Raised with Christ: The Promise of Resurrection
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20–22
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Devotional Thought -Day 17
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Christ’s resurrection is the turning point of history and the foundation of our hope. Paul’s declaration, “But in fact Christ has been raised,” affirms not only the truth of the empty tomb but also the implications for every believer. Jesus is described as the “firstfruits” of those who have died—a term rooted in the Old Testament practice of offering the first and best portion of the harvest to God. That initial portion was a pledge of the full harvest to come. In the same way, Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee that those who belong to Him will also be raised.
The contrast between Adam and Christ is central to understanding our condition and our hope. In Adam, all die. His sin brought guilt and death into the world, and every human being shares in the consequences of his disobedience. But Christ came as the second Adam, bringing life where there was death. Just as Adam represented all humanity in his fall, Jesus represents all believers in His resurrection. Those united to Him by faith share not only in His death but also in His risen life.
The resurrection is not merely a doctrine to affirm; it is a power that transforms. Because Jesus lives, we now live with purpose, courage, and hope. Death no longer holds ultimate power over us. The fear of the grave has been replaced by the promise of glory. As Paul will later say in this same chapter, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” This truth gives believers strength to endure suffering, loss, and persecution with their eyes fixed on the eternal joy that awaits.
Furthermore, Christ’s resurrection provides a preview of what our resurrection bodies will be like—imperishable, glorious, and powerful. We will be fully redeemed in body and soul, made fit for the new creation where righteousness dwells. Our transformation is certain because it is anchored in His.
The firstfruits have already been gathered, and the harvest is guaranteed.
This promise should shape our everyday lives. We grieve differently, we live differently, and we die differently—because we are people of resurrection hope. Christ’s victory over death assures us that nothing done in Him is in vain.
Every act of love, every moment of perseverance, and every tear shed in faith will one day be swallowed up in joy when we rise to see Him face to face.
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Your Son to conquer sin and death through His resurrection. Lord Jesus, thank You for rising as the firstfruits of all who belong to You and for securing our eternal hope. Holy Spirit, help me live each day in the power of this truth, with a heart anchored in the promise of resurrection and a life devoted to Your glory. Amen.