Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
Paul teaches us that God has planned the resurrection of Jesus as the key to our salvation. Jesus lived a life of obedience and His sacrifice for us is the means of destruction for evil. Paul writes “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (v. 22), sharing God’s greatest gift to us.
When we chose to disobey God, evil entered the world and we have been vulnerable to its power ever since. However, as evil is a choice, so is obedience. We can live in connection with God through Jesus, knowing that we are forgiven and called to be part of His work.
Paul tells the Corinthians “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (v. 26) and then Christ will deliver the kingdom to God. We can be part of that kingdom, redeemed by His blood, and through faith, heirs of God with Him (Romans 8:17). All we need to do is come to God in repentance and accept His grace.
Loving Lord, we are grateful to be called Your children. Help us to follow Christ’s example for us and share Your love with all the world. Amen.