Because Christ has been raised, the believer expects to be raised as well.

Christ's resurrection was not a return to this life and this flesh, to this body that we own at the moment. Christ's resurrection was a raising to eternal life. Christ's resurrection freed him from ever facing death again. Remember what Christ Jesus said in the Revelation:

(Rev 1:18)  I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever!

1 Cor 15:20: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Christ has indeed been raised. God raised Jesus from the dead, by his power, according to his plan and will.

And Christ is the first fruits. Remember the meaning of “first fruits” in Israel? They were a promise to Israel of more to come: More barley, more milk, more grapes, more lambs, more children, more grand children, more blessings, more joy!

Christ as the first fruits is God's promise to us of more to come. More resurrections. More life. More joy. More satisfaction. More assurance of faith. More fullness of our experience of God’s eternal Kingdom.

There is a connection between Christ's resurrection and the believer's resurrection. The future destiny of Christians is bound up with what has happened to Christ. Because Christ has been raised, the believer expects to be raised as well.

Because of Christ's resurrection, we know that someday the trumpets will blow – and we will be shaken awake to live forever.

Yes, death is still a reality. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory, even over death, through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 15:57).

And the victorious life begins now!