Focal Passages: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 54-58
In our last lesson, we focused on the truth of the resurrection. Establishing first that the resurrection actually happened is a necessary foundation leading us into why the resurrection matters. Paul writes to the Corinthians that we are to be pitied if Christ is not raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:19). Praise God this is not true for us! There are three reasons why Christ’s resurrection matters to us as believers.
First, because Jesus is alive, though we die, we will also experience resurrection. The scripture says that Jesus is the “first fruits” from those from among the dead. This implies that there will be more to rise from the dead like He did; Christ’s resurrection secures for us life after death. Those of us who die before Christ’s return will experience a literal and physical resurrection just like His. This shows us that in Jesus, death doesn’t have the final word for us.
Secondly, the resurrection also means that Jesus is Lord. This means that He has eternal reign over all things. “Every rule, authority, and power,” the text says, will be no more. Because death is also subject to Him, it will also be destroyed in the end.
Our experience in this life is not always what we expect. It is not always pleasant. But thirdly, Jesus’ resurrection matters because the scriptures tell us that nothing we do for Jesus is in vain. Christ’s victory over death gives us victory now and forever!