Believers Who Have Died

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed^(A) about those who sleep in death,^(B) so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.^{(C) 14} For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,^(D) and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.^{(E) 15} According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,^(F) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.^(G)

¹¹ After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend^(A) Lazarus has fallen asleep;^(B) but I am going there to wake him up.”

¹² His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” ¹³ Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.^(C)

¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.^{(A) 18} Then those also who have fallen asleep^(B) in Christ are lost. ¹⁹ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.^(C)

²⁰ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,^(D) the firstfruits^(E) of those who have fallen asleep.^{(F) 21} For since death came through a man,^(G) the resurrection of the dead^(H) comes also through a man. ²² For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.^(I)

¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.^{(A) 18} Then those also who have fallen asleep^(B) in Christ are lost. ¹⁹ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.^(C)

²⁰ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,^(D) the firstfruits^(E) of those who have fallen asleep.^{(F) 21} For since death came through a man,^(G) the resurrection of the dead^(H) comes also through a man. ²² For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.^(I)