1 Corinthians 15:19-26,
English Standard Version
19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Here is some additional Scripture to help with the study. Please take a moment to highlight or read them.
Exodus 23:19
Romans 5:18-19
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
Luke 23:43
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Colossians 2:15
Ephesians 6:10-20***emphasis on verse 12
Revelation 21:4
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Here is some music to help elevate some worship to our Lord.
Resurrection
If Jesus didn't really die for us, then what is actually at stake? Paul writes that the resurrection of Christ is the dynamic event that changes the entire course of human history! This proved that his sacrifice to atone on the behalf of all humanity was effective. He was an adequate sacrificial substitute for our part of atonement, as his blood was perfect, like that of a blameless lamb.
Death and Life
Adam was the representative for all of humanity because he was the first person God created. Each of us is a direct descendant of Adam, both spiritually and physically. As such, we are also tied to the same fate as a result of sin: death. But because of Christ, we have also been given an opportunity to choose spiritual and physical life. Just as one act plummeted all of humanity into death, darkness, and despair, so too could one act bring back the righteousness and reconciliation to our Lord.
Firstfruits
In the Old Testament, there was an offering to be made each year of the firstfruits. These were the initially harvested crops which were given back to God as a thanks for His providence. They represented the whole season's crops, and as such, Christ represented humanity. So these would have been the best and biggest initial crops that were gathered. Jesus was the best human this world could ever hope to offer. As such, our atonement and reconciliation to Our Father come through him.
When Paul writes in verse 20 that Jesus was the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep," it gives us a beautiful illustration of what is to come. Christ's resurrection is understood to be a glimpse of what we who believe in him can expect. We, too, will be resurrected with him when he returns to this earth. Jesus has absolute authority over everything in all of Creation. Upon his return to earth, every single opposing force that constantly attempts to derail God's plan will be destroyed completely. Good will utterly lay waste to all things evil. Life will triumph over death forever.
Diabolos
Despite Jesus completing the very first prophesy in scripture, evil things still lurk in this world. Christ Jesus took away the sting of death, because he blots out sin with his blood. The diabolos (Greek for demons, devils, or slanderers) stand no chance against our Savior. But that's when people choose to proclaim Him as their Lord, and they allow Him to lead their lives. But upon His return, we will no longer struggle with these creatures of evil. We can use our "armor" that He provided to protect ourselves until that day comes, then the last enemy He will defeat is DEATH. It will be no more.
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As we conclude this study, we hope you will spend a moment reflecting on God's providence in your life, meditate upon the central message of the resurrection as it relates to the Gospel. Thank God that He has provided us with an understanding of the "armor" we can each equip ourselves with as we combat the spiritual warfare while we wait for His return. Thank Him for His Gospel of grace eternal. Ask God to help you fully understand and experience what it means to be "in Christ," and help you look forward to the many you could help achieve their own salvation as well, that we may all one day experience the resurrection of a new life with our Lord in heaven. Seek out the peace and assurance from God and seek knowledge of true life. We pray you have peace. May God bless you.
