1 Corinthians 15:50-58, 1 Corinthians 11:23-32, Hebrews 8 

We were created to live in fellowship with God and one another. But (Adam and Eve, Romans 5:12), Death is an intruder into God’s perfect plan. OT vs. NT The Old Covenant that God had established with His people required strict obedience to the Law. To be disobedient was to sin and, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The Law required that Israel perform daily sacrifices in order to atone for sin. Keep in mind that they were on their own; God’s Spirit had yet to come and enable every believer to live as God intended. 

What we celebrate as Easter is the day that Jesus was raised from the dead, which broke the hold that death had on Mankind. He is the, “firstborn from the dead,” “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (Revelation 1:5; Colossians 1:18,1 Corinthians 15:20). He is the first to be resurrected eternally, but not the last. 

Jesus clearly taught that on the Last Day, both righteous believers and the unbelieving will be raised, the believer to eternal life, and the unbelieving to condemnation/eternal destruction (Matthew 25:31-46, John 3:16-18, John 5:28-29, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

1. God sacrificed animals to make coverings for Adam and eve.

2. The Passover lamb sacrificed, blood on door posts, they ate…

3. Mosaic Covenant (Law) Exodus 24…

4. Jesus (John 6:53-55)… we figuratively share in the blood and body of Christ in Communion. In remembrance of His death for us.

Believing is putting into action the knowledge you have received by faith.

The disciples believed this, and died for their belief, because they saw Jesus after the resurrection, ate with Him, and talked with Him. They, and many others, were witness to this event, and there is, as I have said, more proof for the resurrection than there is for Julius Ceaser.

At the original Passover in Egypt, the lambs were killed instead of the family’s firstborn son. The firstborn was spared only if a lamb was slain in his place, the blood placed on the door posts, and its flesh eaten within the household amongst family members as a fellowship meal. 

Digging Deeper

• Have you entered into the New Covenant with God and become a part of the body of Christ, His Church?
• If so how? 

Further Reading: Romans 7:6-14, Romans 13:11-14, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:24, Galatians 5:24, Colossians 1:18-23, Hebrews Chapters 7-10