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1 Corinthians 15:20-22
In 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 the Apostle Paul discusses the possibility of not having a risen Savior and the pitiful state that Christianity would be in should the case be, which it is not, as Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NKJV), “20But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” Notice in 1 Corinthians 15:21 that, “For since by man” [small letter “m”] in referring to Adam, through which sin entered into humanity, and the [upper case “M”] in referring to Jesus, “by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.” Romans 5:12-21 explains this relationship between Adam and Jesus and states in Romans 5:15, “But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.”
This is the promise that if all became sinful through one man, Adam, then all may become righteous through one Man, Jesus.
Sin was forcefully imputed to all humanity through the disobedience of one man, but it is love that conquers all, and through love – the love of God, sin is extinguished. The key is this: love must be freely given and freely accepted – you cannot force love – it must come from a pure heart in sincerity; that’s the difference – love. Through God’s love we are freed from sin, but only if we open our hearts to God and believe in Him – that He sent His One and only Son to show us His love so we can freely accept it and believe and receive – life – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
You teach us in Your word, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (Romans 15:22). Death is forced upon us all by the sinful nature, but life is given through Your great love for us – for all who will put their faith in You and believe in our Savior who died, and rose to save us. Thank You LORD God Almighty! In Jesus name I pray, amen.