Summary point 1 Corinthians 15: 49

How can the dead be raised at all? Paul's whole point from verses 35 to 49 is to move men from a limited earth-bound view to seeing resurrection from a universal point of view. All bodies created by God - sun, moon, animal, fish, human whatever - have an individual glory in their appointed spheres. Each one is part of a decaying, temporal realm. In the spiritual realm of heaven, God, who is perfectly capable, will choose which physical bodies to sow, transform, and give another kind of glory. Why should man expect otherwise? It makes perfect sense to have soul-animated life on earth and spirit-animated life in heaven. That's why one Adam could lead all men to death, and the second Adam, Christ, could lead all men to eternal life.

I wish I could remember which broadcast minister I heard yesterday. He spoke about the modern expectation of everyone having an expectation of spiritual life. That's not what the Bible - and Paul here - teaches. Only those who are born again receive eternal life. The event is not automatic. While on earth, all have the opportunity to choose or turn from Christ, i.e., to choose or turn from eternal life. In heaven, the Lord will do the sowing. Thankfully, believers in Christ have the promise "Whosever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Paul's presentation answers many questions about what will happen, but it doesn't explain everything. We shouldn't expect that. The Lord retains sovereignity in power, knowledge and authority.

1 Corinthians 15:14

And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain (KJV)

Then: Vain equals empty, useless, not worth anything. Baker (p. 217) marks the meaning as "without results." This is Paul's second point. If Christ's resurrection did not happen, then there is no reason for anyone to continue preaching about the Lord's life, his teachings, and his being. There is nothing for anyone to believe in. An absolutely dreary supposition. No joy, no life.

Now: For sure Christians know that Christ was raised from the dead, after sacrificing his life so that they would be saved from eternal judgement and condemnation. Through Christ they are forgiven. Without that, there is no purpose or reason for anyone to follow what at best would be a "good man." It would also be a denial of the Holy Spirit within them.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.