But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.”1 Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. —1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (NIV)
1 Psalm 8:6
The Apostle Paul was a renowned scholar of the Scriptures–a Pharisaic Jew who knew the Old Testament intimately. He was one who tormented Christians and even had them killed, before he had his redeeming encounter with Christ, personally.
This should give us all hope because, if even Paul could be redeemed, we all can be redeemed by a personal relationship with Jesus.
So Paul knew, when he quoted from Psalm 8, that “God has put everything under his feet,” the Psalm was referring Jesus, even if David didn’t realize it directly when he penned those lyrics.
But many people read the preceding verse from Paul too literally: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” Is Paul talking about physical death? No! Well, yes and no. Let’s look back at what he wrote:
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
Something we talk about frequently in seminary is that Jesus is thought of as the “second Adam” or the “last Adam.” Jesus came to make right for humanity what Adam messed up. Adam’s sin resulted in separation from God–a spiritual death, and a departure from the perfect holiness that humanity was originally created into.
So, “as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Not some, but ALL. Paul is making a statement here about the coming return of heaven on earth: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” The spiritual death of all humanity will be destroyed.
Now, we as followers and believers in Christ, those of us who are “saved,” get to experience that new spiritual life here and now in the gifts of the Holy Spirit–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Not only do we have the hope of defeating physical death and rebirth into a new physical life, but a time is coming when all the spiritual death plaguing humanity will be destroyed.
Heaven will return to earth, and what a glorious time that will be for our future generations!