After pondering a world and a faith with no resurrection, Paul declares that Jesus Christ was indeed raised from the dead. That is truly good news to a world full of dead and dying people. Not only so, Jesus is the firstfruits of the resurrection, which means that others will follow. Death came by one man, Adam; resurrection comes by one man, Jesus Christ. A Christian-that is, one who belongs to Jesus-will rise to be with him forever. Praise and thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Jesus reigns over all his enemies and will destroy all evil powers, including death itself. This authority was given to him by God our Father. Though Jesus is one in essence with God the Father, he remains eternally the Son of God, in submission to the Father. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit reign over all forever and ever. Amen!


Application: Father God, in Adam I was lost in my sin without hope and I must die someday. But you have given me eternal life, hope and purpose in Christ. Now I belong to Jesus as your child, servant, and disciple. By your promise and through your Spirit, I am with Jesus now and forever. Amen.
One Word: I am alive in Christ!