A Living Man Defeated Death | 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

We are about to begin our next study, and we are moving to the Old Testament. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea reveals the heartbreak of idolatry and the mercy that still pursues. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our shout-out today goes to Ben Pangborn from St. Augustine, FL. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today 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. — 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

What if the resurrection is not about an idea—but about a living man who conquered death and now rules history?

Paul declares today, “But in fact.”

Christ is not symbolically alive. He is bodily raised. And he calls him the "firstfruits." This is covenant language rooted in real history.

In Israel’s history, the firstfruits were the beginning portion that guaranteed the full harvest to come. So Paul is saying the resurrection of Jesus is not an isolated miracle. It is the beginning of a guaranteed resurrection harvest.

Then he says:

“For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.”

Notice the emphasis.

But in fact, by a man.

Death did not enter through an idea or philosophy. It entered through a real representative—Adam or mankind.

And resurrection does not come through an idea or philosophy either. It comes through another real man—Christ.

Federal headship is not abstract theology. It is embodied representation.

Two men. Two humanities. Two outcomes.

Adam was a dying man who brought death to all he represented.

Christ is the living man who conquered death and brings life to all who are united to him.

We are not trusting an ethic. We are not trusting an idea. We are trusting a resurrected man. In Adam, all die. In Christ, all will be made alive. Death entered through one man under God’s judgment. Life comes through one man under God’s approval.

And then Paul looks even further out at the future ramifications. Christ must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Resurrection is the triumph of the living Christ over every enemy. History is moving toward submission under his rule. And when every enemy is subdued, the Son hands the kingdom to the Father—so that God may be all in all. This is ordered glory flowing from the Father, through the Son, by divine design.

Resurrection means history turns toward restored order under the rule of the living Christ.

A real man rose. And because he lives, those united to him will live. Are you ready to live? Turn your old life over to the man, and live all in for Him because he live all in for you. If you need to make this decision today write "ALL IN" in the comments below.

DO THIS:

Identify which representative you are living under today. Are you operating from the old man shaped by sin—or from the new man secured in Christ? Then live all in for the right, eternal, and forgiving man.

ASK THIS:

1. Do I see the resurrection as cosmic victory—or just personal comfort?
2. How does knowing Christ reigns now change the way I face suffering and death?
3. Am I living as someone who belongs to the firstfruits harvest?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, thank you that a living Christ reigns as the firstfruits. Teach me to live as someone united to the reigning King. Fix my hope not on escape, but on the restoration you have promised. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name"