The apostle Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, addresses false teaching. Some doubted, and some denied the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. As Paul states, their faith and ours would be empty if this were the case. Their faith and ours would be meaningless if Christ were not raised from the dead. However, this is not true. Christ has been raised from the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NKJV) "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."
This is good news! Christ has overcome death, and He is the firstfruits of those who believe in Him. The "firstfruits" was an offering of the produce of the land, which Israel was to give to God. This offering was an acknowledgment of the abundant blessings of God. (ref. Deut. 26: 1-11) The term is also used metaphorically to indicate the first of a much larger harvest that is to follow. Because Jesus overcame death, Christians have great hope and confidence. As He overcame death, those who have believed in Him will also overcome death. He is the firstfruits and promise of more to follow.
Paul writes that the "last enemy to be destroyed is death" (ref. 1 Cor. 15:26). Jesus has all authority (see Matt. 28:18), and all enemies will be put under His feet, death being the final enemy. In Christ, Christians have reassurance, confidence, and unfailing hope. Christ, the firstfruits, has overcome death, and those whose faith is in Him will overcome as well. This is good news!
endnotes: Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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