What does "each in his own turn" reveal about God's plan for resurrection? Setting the Stage: The Resurrection Chapter 1 Corinthians 15 is Paul’s extended, Spirit-inspired teaching on resurrection. Verse 23 shines a spotlight on the orderly way God will raise the dead: “But each in his own turn: Christ the firstfruits; then, at His coming, those who belong to Him.” The Phrase in Focus: “Each in His Own Turn” • “Each” points to distinct groups rather than a single, undifferentiated event. • “In his own turn” (Greek tagma, a military word for rank or sequence) pictures troops marching in prescribed order. • Together, the phrase reveals a carefully structured timetable designed by God, not random or chaotic. Christ the Firstfruits—The Anchor of the Sequence • Firstfruits were the initial sheaf offered to God, guaranteeing the entire harvest (Leviticus 23:9-14). • Jesus’ bodily resurrection is that first sheaf—proof that the rest of the crop will follow. • v. 20: “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” • His victory over death anchors every promise that follows; if He rose, so will those united to Him. Believers at His Coming—The Harvest Follows • The next “turn” belongs to “those who belong to Him.” • Timing: “at His coming” (parousia) points to Christ’s visible return (Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7). • 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 adds detail: – “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command… and the dead in Christ will rise first.” – Living believers are then “caught up” together with them. • The sequence guarantees that every believer—dead or alive—will receive a glorified body when Jesus appears. Why the Order Matters • Demonstrates God’s sovereignty: nothing in salvation is haphazard. • Underscores Christ’s primacy: He must rise first, just as He must have the preeminence in everything (Colossians 1:18). • Provides assurance: if the firstfruits were accepted, the harvest cannot fail—our resurrection is as certain as His. • Protects against error: denies the idea that resurrection is purely spiritual or already fully realized; bodies will be raised in the future, at a definite moment. Other Scriptures Echo the Sequence • John 5:28-29—two stages, “those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have practiced evil to the resurrection of judgment.” • Revelation 20:4-6—“first resurrection” (of the righteous) precedes the final judgment resurrection of the wicked. • Daniel 12:2—Old Testament foresight of separate outcomes “some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” Living in Light of the Order • Confidence: present suffering is temporary; resurrection glory is scheduled. • Motivation: “be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58) because nothing done for Christ is wasted. • Perspective: the grave is not the end; believers await their “turn” in a redeemed, imperishable body. |
    |