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.

1 Corinthians 15

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. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

I resume my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to an unassisted review of 1 Corinthians 15:20-34. Today's text builds on yesterday's where Paul was rhetorically examining the question many believed was true in the Corinthian church, which is that while a spiritual resurrection may occur upon death, physical resurrection was not possible.  Of course, as Paul digs deeper into this question, he comes the correct conclusion, which is if you falsely believe in the fallacy of Jesus's physical resurrection, than you have no faith at all because the gospel rests on Jesus' resurrection.  However, in v20 Paul directly responds with an emphatic statement Christ "has been raised from the dead." Paul then compares Jesus to Adam in the garden from Genesis, writing how through this Adam, and his original sin, we all die (both spiritually and physically), and through Jesus - the 2nd Adam - we have both spiritual and physical resurrection.  Paul then goes on to share how the risen Christ ultimately, during the final days, defeats sin and death forever so that it no longer has any power over anyone.  Paul concludes the text in v29-34 by continuing to logically dismiss those in Corinth who fail to believe in the physical resurrection - pointing to how people are baptized in the name of Jesus and how this is new birth that is eternal.  Paul's final words in the text today offer an admonishment to those who do not believe in Jesus' resurrection - there is no faith and no salvation for these people. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who died and rose again to defeat both sin and death - giving me life to the full now, with power over sin, and life for eternity.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.