1 Corinthians 15:12-28 The Importance & Order of the Resurrection

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 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. 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. One must fully believe and understand that nothing is impossible for God. If you fail to grasp that you will not be able to grasp the hope of the Christian faith which is the resurrection. Because Christ died and arose again, so will all who belong to him arise again in his glory. This is our hope. But not only this, but all persons will be resurrected, some to glory and some to contempt. The faithful will find fulfillment in Christ and the evil will suffer in never ending agony. Why must some suffer in agony? Because they failed to receive Jesus as Savior. It is also the resurrection that gives us power over death and the devil and they will not prevail in our lives and our lives to come. Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, give us the faith to believe in the truth and embrace it as the blessed hope. Let us share the good news with others so that all may come to know you and believe in you, your love, and salvation. Amen.