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.


Application: 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!