Paul has been writing to the believers at Corinth concerning some issues which have kept them divided and distracted from their function as a church. The first fourteen chapters are filled with instruction and challenge to the Corinthians to change their behavior regarding issues such as disunity (1 Corinthians 1-4), immorality (1 Corinthians 5-6), marriage (1 Corinthians 7), personal freedom (1 Corinthians 8-10), worship (1 Corinthians 11), and spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14); however, 1 Corinthians 15 provides some of the strongest doctrinal teaching in all of the Bible relating to the resurrection of Christ and the dead. In the first nineteen verses of 1 Corinthians 15, Paul has already established that “if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (15:13-14). In other words, the resurrection of the dead will not happen unless Jesus Christ came back to life.
Since Paul was an eyewitness to the resurrected Christ (15:8), he firmly believed that there would also be a resurrection of the dead (15:20). Paul explained his reasoning by writing, “For since by man [Adam] came death, by Man [Jesus Christ] also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” (15:21-23). The resurrection of Christ is the guarantee of our own resurrection to eternal life with God. Following the resurrection of the dead, Paul writes concerning “the end” (15:24-25) when Christ establishes His rule on earth and eventually all things are returned to their original design (15:27-28; Revelation 21-22); however, the last enemy who needs to be defeated is death (15:26). Jesus Christ removed the power of death at the cross, but death will finally be destroyed at the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ when they are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).
Much discussion has developed concerning what Paul writes next, “Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?” (15:29). Some believe that Paul was teaching that living people can be baptized on behalf of those who had already died (so they can be saved), but cross referenced with Paul’s other writings there is no evidence that he was teaching this false doctrine of baptism for the dead. Instead, Paul is asking the Corinthians to consider those who have come to faith and have been baptized because of the influence of those who have already died. If there is no hope of resurrection or life after death, then the people who are beginning their faith are wasting their time. Paul had placed his own life at risk as a witness for the resurrected Christ, but if He is not truly risen, Paul’s efforts were in vain (15:30-33). Since Paul had confidence in the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of the dead, he challenged the Corinthians to live their lives in a manner pleasing to God (15:34). The reality of life beyond death should motivate all believers to walk in obedience in this life.
Dear God, I thank you for the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the guarantee of my own life beyond death. May I live in obedience to You now with the knowledge that I will enjoy eternal life in Your presence.
St. Luke has a clear account of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Ascension in The Acts 1:6-11. The Holy Bible’s bodily ascent of Jesus into heaven is stated in verse 9, on the fortieth day, after the Resurrection. I accept this truth. Whatever else I believe, based on the life of Jesus Christ, is a reflection of what I’ve experienced and have written in Mommy’s Writings. There’s one thing I know – God exists.Suzanne McMillen-Fallon, Published Authorwww.strategicbookpublishing,com/Mommy, would you like a sandwich?
Suzanne -thanks for leaving a few words of faith.Denise – I'm glad this post helped you!
Thank you I was very confused about 1 Corinthians 15:29. That makes alot more sense now thank you .
God bless
Clarissa – I’m honored that you read this post and glad it helped clear up some confusion.