1 Corinthians 15:20

But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep.

'But now hath Christ been raised from the dead' -THANK GOD FOR THAT!

'But of the many wonderous significances of the resurrection, Paul chooses. particular one here. He speaks of Christ's resurrection in relation to the resurrection of the saints.' (McGuiggan p. 192)

'the firstfruits' -'the word was used to describe the offerings of the first ripened fruits of the crop to the Lord. Whenever the firstfruits were offered, they guaranteed that the rest of the crop would follow.' (Willis p. 547) 'suggests the image of. great harvest which is ushered in by the first sheaf that is presented as an offering to God, Leviticus 23:10.' (Lenski p. 662)

'As surely as the first fruits guarantee the coming harvest, so surely does his resurrection guarantee theirs.' (F.F. Bruce p. 145) See also: 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 16:15.

'of them that are asleep' -deceased Christians. (1 Corinthians 15:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Point to Note:

The resurrection of Christ set in motion certain events that cannot be reversed. It absolutely guarantee's our resurrection, the total defeat of death and all enemies of God.

'Paul saw the universe headed toward. great climax at which time all things would be subjected to Jesus, including the demolition of the power of death. The denial of the resurrection constitutes. denial that Christ will bring this present struggle between Himself and the Devil to. successful end.' (Willis p. 546)