18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Messiah have perished.
19 If we have hoped in Messiah in this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all people.
20 But now Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also has come through a Man.
22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Messiah will all be made alive.
23 But each in its own order: Messiah the firstfruits; then, at His coming, those who belong to Messiah;
24 then the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all rule and all authority and power.