The reason we do not grieve as others do—without hope—is the resurrection of Jesus:
We believe that Jesus died and rose again(1 Thessalonians 4:14). Christ has conquered death by his own resurrection, and in this way, he has guaranteed the resurrection of all those who confess their sins and trust in him. The resurrection of Jesus proves to believers that he is still alive—that he reigns. He has the power to raise us up and to complete our salvation.I have been greatly helped by 1 Corinthians 15:20, where Paul makes the point that Christ’s resurrection is the firstfruits of the harvest. Now, the firstfruits—not only is it that which came first—but it was the proof that the rest of the harvest is coming. And he says, Jesus’ resurrection—we are so joined to him, through faith, by the Holy Spirit—that his resurrection not only is the first of that resurrection, but his people will be the full harvest. That he rose from the dead proves that we, through faith, will rise from the dead.
Richard D. PhillipsEach in his order,Paul said,Christ the firstfruits. Then at his coming, those who belong to Christ.Listen to Thomas Watson:Christ did not rise from the dead as a private person, but as the public head of the church. And the head being raised, the rest of the body shall not ever lie in the grave. As the firstfruits is a sure evidence that the harvest is coming, so the resurrection of Christ is sure evidence of the rising of our bodies from the grave.… Jesus has conquered the grave—he rose as the firstfruits—and so we do not grieve without hope.1
14 Car, si nous croyons que Jésus est mort et qu'il est ressuscité, croyons aussi que Dieu ramènera par Jésus et avec lui ceux qui sont décédés.