1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Christian Standard Bible

Resurrection Essential to the Faith

¹² Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead,^(A) how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”?^{(B) 13} If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; ¹⁴ and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith.^{[a] 15} Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses^(C) about God, because we have testified^(D) wrongly about God that he raised up Christ—whom he did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised. ¹⁶ For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. ¹⁸ Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ^(E) have also perished. ¹⁹ If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.

Christ’s Resurrection Guarantees Ours

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

²³ But each in his own order:^(K) Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at his coming, those who belong to Christ. ²⁴ Then comes the end,^(L) when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father,^(M) when he abolishes all rule and all authority and power.^{(N) 25} For he must reign^(O) until he puts all his enemies under his feet.^{(P) 26} The last enemy to be abolished is death.^{(Q) 27} For God has put everything under his feet.^[b](R) Now when it says “everything” is put under him, it is obvious that he who puts everything under him is the exception. ²⁸ When everything is subject to Christ, then the Son^(S) himself will also be subject to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.^(T)

Resurrection Supported by Christian Experience

²⁹ Otherwise what will they do who are being baptized for the dead?^[c] If the dead are not raised at all, then why are people baptized for them?^{[d] 30} Why are we in danger every hour? ³¹ I face death every day,^(U) as surely as I may boast about you, brothers and sisters, in Christ Jesus our Lord. ³² If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus^(V) as a mere man, what good did that do me?^(W) If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.^{[e](X) 33} Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” ³⁴ Come to your senses^[f](Y) and stop sinning; for some people are ignorant about God. I say this to your shame.^(Z)