The Radical Effects of Christ’s Resurrection

Studies in 1 Corinthians Series [37]1 Corinthians 15:20-28

April 19, 2015Pastor Paul K. Kim

RECAP: THE RESURRECTION AS THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHRISTIAN

FAITH • The resurrection of Christ is the heart of the

gospel. Christ’s resurrection is God’s validation of Christ’s

atoning work on the cross and his claim to be the Messiah.

Christ’s resurrection is the historical fact that makes the gospel fully true as God’s sovereign plan of salvation.

Hence, the resurrection is the central message of the gospel.

• The resurrection of the dead is indispensible to our salvation. Without it, not even Christ has been raised. Our faith & message are in vain and we are still in

sin. We have no hope facing death (in grieving and

dying). We are, of all people, most to be pitied.

WHAT RADICAL EFFECTS DID CHRIST’S RESURRECTION HAVE ON US AND

BEYOND?1) It has the radical effect on us as the

FIRSTFRUITS of all who died in Christ.20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, 

the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (v. 20)11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells

in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life

to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 8:11 “Firstfruits” is the first crop of many more

coming in the rest of harvest—i.e., Christ’s resurrection is the first one of many.

Jesus’ resurrection is unique and first in its kind—the rest of those were raised from the dead eventually died.

All believers in Christ will also follow the firstfruits in our own resurrection at his coming.

WHAT RADICAL EFFECTS DID CHRIST’S RESURRECTION HAVE ON US AND

BEYOND?2) It has the radical effect on us as the second

Adam in whom all those in Christ shall be made alive.

21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each

in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.  (vs. 21-23)

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation

for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to

justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one

man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by

the one man's obedience he many will be made righteous.

20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where

sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that,

as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal

life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 5:18-21

WHAT RADICAL EFFECTS DID CHRIST’S RESURRECTION HAVE ON US AND

BEYOND?2) It has the radical effect on us as the second

Adam in whom all those in Christ shall be made alive.

21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each

in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.  (vs. 21-23)

Paul’s theological basis is the principle of representation in Adam of death and Christ as the second Adam of life.

The mankind in the original sin of Adam is pervasively sinful [total depravity] in which Satan brings death as its wage.

If so, why is not all mankind saved through one man—Christ [i.e., “universalism”]? It is because the life is IN Christ—those who remain in Adam still has death as the wage of sin!

WHAT RADICAL EFFECTS DID CHRIST’S RESURRECTION HAVE ON US AND

BEYOND?3) It has the radical effect on us as the LORD OF

ALL who won the victory over all his enemies for the kingdom of God.

24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying

every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 

26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (vs. 24-26)

WHAT RADICAL EFFECTS DID CHRIST’S RESURRECTION HAVE ON US AND

BEYOND?3) It has the radical effect on us as the LORD OF

ALL who won the victory over all his enemies for the kingdom of God.

 27 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. 

28 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. (vs. 27-28)

The scope of the radical effects that the resurrection of Christ brought is far beyond our own resurrections after his.

Its scope is the full restoration of God’s sovereign purpose, design, and order of his kingdom in the heavens & the earth.

The coming of the end is actually also the beginning of the consummation of God’s salvation and eternal life with Christ!!!

The Best News of the GospelThe best news of the Christian gospel is that the supremely glorious Creator of the universe has acted in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to remove every obstacle between us and himself so that we may find everlasting joy in seeing and savoring his infinite beauty. The saving love of God is his doing whatever must be done, at great cost to himself, and for the least deserving, so that he might enthrall them with what will make them supremely happy forever, namely, himself. Therefore, the gospel of God and the love of God are expressed finally and fully in God’s gift of himself for our everlasting pleasure. “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

― John Piper

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

1. In what ways are you more convinced of the radical effects of resurrection on us and beyond? What will you do about it?

2. What would it mean for you to realize your pervasive/total depravity in Adam? What would it mean for you to become alive in Christ?

3. How will you submit to the risen Christ as the Lord of Lords to whom all things are subjected? What is your first step?