“How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” (1 Corinthians 15:35; Read 1 Cor. 15:35-58)

From Seed to Glory

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, addresses the most profound question of faith: What happens after death, and what kind of body will we receive? The skeptic asks, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” (1 Cor. 15:35).

Paul’s response is immediate and beautiful. He uses the analogy of the seed: “Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies” (15:36). When a farmer sows a mere grain, the body that sprouts is radically different from the seed that was planted. The seed must die, be buried, and then God gives it a new body “as He pleases” (15:38).

This is the promise for us. The physical body we bury is the seed. It is not raised in its current form, but it is transformed. Paul contrasts the current body — sown in corruption, dishonor, weakness, and as a natural body — with the resurrected body — raised in incorruption, glory, power, and as a spiritual body (15:42-44). We are given a body that perfectly fits the eternal, spiritual reality of God’s Kingdom.

Victory in a Twinkling of an Eye

The core reason for this ultimate transformation is simple: our current, earthly form, corrupted by sin, cannot inherit the eternal Kingdom. “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (15:50). A change must take place.

Paul calls the timing of this change a mystery (15:51). For those who are alive at Christ’s return, and for the dead who are raised, the transformation will be instantaneous: “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet” (15:52). This means that every single believer, whether buried in the ground or alive in the moment of Christ’s return, will be clothed in immortality and incorruption (cf. 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

This great moment ushers in the fulfillment of prophecy, the total defeat of our last enemy: Death.

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (15:54-55).

The power of death came from sin, and the strength of sin was the Law (15:56). But through Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law in our stead and then bore the guilt and punishment for our sins when He suffered and died on the cross and rose again in triumph, the sting has been removed! The victory is ours, not by our own merit, but by God’s gracious gift in Christ Jesus: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:57).

Abounding in the Work

The resurrection is not a distant theological concept; it is now the driving force for our lives. Because we possess the certainty of incorruption, glory, power, and victory in Christ Jesus and for the sake of His innocent sufferings and death and His glorious resurrection on the third day, our present life takes on profound meaning.

Paul concludes with an encouraging command: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (15:58).

Do not let the temporary troubles or the uncertainty of this life shake your faith. Your work — your service, your prayer, your generosity, your endurance — is not for a passing reward. It is counted and secured by the very God who promises to exchange your perishable body for one of eternal glory. Be steadfast! Abound in His work! Your labor, rooted in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, is eternally worthwhile.

Reflection Questions:

Since Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and then bodily rose again in glory on the third day, what is our hope and confidence? How will those who trust in Christ be raised up when He returns? Cf. 1 Cor. 15:16-19; 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
How does the promise of a “spiritual body” change how you view your current physical struggles or limitations? Cf. Phil. 3:20-21.
Knowing that your labor is “not in vain in the Lord,” what specific “work of the Lord” can you be more “abounding” in this week?

Prayer:

Almighty God, we thank You for the ultimate promise of the resurrection given to us through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You that the grave is not the final word, and that through Christ, we have victory over the sting of sin and death. Help us to live today in light of that glorious future. Strengthen us to be steadfast and immovable in Your work, knowing that our labor is never in vain. Clothe us with courage and hope as we await the moment when this corruptible will put on incorruption. To Your name be all glory and honor, now and forever. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]