July 26
Christ
is Risen!
1 Corinthians 15:20-22
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be m 1 ade alive.
Daily Steps
All Christian peace hinges on one historical, physical event. This passage provides the new believer with the foundational truth for all future hope: Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, and He is the guarantee of our own resurrection.
The peace in this event is found in divine certainty and comparison:
The Historical Fact: The declaration "Christ has indeed been raised from the dead" is the central, non-negotiable fact of the Christian faith. It validates His claims, defeats the sting of death (Day 185), and proves that the Kingdom He preached cannot be shaken (Day 191).
The Guarantee (Firstfruits): Christ is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." In ancient harvesting, the firstfruits were the initial promise that a full, guaranteed harvest would follow. Christ's resurrection is the down payment—the absolute certainty that every believer will follow Him in a bodily resurrection.
The Adam/Christ Comparison: The text uses a powerful comparison to secure this certainty: as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. Just as Adam's sin universally introduced mortality, Christ's work universally introduces life to those who belong to Him. This provides the ultimate foundation for peace in the future.
Your peace in the future is secured by Christ's resurrection. Rest in the certainty that Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, making Him your guaranteed firstfruits and the foundation of your eternal hope.
Reflective Question
If the certainty of the resurrection of the dead is as sure as the universal reality of death, what current fear about mortality or physical loss (Day 204) can you finally surrender to God today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise You for the glorious, historical truth: Christ has indeed been raised from the dead! I thank You for making Him the firstfruits and the guarantee of my own future.
I pray for the faith to rest in this foundation, knowing that as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. Secure my peace today in the power of the resurrection. Amen.
