In the New International Version, 1 Corinthians 15:22 says, “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
Some people interpret this verse to mean that all men will be saved. But is this really what Paul meant in that verse? Let’s find out both the larger context and the immediate context of 1 Corinthians 15:22.
Larger Context: The Resurrection of the Dead in Christ
The overall context and main point of the whole of chapter 15 clearly shows that Paul was talking about the “resurrection of the dead” (verses 12-13). He was addressing the believers in Corinth (verses 1, 17. See also 1 Cor. 1:2). He assured the believers ( those who are “in Christ”) that since Christ was raised from the dead (verses 1-20), they too would be raised from the dead, that is, made alive (verses 21-22). Jesus Christ who is the firstfruits, was the first one to be resurrected, and then Paul said that later on at Christ’s return, those who belong to Christ will also be resurrected. The topic here is specifically about the resurrection of the dead of those who are in Christ (believers).
What is meant by “in Christ”?
It is important to understand how the term “in Christ” is used in 1 Corinthians 15:22. It has a bearing on how this passage should be properly interpreted and understood in relation to its surrounding context.
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he used the term “in Christ” 11 times. Paul used this term 10 times to refer to the believers in Corinth and once in relation to himself. In this letter, Paul’s focus was specifically on believers and not on all of humanity in general. In fact, in the New International Version of the Bible, the term “in Christ” is used 91 times in the New Testament and it is always used exclusively in reference to believers, to those who are in Christ. It does not refer to all of humanity in general.
Immediate Context: Resurrection of the Dead in Christ
Within the immediate context, we find the term “in Christ” in this pericope:
18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed 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 comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. (1 Corinthians 15:18-24)
Disregarding how Paul used the term “in Christ”, and interpreting verse 22 as a stand-alone verse without considering its immediate context and larger context has led some to believe that all of humanity will be saved. But that is exactly what proof texting is all about. Paul in that passage was talking about the resurrection of those who were dead in Christ — not all of humanity.
Resurrection of Believers
To be true and faithful to the immediate context of verse 22, the neighboring verses before and after it should be taken into consideration when interpreting this particular verse. Paul was mainly addressing believers in this letter and not the rest of all humanity. That is why in verses 23, only 1) Jesus Christ who is the “firstfruits” and 2) the believers (those who belong to Christ) are mentioned. Paul was talking about the resurrection of those who died in Christ — believers. It does not discuss the fate of the rest of all humanity. Verse 24 goes directly to discuss the coming of the end.
In general then (as per context), all will die in Adam (believers and non-believers) but in particular, all those who are in Christ (all believers) will be resurrected and made alive (verses 21-22). These believers will all be “saved” and have eternal life (verses 50-52). That is how 1 Corinthians 15:22 should be interpreted and understood based on its own immediate context and larger context. The New Living Translation renders it this way:
“Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.” (New Living Translation, 1 Corinthians 15:22 )
Some people will argue that Paul really meant that all of humanity will be saved in verse 22. But the larger context of 1 Corinthians 15 and the immediate context of verse 22 limits Paul’s use of the term “in Christ” exclusively for believers only, those who are in Christ.
General Resurrection: All Will be Resurrected
Yes, the Bible does tell us about a general resurrection of all those who died — both righteous and wicked (Acts 24:15, Revelation 20:11-15). This is a resurrection to judgment where everyone will face the judgment seat of Christ. To be “made alive” in 1 Cor. 15:22 simply means to be resurrected back to life as per context. It does not necessarily mean “saved.” In fact, the Bible does indicate that some might be resurrected to “shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2. See also John 5:28-29). That does not seem “saved” at all but it would seem to me that they will experience the “second death” (Rev. 20:6, 14; 21:8).
It’s not wrong to hope though that all will be saved. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. May it be so!
The Good News: Those in Christ Made Alive and Saved!
The good news is that whether we realize it or not, whether we are believers or not, we actually belong to Christ already! By becoming one with us and one of us as our substitute and representative, by assuming all of who and what we are in our fallen condition, the Lord Jesus Christ has already healed us, cleansed us and has made us his own! He has already bought us at a price! It is in this general sense (another context), that all of humanity are already “in Christ”. But strictly speaking, as Paul and Peter used this term in the Bible, only those who are believers are “in Christ.”
But here’s the point — here’s the good news! You already belong to Christ! Believe it! It is by God’s grace that you have been saved! Believe it and experience the joy of your salvation!
50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. 51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
NLT 1 Corinthians 15:50-53