1 Cor 15:20-23 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Paul uses two examples (firstfruits and death) to help us understand that the resurrection of Christ is the guarantee of our future resurrection.
When Paul describes Christ as the “firstfruits” he is teaching us that Christ’s resurrection is the first of many to come. In the OT, the Israelites were required to give the first portion of their crops back to the Lord. They then could keep the remaining portion of the harvest that followed. Just as the firstfruits of the harvest was the first part of the harvest, so too the resurrection of Christ . His resurrection took place first, with more resurrections (all believers) to follow at His second coming.
Paul also uses the fall of mankind to explain our assurance of a future resurrection. Here, Paul explains that the action of one affects many. When Adam fell, his fall brought spiritual and physical death upon all of mankind. So, too, the resurrection of Christ. Christ’s resurrection and everything it implies (satisfaction of the sin debt of His people, the successful accomplishment of the Father’s will etc etc) brings about the believer’s spiritual quickening (receipt of life) and future resurrection, glorification and eternity with the Lord.
How wonderful it is to know that because He arose we can be absolutely certain we will arise to eternity with Him!
May the Lord bless each one of us as we “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Praise God for the resurrection of Christ, which proved the efficacy of His sacrifice, and praise Him for OUR resurrection. Praise Him that we were raised to newness of life. We were DEAD until He gave us a new, spiritual life. Praise Him for our future resurrection from physical death and for our new life with Him in eternity.
ReplyDeleteWhat security!
What an amazing God!
The Lord's intervention in our lives, supplies to us the dual resurrections of the new birth and the physical resurrection. These are the two greatest blessing we can receive from Him! Thanks for your comments. Lord bless.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Post Pastor Rob! Wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award. There is no obligation, but if you would like to pick it up, please visit My Blog at http://loopyloo305.com/2012/03/22/kreativ-blogger-award/
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful encouragement, hope and promise we have in Jesus and His resurrection! Thank you and God bless you as you share what is good for us to think on today!
ReplyDeleteLoopy,
ReplyDeletethanks so much for your kind comments and the award as well. Once again, all I can say is "Thank you, Lord" for gracing me with the privilge of serving Him. Lord bless you for your faithfulness as well Loopy!
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind comments and your consistency in visiting my blog. Lord bless you as you serve Him!
Indeed, we are joint heirs with Christ of our Father's eternal kingdom!
ReplyDeleteAMEN what a day that will be to be in perfect submission to His will throughout eternity.
ReplyDelete