1 Corinthians 15:23 – thereupon (2)

For even as, in Adam all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified. Yet each in his own class: The Firstfruit, Christ; thereupon those who are Christ’s in His presence…

The resurrection of Christ is the starting point of the vivification of all people. Like a rock thrown into the pond, it creates ever wider circles around it. Paul mentions three stages in which this universal vivification takes place.

The second milestone in the vivification is the parousia of Christ. Then it is the turn of those who are Christ’s. However, just as the parousia is not just one moment but a period, this vivification is not just a moment but a series of moments. Beginning with the snatching away of Christ’s body (1Thes.4: 17), followed by the resurrection of Israel’s righteous (Dan.12: 13; Luke 14: 14) and the resurrection of the martyrs prior to the Millennium (Rev. 20) : 4). This vivification is called “the resurrection from the dead.” This to distinguish from “the resurrection of the dead” in which all “other dead” will rise (Rev. 20: 5).

Those who are made alive in the parousia have priority. For they have a task in establishing the Kingdom of Christ. They act as a bridgehead. They lead the way like the leading group in a pack of cyclists.

Delen: