First Fruits

Easter worship was awesome yesterday! Thanks to everyone who helped. The Lord is risen!

So what difference does the resurrection make? This week we'll discuss several of many biblical connections to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 we find our first connection. "For as in Adam all die, so  in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn, Christ the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him." Jesus' resurrection comes first. Here, His resurrection is referred to as the "firstfruits." This is a timely word picture. The "firstfruits" was the first part of the harvest. And the barley and wheat harvest begins right around the time that Jesus was resurrected. Additionally, early figs appear on the fig trees. So, here's the idea. Jesus is the firstfruits -- His resurrection happens first. Those who put their faith in Him are the rest of the harvest. That harvest follows at a later time. Specifically, that time is "when he comes." So, when Jesus returns, all who have been born again by faith in Jesus Christ will be raised from the dead, too!

And what will our resurrected bodies be like? Check out 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. The Lord is risen and we, too, will rise!