Beyond the Weekend

March 29 | First Fruits

March 29, 2016

1 Corinthians 15.23

1 Corinthians 15 is traditionally known as the passage of Scripture that gives us the clearest presentation of the gospel: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. . .” (1 Corinthians 15.3b-4).

Jesus not only died on the cross for our sins, but he rose to life as the trophy of his victory over death and sin.

This past weekend Pastor Jeff Manion taught us how Jesus’ resurrection sets the precedent for our bodily resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15.20 says, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

“First fruits” is a beautiful picture—Jesus is the beginning of a new type of humanity. Jesus, fully God, became fully man—the beauty and mystery of the incarnation. In his death he paid for the sins of all men. In his resurrection he stepped out of the grave a new kind of human.

Jesus’ resurrected body was unlike anything that had ever been created. And his new state is the assured promise of those who have believed in him. In the last days we too shall be resurrected like him.

The resurrection is the stamp of God’s victory over sin. Not only was sin paid for by his blood on the cross, but the death that ravages our mortal bodies is swallowed up in the new body that was birthed from this empty tomb.

Our pain, cancer, sickness, frailty, and mortality is all swallowed up in the resurrection.

Jesus conquered death and is the living, eternal hope of what will be for all who have placed their faith and trust in him as their only Savior.

Today, as you welcome God into your day, journal your gratitude to God for the resurrection. Be specific. The resurrection has freed us from fear of death and given us hope of a new perfect existence. May your gratitude for this incredible work of God fill you with worship and obedience.

You Might Also Like