The risen Christ became the firstfruits from the dead (20) and his resurrection guarantees the bodily resurrection of those who are in him. When Adam disobeyed God, sin and death began to reign over all mankind and no one could escape this fate. But in Christ, our sins are forgiven and we have eternal life and the promise of resurrection (22).

Our resurrection will occur at the second coming of Christ (23). When Christ comes again, he will destroy all dominion, authority, and power on earth and put all his enemies under his feet (27). The last enemy, death, will no longer rule us or make us fearful, for death will be destroyed by resurrection. When Christ puts all things under his feet, creation order will be restored and God will be all in all (28). All of creation longs for this day and it will be the climax of God's redemptive history and the day of our glorious bodily resurrection.

If the dead are not raised, the only realistic approach to life seems to be, "Let's eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." But because of the hope of resurrection in Christ, we can die every day, take up our cross for the gospel, and follow Christ like Apostle Paul.


Application: Lord, thank you for life and hope in the risen Christ. Help me die every day and follow Christ with the hope of glorious resurrection and experience the power of resurrection every day.
One Word: I face death every day