Introduction: Do you know when your time will come? Are you ready? We never know.

Paul gives the Church of Corinth and us today incredible HOPE and insight concerning the future, according to the Word of God.

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”

**The word “firstfruits” is ἀπαρχή, which had to do with the Levitical law involving the very first crops. However, in this case, it has to do with Jesus being the “first” one to rise from the dead, never to die again. 

**Every believer has that promise to rise from the dead because of faith & trust in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit “quickens” life in a person, and at the point of death, the Spirit departs from the body into heaven to spend eternity future in the New Jerusalem.

(2Cor 5:8, Eph 2:1-10)

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead,” (1Cor 15:21).

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive,” (1Cor 15:22)

2. Where are you going? (1Cor 15:23)

“23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”

The word “order” is τάγμα, which means arranged in order, a division, rank. Order is a military term.

Personal Application: Have you decided to follow Jesus? No turning back… No turning back! Keep marching forward. Don’t look back.

• Promise – Giver?
• Peace – Maker?
• Storm – Calmer?
• Joy – Giver?
• Grave – Robber?
• Mountain – Mover?

3. When are you going? (1Cor 15:24)

“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.”

The word “end” is τέλος, which means an end, a toll.

Contrary to those who teach the end here means the final end after the second coming of Christ; there is a gap. The kingdom period follows the second coming of Christ and then the end comes after the millennium, which carries the believer into eternity future.

The word “kingdom” is βασιλεία, which means sovereignty, royal power.

4. What about until your time comes? (1Cor 15:25-28)

“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”

Personal Application: We learn to come under authority and then we can be over….see Rev 2 & 3.

Conclusion: This passage of Scripture assures every child of God of a “HOPEFUL FUTURE.” Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (firstfruits), His eternal plan is in place for all those who call upon His name in repentance and saving faith. They will receive the gift of eternal life.

That is a great reason to be ready “When your Time Comes”!