Twin City church of Christ Blog
“May 17, 2024 - Then Comes the End”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsThen Comes the End
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
Paul has been addressing some in Corinth who deny the resurrection of the dead. He argues that this denial necessarily means denying Jesus’ resurrection also—which creates obvious problems. “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep”(1 Cor 15:20). Jesus’ resurrection is the “firstfruits," the first part of a crop that promises more to come. His resurrection promises more resurrections. “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive”(1 Cor 15:21-22). Jesus’ resurrection means that God is undoing the death and damage Adam began. It is the beginning of a new hope for all.
“But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power”(1 Cor 15:23-24). The timing of the resurrection is laid out for us. It will happen “at his coming.” The only other event on Paul’s eschatological map here is “the end,” which is signaled by Jesus delivering the kingdom to the Father, having conquered all other authorities. “Then comes the end” leaves no room for raptures, literal millennia of Christ’s reign, or intermediate stages. Jesus returns. People rise. Then comes the end.
We get a glimpse here of the ultimate plan of all things. God has begun the process of undoing death through Jesus’ resurrection. He has also begun the process of putting all enemies under the feet of Jesus—which will only be completed when even death is conquered (1 Cor 15:26). We live between the beginning of this process and its completion—and eagerly await the end, when all enemies are destroyed.
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One Thing to Think About: How does Jesus’ victory over death impact me personally?
One Thing to Pray For: Jesus to come quickly
