1 Corinthians 15:20-28: Resurrection is Coming!

October 29, 2026 Blaize

Paul has already addressed the pity that one should have for believers if the resurrection is not true. If the resurrection is true, its implications are far-reaching. Verses 20-23 state that Christ has risen from the dead and is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (died). Christ's resurrection is the first of more to come, but there is an order: Christ is the first, then at his coming, those who belong to him will be raised. Verses 24-28 explain that Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father after destroying all dominion, authority, and power after death is destroyed forever.

The Christian concept of resurrection in the end times is a fundamental belief. It involves the rising of the dead at the end of time, coinciding with the return of Jesus Christ. This belief is rooted in various scriptures across the New Testament outside of chapter 15. Jesus speaks about a time when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out (John 5:28-29). Those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. This passage indicates a universal resurrection connected with judgment.

The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) sees John witnessing a great white throne and Jesus sitting on it. The dead are raised, both great and small, and stand before the throne. Everyone is judged according to what they have done. This judgment determines the eternal destiny of every person: those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death.

While many like to think about a time in the future, it might be hard to see how that impacts the present. There are at least two ways one can think about resurrection in the present though.

First, resurrection is connected to evangelism. Jesus says, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) The widespread dissemination of the Gospel is a precursor of the end times. Fulfilling the Great Commission is part of what brings about the final events of eschatology, including the return of Christ.

Second, resurrection is connected to being ready. In the Gospels, Jesus emphasizes the importance of readiness and vigilance, particularly in anticipation of His return and the final judgment.

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), He stresses the need for preparedness, as the wise virgins who took extra oil were able to meet the bridegroom, unlike the unprepared foolish ones.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 2:14-30) teaches responsibility and faithfulness in using one's gifts, symbolizing readiness for Christ's return.

In the Parable of the Faithful Servant (Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 12:35-48), Jesus points out continuous faithfulness, contrasting the outcomes of a servant found doing his duty versus one who is negligent.

The Fig Tree Lesson (Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33) calls for discernment of the signs of the times, akin to recognizing the changing seasons.

In Mark 13:32-37 and Luke 21:34-36, Jesus instructs His followers to be watchful and prayerful, emphasizing the unpredictability of the timing of His return and the need to be spiritually alert. These teachings collectively highlight the importance of spiritual preparedness, ethical living, and active faith in anticipation of the end times.

The Spirit of God is the one that raised Christ from the dead, and it’s the Spirit who seals and leads believers to engage the world around them with the transformative power of the gospel. To this end, Christians have work to do. To "hunker down in the bunker" and wait for Christ's return is not how Jesus intended Christians to prepare for the end times. Preparation implies actively participating in the world so that more might be saved. Christians are encouraged to be involved in their communities, engage with social issues, and contribute positively to society. This engagement is seen as a way of living out Jesus' teachings and being "salt and light" in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Additionally, telling people about Jesus is how Christians prepare for the return of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) and the ultimate resurrection.

Lord, as we anticipate the resurrection, help us work to prepare!