1 Corinthians 15:20–22: But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
When Jesus was raised from the dead, it was God’s assurance to us that we shall also be raised one day as part of that future harvest. To believers, death is only “sleep.” The body sleeps, but the soul is at home with the Lord. At the resurrection, the body will be “awakened” and glorified. Paul saw in Adam a type of Jesus Christ by the way of contrast. The first Adam was made from the earth, but the Last Adam came from heaven. The first Adam disobeyed God and brought sin and death into the world, but the Last Adam obeyed the Father and brought righteousness and life. 1
Application
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-8. How do these verses describe life beyond the grave?
- Read Romans 5:19-21. How did the obedience of Christ change the world?
Thought to Share
Sin no longer abounds because grace now reigns in righteousness in Jesus Christ. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being the final Adam that concurred sin & death in my life.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.