NOTICE THE DISTINCTION

So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, Adam, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man, Christ. Everyone dies because all of us are related to Adam, the first man. But all who are related to Christ, the other man, will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised first; then when Christ comes back, all his people will be raised.
 
1st Corinthians 15:22-24
 
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
 
In Touch - 04/06/06
 
Did you catch the not very subtle distinction the Apostle Paul makes in these verses?
 
First he says, “Everyone dies … all of us are related to Adam…” The scriptures say, “…it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27). The scriptures say, “…all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard … the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Because of our relationship to Adam, we inherit the sin nature and along with it, our death sentence.
 
Second Paul says, “… all who are related to Christ … all His people…” Do you notice the distinction? The new life … the resurrection life … is reserved for those who have invited Christ into their lives; asked Him to forgive them of their sins; asked Him to be Lord and Savior.
 
“… when Christ comes back…” He is coming for His own. Is your name listed among His own in the Lamb’s Book of Life?