christ in order to remain secure in one's faith and experience the fullness of salvation.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of 1 Corinthians 15:2, it is crucial to understand the context in which the verse is situated. The verse speaks to the importance of both initial belief and ongoing faith in the Christian journey. The phrase "By which also ye are saved" indicates the essential role of the Gospel message in bringing about salvation. The following clause, "if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you," underscores the need for believers to continually reflect upon and internalize the teachings they have received. The final clause, "unless ye have believed in vain," serves as a warning against a superficial or insincere faith that does not result in true transformation. In essence, this verse emphasizes the necessity of a genuine and enduring faith that is rooted in the foundational teachings of the Gospel.
1 Corinthians 15:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.
World English Bible
by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
Douay-Rheims
By which also you are saved, if you hold fast after what manner I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And whereby ye are saued, if ye keepe in memorie, after what maner I preached it vnto you, except ye haue beleeued in vaine.