The Raising of the Dead
—1Corinthians 15
This lesson is about the resurrection of the dead and glorious bodies that will never die. The chapter for study is 1Corinthians 15 verses 35 to 58. Paul answered the question, "How are the dead raised up and with what body do they come?"
1 A New God-Given Body
1Cor 15, Verses 35-38
It may seem to us a reasonable question, but Paul called the questioner foolish. That's because the question was intended as an argument against the resurrection of the dead. Since dead bodies were corruptible, how could they be raised to life again? Paul made a powerful analogy. He said that when you sow a grain of wheat, it dies; but from its death a new plant, with a new God-given body, springs to life.
2 Not a Body of Flesh
1Cor 15, Verse 39
Paul said that there were different kinds of flesh. Man, animals, fish, and birds are all creatures of flesh, but not the same flesh. None of these is suitable for eternal and heavenly bodies. Later in the chapter Paul said that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.
3 Not a Celestial Kind of Body
1Cor 15, Verses 40-41
Paul took a leap in thought to the various celestial bodies, the sun, moon, and stars. These were certainly glorious bodies, each with its own glory. But even the most glorious bodies in the material universe were unsuitable for eternal life.
4 A Spiritual Body
1Cor 15, Verses 42-45
After mentioning bodies of the plant, animal, and celestial realms, Paul announced that the body raised up would not belong to any of these material realms. Rather, it would be a spiritual body for a spiritual kingdom. Paul said, "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body".
The physical human body dies in corruption, dishonour, and weakness. It will be raised incorruptible, eternal, immortal, and for the Christian it will be raised in glory and power. The natural body, inherited from Adam, is the seed of a spiritual and immortal body, inherited from Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:17-21).
5 A Body Like Christ’s
1Cor 15, Verses 46-49
Adam was the first human to be created. His body of flesh was made from the earth, and given the breath of life. All of Adam’s descendants inherit the likeness of his earthly nature. But there came another Adam, Christ Jesus. He was the first human being to be glorified. Those who become his heavenly people will, at the resurrection to life, inherit his heavenly nature. (see 2Corinthians 5:1).
6 An Immortal Body
1Cor 15, Verses 50-57
Paul summarised and confirmed the hope of the resurrection. The last trumpet shall sound and Christ shall return. All the dead shall awake, arise, and be clothed with immortal bodies. In the same instant, all who are alive at Christ’s coming, will also become clothed in immortality.
For the Christians at Corinth, and everywhere else, this was wonderful and joyous news. But the sting of death is sin, and those who, in their lifetime, did not seek forgiveness through Jesus, will dwell in everlasting shame. They forfeit the victory forever. (see Daniel 12:1-3).
7 Paul’s Conclusion
1Cor 15, Verses 58
So Paul concluded his lesson on the resurrection with these words of encouragement, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (NKJV). This was the expected response to the promise of resurrection, until the promise is fulfilled.