HE IS RISEN
‘Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.’
Two distinct truths are taught us in these blessed words:—
I. ‘Now is Christ risen from the dead.’—Here is the assurance—
(a) That the souls of all believers are safe.
(b) That their sin is cancelled.
(c) That death is abolished.
(d) That heaven is opened.
II. ‘And become the firstfruits of them that slept.’—Here is the guarantee that the future of the bodies of believers is secured as well.
—Rev. F. Harper.
Illustration
‘When, in the days of old, the pious Jew brought a basket of firstfruits to the priest according to God’s holy ordinance, he brought a pattern—a specimen of the fruits in his orchard or garden; and when Jesus rose, He rose as the firstfruits of them that slept—in the future life the body of every saint shall be like the Body of his Lord.’