But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 NIV
Christ has indeed risen from the dead. This is a statement of certainty, of truth, of assurance. There was no doubt in Paul’s heart and mind when he penned these words to the church at Corinth. He had personally encountered the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus when he was on his way to persecute the Christians there. He was blinded by the resurrected Christ, he was spoken to by him and his life was transformed by him. He lived a religious life, but one of hatred and intolerance towards anyone who threatened that religion. It was a religion of ritual and form, but not of life and hope. After his dramatic encounter with the resurrected Christ he counted that religion as loss so that he could know Christ. It is in Christ where he found true life and hope. It was through the resurrection that the power of death itself was broken and eternal life granted to all who believe. In our natural life we face death, but in Christ we face life in abundance and life eternal. Only He who has overcome death himself can overcome death for the world.