The apostle Paul's teaching on the first resurrection is foundational for Christians. If any section of the Bible provides us with the clearest information on the subject, it is 1 Corinthians 15. It is known as the "Resurrection Chapter" for several very important truths.
Firstly, Paul was emphatic when he said,
"But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the FIRSTFRUITS of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one IN HIS OWN ORDER: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming." (1 Cor 15:20-23)
First resurrection is vital for ALL the redeemed--they are called "first-fruits" for a special purpose. There are no shortcuts to salvation, all must go through the principle of the firstfruits! If Jesus had not risen from the dead then no one else would be able to follow. Therefore, when Christ was brought back to life, He is called the "firstfruits of them who have fallen asleep". He is the first individual literally to be resurrected to a spiritual body. Paul states, "But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen." (1 Corinthians 15:13). From this hangs the substance of our hope and future (v.14, 17, 19). Notice:
"For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!" (1 Cor. 15:16-17)
But there is a time order to God's plan for mankind (1 Cor. 15:21 - 23). Jesus is the first "person" resurrected, followed by the dead in Christ at the second coming called "firstfruits" (1 Thess. 4:13 - 18, 1Cor. 15:51 - 56, Matt. 24:29 - 31, Mark 13:24 - 27). Those who have already died will live again...The "wise" (the believers who died in the faith) will shine with all the brightness of the sky. "And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." (Dan. 12:1, 3).
And those in the first resurrection cannot die again because they have been given new spiritual bodies and have received immortality (Luke 20:34 - 36, 1 Cor. 15:52 - 55). It is truly a blessing to be part of the first resurrection--priesthood and rulership with Christ will be their reward (Rev. 20:6)!
Moreover, Christ will still harvest more firstfruits in the very near future, and this is the reason why there is no let up for His Commission to spread: the 144,000 and the "great multitude" coming out of the great tribulation (Rev. 7:9):
"These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb." (Rev.14:4)
What a magnificent sight to behold in the future! But first we need be pulling the plow:
"Then He said to them, 'The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'" (Luke 10:2)
And this is why the coming Feast of Pentecost is all the more relevant and important!
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"Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."--James 1:18
| RDH
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