The Risen Christ, Our Hope

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, qthen Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because rwe have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; syou are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have 3fallen tasleep in Christ have perished. 19 uIf in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

The Last Enemy Destroyed

20 But now vChrist is risen from the dead, and has become wthe firstfruits of those who have 4fallen asleep. 21 For xsince by man came death, yby Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall zbe made alive. 23 But aeach one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers bthe kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign ctill He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 dThe last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For e“He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 fNow when all things are made subject to Him, then gthe Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Effects of Denying the Resurrection

29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And hwhy do we stand in 5jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by ithe boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, jI die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, kI have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, l“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

33 Do not be deceived: m“Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 nAwake to righteousness, and do not sin; ofor some do not have the knowledge of God. pI speak this to your shame.