Today's verses are from 1 Corinthians 15:21–22:
“For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” — 1 Corinthians 15:21–22 (NKJV)
Death is the one reality none of us can escape. No matter how healthy, successful, or careful we are, every life eventually comes to an end. But Scripture reminds us that death was never God's original design for humanity, nor does it have to be the end of our story.
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul explains that death entered the world through Adam's disobedience (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). As descendants of Adam, we are all born into a fallen world, subject to sin and death. But Paul presents a glorious contrast: What came through Adam was death, but what comes through Jesus Christ is resurrection and eternal life!
Where Adam disobeyed, Christ obeyed. Where Adam brought condemnation, Christ brings justification. And where Adam brought death, Christ conquered the grave!
Paul calls Jesus the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45). Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, Jesus accomplished what Adam could not. And because Christ rose from the dead, those who belong to Him are promised resurrection and eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:23).
Jesus Himself declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25, NKJV)
As descendants of Adam, we are all born into a fallen, sinful humanity, and because of sin, we will all face physical death. But while everyone is naturally in Adam, not everyone is in Christ. Only those who place their faith in Jesus Christ are born again and receive the gift of eternal life. As Jesus declared, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). And Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. We are all born in Adam, but only those who are born again through faith in Christ receive new and eternal life!
Here's the personal question: Who are you in? You were born in Adam, and one day you will face physical death. But have you been born again in Jesus Christ? Have you placed your faith in the One who conquered sin and death and offers eternal life? The question isn't whether you will die, but whether you have received the new life in Christ that death can never take away. Because those who are in Christ may die physically, but they will live eternally with Him!
We spend so much of our lives trying to preserve our health, secure our future, and delay the inevitable. But have we given equal consideration to where we will spend eternity? We are all born in Adam, but only those who belong to Christ have the promise of eternal life.
For the believer, death is not the end of the story. Because Jesus lives, we too shall live!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that although sin brought death into this world, You have provided eternal life through Jesus Christ. Help us live each day with confidence in His resurrection, knowing that our hope is not in this temporary life but in the eternal life You have promised to those who belong to Him. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Song of Reflection
Mercy Said No
By Greg Long
https://youtu.be/UO6K5FLm9U4?is=K_Bt9iPrYdsEQpSD
