The real hope of resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:20-34

²⁰ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. ²² For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. ²³ But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. ²⁴ Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. ²⁵ For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. ²⁶ The last enemy to be destroyed is death. ²⁷ For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. ²⁸ When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

²⁹ Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? ³⁰ And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? ³¹ I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. ³² If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”

³³ Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” ³⁴ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

In this section of his letter, Paul intentionally teaches and assure believers that Christ has been raised from the dead, and that all believers have a hope for resurrection too. He calls believers to not be misled, to turn away from their sin, and to embrace this truth as part of the gospel message

I find great encouragement in Paul’s confidence. He proclaims, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” and “in Christ all will be made alive”. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection demonstrates his victory over all death and evil – let us rejoice in this good news for humankind!

Jesus, thank you that you lived, went to the cross to die for us, and were raised from the dead. We praise you because you have overcome all evil, and that death too will be destroyed. Thank you for the confidence this brings for us who believe in you, and for the hope this brings for our resurrection. Help us to live in light of this truth each day. Amen.

Written by Ps. Andie Molteno