²⁰ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,^(A) the firstfruits^(B) of those who have fallen asleep.^{(C) 21} For since death came through a man,^(D) the resurrection of the dead^(E) comes also through a man. ²² For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.^{(F) 23} But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits;^(G) then, when he comes,^(H) those who belong to him.^{(I) 24} Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom^(J) to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.^(K)

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin,^(B) and the power of sin is the law.^{(C) 57} But thanks be to God!^(D) He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.^(E)

¹⁴ For he himself is our peace,^(A) who has made the two groups one^(B) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵ by setting aside in his flesh^(C) the law with its commands and regulations.^(D) His purpose was to create in himself one^(E) new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,^(F) by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷ He came and preached peace^(G) to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.^(H)

A New Heaven and a New Earth

21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”^[a](A) for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,^(B) and there was no longer any sea. ² I saw the Holy City,^(C) the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,^(D) prepared as a bride^(E) beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.^(F) They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.^{(G) 4} ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.^(H) There will be no more death’^[b](I) or mourning or crying or pain,^(J) for the old order of things has passed away.”^(K)

⁵ He who was seated on the throne^(L) said, “I am making everything new!”^(M) Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”^(N)