1 Corinthians 15:20-34

20But it is really true that God raised Christ up after his death. He rose up to go to God in heaven. He was the first, so we know that believers who die will also rise up.

21All people die because of what one man did. That was Adam. And it is because of another man that people can rise up after death to a new life. That is Christ.

22As people, all of us belong to Adam's family. So all of us must die. But all people who belong to Christ will live again after death.

23It is like this: First of all, Christ died and then he became alive again. Then, when Christ returns, his people will live again too.

24After that, the end of everything will happen. Christ will win against every ruler and power and authority. He will give the kingdom to God, the Father. God will rule over everything.

25Christ himself must rule as king until he has won against all his enemies.

26The last enemy that he must destroy is death.

27It says in the Bible, ‘God has put all things under his authority.’ But it is clear that the words ‘all things’ do not include God himself. No, because it is God who put all things under Christ's authority.

28When God has put all things under Christ's authority, then God's Son, Jesus Christ, will put himself under his Father's authority. Then God will have complete authority over all things, everywhere.

29Think about this. Some of you have let people baptize you on behalf of believers who have already died. But if dead people do not rise up to a new life, there is no reason to baptize anyone on their behalf.

30Also, think about us! All the time we are in great danger.

31Yes, every day I come near to death! Why do I tell you this? It is because I am proud of you. I am proud because we all belong to Christ Jesus our Lord.

32At Ephesus city, people attacked me like wild animals and I fought against them. But that would be worth nothing to me if dead people do not rise to a new life. If dead people do not live again, then we could say: ‘Tomorrow we will probably die. So we should just eat and drink as much as we like.’

33Do not let anyone deceive you. Remember this: ‘If you become a friend of bad people, you also will live in a bad way.’

34So start thinking properly! Stop doing wrong things! Some of you do not really know God. I am saying this to make you feel ashamed.