The Assurance of the Resurrection

“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. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.”

(1Corinthians 15:20-24 ESV)

Easter is upon us. And regardless of whether we can join together in public celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, this remains true. He has risen from the grave, and this is of utmost importance for each of us.



The resurrection of Jesus assures us of the truth of the gospel. Because he’s risen from the grave, we know that the penalty of our sin has been paid. Because he’s risen from the grave, we know that the power of death has been defeated.  And, because he’s risen from the grave, we know that we too will, one day, rise.



Christ is the firstfruits, Paul tells us. He is the first to rise from the grave. And, as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.



When Jesus returns, Scripture tells us, the dead will be raised. Then comes the end. Then comes the end when we’ll dwell eternally with Christ in the new creation prepared for us.



This is our hope! And what a great hope it is. It in no way compares to our life in this world.



Many of us struggle as we near the end of our time in this life. Many of us struggle with the idea of death.  Many of us struggle with the idea of the end of the world. We want to hang on to this life. We want to hang on to that which is so familiar.



But what we are to receive is so much greater.  What we are to receive far surpasses the fallen world in which we now find ourselves. In fact, it’s beyond our comprehension.



Realizing this, letting go of what we now have is that much easier.  Reaching out for that which is to come is that much easier.  We can do so knowing that Christ has redeemed us and saved us from this world of sin and death.



I’m not suggesting that we squander the life God has given to us right here and right now. I’m not suggesting that we throw it away.  And I’m not suggesting that it’s of no value.



However, this life isn’t our goal. Jesus didn’t suffer and die, nor did he rise, that we might remain in this fallen world. He endured the cross that we might receive something far greater.