1 Corinthians 15:19–28 outlines God’s plan for His entire creation.
It starts by revealing that Christ wasn’t just a motivational teacher with ideas to improve our lives: he had power over death.
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Consequently, life doesn’t end when we die—although the dead will remain asleep for a time. However, just as Christ was raised to life, we will be too.
For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
It was Adam’s choice that brought death upon the human race. Every person that has ever lived was inside Adam, and suffers the same fate. However, Christ’s sinless life was given to reverse this curse and save all people from death’s grip.
Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every 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.
Every rule, authority, and power will be overcome by the love of God. Every last person will come to know Jesus as Lord, and there will be no opposition left once this truth is revealed.
For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
Once Christ’s entire creation is subjected to Him, Christ will be subjected to God, and God will meet all needs and desires for all people. This is the glorious final outcome in which no hard heart remains, no mother is without her child, and every last person finds joy.
This is the logical outcome of pure love—and remarkably, the only way to achieve this is through love. Love is the most powerful force in existence, yet it cannot be forced upon others. Love was affirmed by Jesus as the greatest commandment, and 1 John 4 tells us that God Himself is love.
This final illustration of a universe at peace is called the reconciliation of all, and we believe it’s the original Good News spread by the early church.
