1 Corinthians 15:20 “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
“For [Paul], the resurrection is an undeniable truth, which entails that everyone who believes in Christ will also be raised from the dead. Christ conquered death not for himself alone but for his people.” – Simon Kistemaker
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the keystone of the entire Christian faith. Without it the entire structure of the gospel would collapse. Maybe that is why Paul wrote the longest portion of his letter to the Corinthian church as a defense of the truth of the resurrection.
Paul begins the chapter by declaring that Jesus rose from the dead, and he proves this on the basis of historical evidence, specifically the testimony of eyewitnesses (v.1-11). He also shows that Jesus’ bodily resurrection is essential and foundational to the Christian faith (v.12-19). He explains the crucial role of the resurrection in God’s eternal plan to glorify himself (v.20-28), and in the testimony and service of Jesus’ followers (v.29-34). He compares our current, earthly bodies with those of the resurrected state, and reveals the re-creation to which the dead in Christ look forward (v.35-49).
As believers in Jesus Christ, we can rest in the hope of a future resurrection. Erich Sauer says it beautifully, “So the graveyards of man become the seed plots of resurrection, and the cemeteries of the people of God become through the heavenly dew the resurrection fields of the promised perfection.” Today, let the truth of the resurrection fill you with hope and joy, because Jesus Christ has conquered death for all who believe in him.
Scriptures to read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-49