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The above statement, however, is not a complete quotation of I Cor. 15: 22. It omits
the logical connective "for", and so isolates one member of a progressive argument.
Further, if "for" links verse 22 with verse 21, "for" links both with verse 20. Christ is the
FIRSTFRUITS of them that slept. Now those that sleep are not all men universally; they
are defined for us in verse 18 as those are fallen asleep "in Christ". By no stretch of
imagination can such a term include both saved and lost, sinner and saved, believer and
unbeliever. We are here dealing with one class, those who are "In Christ". The same
limitation is observed in the sequel,
"But every man in his own order;
Christ the Firstfruits:
Afterward they that ARE CHRIST'S at His coming" (I Cor. 15: 23).
It is the essence of the type, that the "firstfruits" of a barley harvest, shall be the same
kind, namely "barley". In this "field" which is the world, there are growing together
"two seeds", namely "wheat" and "tares", and it is an outrage of common sense, to say
nothing of its dangerous doctrinal implications, to make the risen Christ a firstfruits of
BOTH wheat and tares! The false seed are excluded here. By man came death--by man
therefore must come life. Who is this "man"? The first man is Adam (I Cor. 15: 47).
Who is the other man by Whom came life? He is "the last Adam and the second Man"
(I Cor. 15: 45-47). We may paraphrase the Apostle's words, and read:
"For as sure as any one can be described as being `In Adam' he must die, but as sure
as any one can be described as `In Christ' he shall be made alive."
By a series of wondrous steps, the goal of the ages will at length be reached. "Then
cometh the end" (I Cor. 15: 24).
There is no word for `cometh' in the original of verse 24. It simply read "Then the
end". There is no justification for translating "The cometh the end rank", telos does not
primarily denote termination with reference to time but a goal reached, as in James "Ye
have seen the end of the Lord" (James 5: 11).
We should read I Cor. 15: 24-28 like this:
THEN THE END
/ "When" \
/ "When" \
"For He
\ "When" /
must reign"
\ "When" /
THEN . . . . . GOD ALL IN ALL.
All enemies, and all rule, whether "good" or "bad" will be set aside. Up to, and
during the Millennium there will be a great deal of delegated authority:
David will be raised from the dead to reign (Jer. 30: 9).
The Twelve Apostles will sit on twelve thrones (Matt. 19: 28).
The Overcomers will be Kings and Priests (Rev. 20: 4-6).
The Archangel Michael will make war (Rev. 12: 7).
Mighty angels will lead up to the Millennial reign (Rev. 7:-19:).