City Life Starter

The WORD:

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (NIV)

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

By Heather Mattingly

Jesus’ Resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Thus far in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul has been building the case for this historical fact, and now he continues to speak the truth, illustrates the triumph of our Lord Jesus’ Resurrection, and shows a glimpse of the end. Let’s take a deeper look at this passage:

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Jesus’ Resurrection is not a hope or a fancy; it is a historical fact. Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians in 53-57 A.D., less than 30 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Isn’t it amazing that within 30 years, and amidst ample evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, Paul was battling rising philosophies that Jesus’ Resurrection did not happen? These same philosophies exist today. If the Corinthians, who lived almost the same time Jesus did, and had access to witnesses who saw Jesus walk this earth, if they still had trouble believing Jesus’ Resurrection, then it is not an issue of evidence. The evidence for Christ’s Resurrection is there. It is an issue of the submission of our will to believe.

21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Death came through Adam, and life came through Christ. If Jesus was not resurrected and did not conquer death, would this be true? No. But since Jesus rose from the dead and is alive, so we also will be – if we cling to the faith!

24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Because Jesus’ resurrection is an irrefutable fact, it means that He is Lord. And King. As King, He reigns over everything – even death. Jesus even tells us this, for the Bible says: “…’Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” (Revelation 1:17-18).

7 For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

As this world’s rightful Lord and King, God puts everything under Jesus’ feet. We see this foretold in the book of Psalms when David writes, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” (Psalm 110:1) God the Father is the One who puts everything under Jesus, God the Son’s, feet. It is also God the Father Whom Jesus submits to. And when the time is right, Jesus will submit His Kingdom to His Father. And as for the time, no one knows. Even Jesus says, “But about that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36). But, when this time comes, God will “be all in all,” and fully restore all things back to Himself. This was His plan from the beginning. Hallelujah!

Application:

Do you believe in Jesus’ resurrection with all of your heart and are you willing to lay down your life for this fact? If yes, praise the Lord right now for His gift. If no, that is alright. Take your questions straight to the Lord, He is not afraid of them. Lay your questions before Him, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Be ready for His answers!

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. And thank You that You did this for me. Holy Spirit, burn Your resurrection of Jesus into my heart and mind and make this fact secure in my life. Please make me willing to die for this fact. Increase my faith; “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Amen.