foreshadowing

1 Cor. 12:1-16:24; 2 Corinthians

Almost every good book or movie contains an element of foreshadowing. In the greatest story ever told, our God left us some clues as to His future plans for the story of mankind.

For today's New Testament passage, we are reading I Corinthians 12:1 through the end of II Corinthians. In I Corinthians 15, Paul talks about our future Christian hope in the resurrection.

20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

The resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, was a foreshadowing of the resurrection of the saints that will happen upon his return. He was the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." The firstfruits are just the beginning of the harvest. We will receive a perfect resurrection body just like Jesus. Our natural bodies will be buried in the ground like a seed, and they will be raised at the second coming as imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual bodies. (vs. 42-44)

What does this mean for us as Christians? It means the fear of death has no hold over us. And when we're not afraid of death, there is no fear than can hold us back from living 100% for the Kingdom of God.

Check out N.T. Wright's book "Surprised by Hope" for more on the theology of resurrection and the implications of the Christian hope.

If you’re into music as much as I am, check out the lyrics for the song “Perfector” by one of my favorite bands, My Epic.

Today's Blogger: Josh Cummings

Tomorrow's Text: Romans