Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Do your traditions accent or obscure the celebration that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead?

Christ, The First Fruits 1 Corinthians 15 Context: Corinthians is a book of corrections The Gospel message – vs 1-11 Paul is writing to Christians and correcting them about resurrection Romans is a presentation of the whole gospel message

The Gospel Message Jesus died for sinners, was buried and raised from the dead on the 3rd day Every man is sinful, under God’s wrath and in need of His forgiveness Jesus is the propitiation for sin bringing redemption The sinner is justified as a gift of God’s grace by faith in Christ apart from any works of the law.

The Results of Salvation in Christ Peace with God A slave of righteousness instead of sin No condemnation Indwelling of the Holy Spirit Inseparable from God’s love Assured of His promises – those justified will also be glorified

The Necessity of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 If Jesus has not been resurrected, there is no hope.

Our Hope in the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 The Reality of the Resurrection – vs. 20 Proven by many eye witnesses “First fruits” = first of many to be resurrected & reference to OT offering More than a restoration to life – as in 1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:20-37; 13:21; Luke 7:12-15; 8:49-56; John 11:39-44

The Need & Hope of a Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 Adam’s sin brought separation from God & started physical death process for all Jesus Christ brings hope of regeneration by the Holy Spirit & restoration of relationship with God – and a future immortal body

The Order of the Resurrections 1 Corinthians 15:23 Jesus is first Those who belong to Him at His coming Those born again, part of God’s family At His coming – 1 Thess. 4:15-18 Receive imperishable, immortal, spiritual body that is raised in glory, power with the image of the heavenly

Additional Resurrections Revelation 20 Resurrections of the Righteous At the end of Daniel’s 70th week (vs. 4) At the end of the millennium (vs. 5) Resurrection of the damned (vs 11-15) After final rebellion crushed Judged on deeds – condemned – cast into lake of fire – the second death

The Future Kingdom 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 The Future Culmination (vs. 24) The Reign of the Son (vs. 25-27) God’s covenant with David (1 Sam. 17) God’s promises to Israel: Isaiah 65,66; Jeremiah 31:27- 37; 32:36-44; Ezekiel 36-48; Joel 3:9-21; Amos 9; Micah 4 & 5; Zephaniah 3:8-20; Zechariah12- 14

The Future Kingdom of the Son 1 Corinthians 15:25-27 Jesus will reign until all enemies are under His feet (vs. 25) The last enemy is death (vs. 26) This is after Great White Throne judgement – (Revelation 20:14) Philippians 2:9-11

The Final Subjection 1 Corinthians 15:28 The mediatorial rule through a man is fulfilled and rule is given back to direct rule by God the Father = “all in all”

Conclusions The resurrection of Jesus guarantees: Our own future resurrection Jesus’ future reign & subjection of all His enemies – including death The culmination of the ages in God’s direct rule – for we will holy & able to be in His presence The end of the curse!

The Lord is Risen!

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ