The Hope of Resurrection

Firstfruits of the Dead

The tomb was empty. The stone was rolled away. Christ had risen—not merely returned, but transformed. And with His resurrection began something entirely new: a new creation, a new humanity, a new destiny.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20–23:

“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 made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him.”

This language of “firstfruits” is rich with biblical meaning. In the Old Testament, the first portion of the harvest was offered to God—it was the beginning, the guarantee, the promise of more to come. So when Paul says that Christ is the firstfruits of the dead, he is declaring that Jesus’ resurrection is not a solitary event. It is the beginning of the resurrection of all who are in Him.

Matthew Henry writes,

“Christ’s resurrection is not only a proof of His divine power but a pledge of ours. He is not raised as a private person, but as the firstfruits—as a public figure for all believers.”

This is the breathtaking promise of Easter:

Jesus did not rise alone. He rose ahead of us.

Because He conquered death, we will too. Not just metaphorically, but bodily. The very same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:10-11). We will not be ghosts or disembodied souls—we will be fully alive, resurrected into incorruptible, glorified bodies, fit for eternal communion with God.

Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 15:42–44:

“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable… It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.”

Alexander Maclaren reflects on this hope:

“The grave has changed its meaning because Jesus lay there. It is now a sowing ground, not a prison. The resurrection is not an anomaly—it is the first chapter of what is to come.”

The resurrection of Jesus is not only a past event—it is our future hope and present power. In Christ, death is no longer a final curtain but a doorway. The One who descended into death and rose again now leads many sons and daughters to glory (Hebrews 2:10).

And so we wait—not in despair, but in confident expectation. Christ has gone before us. He is the firstfruits, and we are the harvest.

Prayer

Risen Lord Jesus,

You are the firstfruits of those who sleep.

You have broken the curse of Adam and opened the way to eternal life.

Give us faith to trust in Your promise, courage to face death without fear, and joy to live as people of the resurrection.

May we walk in the power of Your risen life, knowing that what You began, You will bring to completion.

Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria