Lord's Day 17 — Wednesday: The Pledge of Our Glorious Resurrection
Lord's Day 17: The Resurrection
Wednesday — The Pledge of Our Glorious Resurrection
The Catechism
Q45. How does Christ's resurrection benefit us?
First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he could make us share in the righteousness which he had obtained for us by his death. 1 Second, by his power we too are raised up to a new life. 2 Third, Christ's resurrection is to us a sure pledge of our glorious resurrection. 3 1. Rom 4:25; 1 Cor 15:16-20; 1 Pet 1:3-5. 2. Rom 6:5-11; Eph 2:4-6; Col 3:1-4. 3. Rom 8:11; 1 Cor 15:12-23; Phil 3:20, 21.
Today's Emphasis
Christ's resurrection is the guarantee and firstfruits of our own bodily resurrection. As He rose, so shall we. This hope anchors the soul amid present suffering and mortality.
Scripture Readings
1 Corinthians 15:20-23
"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."
Romans 8:11
"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."
From the Reformers
John Calvin (Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20)
"Christ is called the firstfruits, because He is the pledge and guarantee of our resurrection. As the firstfruits sanctify the whole harvest, so Christ's resurrection assures us that we shall rise again."
Reflection Questions
• How does the certainty of your future resurrection change the way you face present trials or suffering?
• What does it mean that Christ is the 'firstfruits' of those who have fallen asleep?
Growing in grace through the Catechism — The Hearthside Team 🔥