“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. . . . For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20, 22)
The resurrection of Jesus is the hinge not just of Christianity, but of all of human history. The battle still rages, but the victory was secured once and for all on that first Easter morning.
The resurrection of Jesus was the promise of a million resurrections to follow. Paul calls it here the firstfruits of those who would die and be freed from the grave again.
Christianity does not offer the world a grand self-improvement strategy or the secret to a happy life. In Jesus’ name, we offer the world nothing less than eternal life after death. Through him, we offer resurrection.
Think: Do you think the universal impact of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead gets lost in all of our church and family traditions? Is there anything we can do to amplify it?
Pray: Praise God for the power and love he demonstrated in raising Jesus Christ from the dead and making it possible for you to be resurrected, as well.
Do: If you’re wondering how and when the resurrection will happen – and/or what our resurrected bodies will be like – read through the rest of 1 Corinthians 15.