⁸ This is why it^[a] says:

⁹ (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions^[c]? ¹⁰ He who descended is the very one who ascended^(C) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)^(D)

¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,^(A) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel^(B) and with the trumpet call of God,^(C) and the dead in Christ will rise first.^(D)

The Resurrection of the Dead

¹² But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead,^(A) how can some of you say that there is no resurrection^(B) of the dead?^{(C) 13} If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. ¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised,^(D) our preaching is useless and so is your faith. ¹⁵ More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead.^(E) But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. ¹⁶ For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.^{(F) 18} Then those also who have fallen asleep^(G) in Christ are lost. ¹⁹ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.^(H)

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