July 23

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. — 1 Cor 15:20 BSB

The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of the gospel.

Paul makes it clear that if the resurrection didn’t happen, there’s no salvation. “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless, and so is your faith. You are still in your sins.”

If Christ had not risen, those who have died in Him would have perished. But because Christ has been raised from the dead, the first to rise from those who have died, your faith is not in vain, and your hopes are secure. You are no longer in your sins, and your redemption is assured. Those who have died in Christ are not lost; they are alive forever.

Christ’s resurrection was the first harvest, and it guarantees that all who sleep in Him will rise as well at the end of the age. The first harvest was a promise of what’s to come.