Jesus, the Firstfruits

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Jesus, the Firstfruits

Date: Apr. 9, 2020

Passage

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (ESV)

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. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 15:22

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

1. Christ has indeed been raised from the dead (20-23).

Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection. As the first fruits foretell of more fruit to come, so Jesus' resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all believers. We, the later fruits, will be raised with a new heavenly body exactly like the first fruit Jesus. For since death came through a man, so the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. As in Adam all die, so in Christ, all believers will be made alive! As forgiven sinners, we can joyfully and patiently wait to be raised like Jesus when he comes.

2. Jesus hands over the kingdom to God (24-28).

The Risen Christ has the power to subdue all God's enemies under his feet. Death, the last enemy will also be put to death. Then Jesus himself will be made subject to God who put everything under his feet. Finally, God will be all in all.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this sure hope to be raised following you, the first fruit. We render glory, honor, and power to our Father God who gave his one and only Son for our salvation from sin and death to live in His Kingdom forever.

One Word: In Jesus, all will be made alive!

Peter is Rescued

Acts 12:1-17

Key Verse: 12:11

Today's Question

How do we keep the Sabbath holy?

See answer and references