Raised in Glory: Our Certain Hope of Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:20–58
We are resurrection people.
At the very centre of the Christian faith is not a vague hope for something more, nor an abstract belief in life after death, but a firm conviction in the resurrection of the body. As Paul makes clear in 1 Corinthians 15, if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile—but because He has been raised, everything has changed.
Christ, the Firstfruits
Paul begins by declaring that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have died (v.20). The image is agricultural—just as the first sheaf of grain signals that the full harvest is coming, so Jesus’ resurrection guarantees ours. He is not merely the exception to death’s rule; He has broken death’s power altogether. His bodily resurrection is the promise and prototype of ours.
The Order of Resurrection
In verses 21–28, Paul outlines the order of resurrection. Death came through Adam, but life comes through Christ. At His return, those who belong to Him will be raised. Then comes the end, when Christ will deliver the kingdom to the Father, having destroyed every rule and authority—including death itself. Death is the last enemy, and Christ will crush it completely.
This is no abstract theology. It’s cosmic hope grounded in concrete history. In raising Jesus from the dead, God has begun the renewal of all things.
The Nature of the Resurrection Body
But what will our resurrection bodies be like? Paul anticipates the question (v.35) and answers it with a series of contrasts (vv.42–44):
What is sown perishable is raised imperishable
Sown in dishonour, raised in glory
Sown in weakness, raised in power
Sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body
Notice: we’re not looking forward to less physicality, but more. Our future bodies will be glorious, powerful, incorruptible—fit for Eternity. We will bear the image of the Heavenly Man, Jesus (v.49).
Victory Over Death
Finally, Paul bursts into praise (vv.50–58). Death is not the end for God’s people. At the last trumpet, we shall be changed. The perishable will put on the imperishable. Death will be swallowed up in victory!
This isn’t just beautiful poetry—it’s certain hope. The resurrection means that our labour in the Lord is not in vain. The grave does not have the final word. Because of Christ, death has lost its sting.
So What?
In a world marked by death, disease, and decay, this is news worth clinging to. It is not just comfort for the grieving, but courage for the living. As Paul says, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (v.58). Why? Because we know how the story ends.
Christ has been raised.
We shall be raised.
Death will be defeated.
And we will be raised in glory.