1 Corinthians 15:16-29

English Standard Version

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 futile and ^(A)you are still in your sins. ¹⁸ Then those also who ^(B)have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. ¹⁹ If in Christ we have hope^[a] in this life only, ^(C)we are of all people most to be pitied.

²⁰ But in fact ^(D)Christ has been raised from the dead, ^(E)the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For as ^(F)by a man came death, ^(G)by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. ²² For ^(H)as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. ²³ But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then ^(I)at his coming ^(J)those who belong to Christ. ²⁴ Then comes the end, when he delivers ^(K)the kingdom to God the Father after destroying ^(L)every rule and every authority and power. ²⁵ For he must reign ^(M)until he has put all his enemies under his feet. ²⁶ The last enemy to be ^(N)destroyed is death. ²⁷ For ^(O)“God^[b] has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. ²⁸ When ^(P)all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that ^(Q)God may be all in all.

²⁹ Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?