51 Behold , I tell you a mystery ; we will not all sleep , but we will all be changed , 52 in a moment , in the twinkling of an eye , at the last trumpet ; for the trumpet will sound , and the dead will be raised imperishable , and we will be changed . 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable , and this mortal must put on immortality . 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable , and this mortal will have put on immortality , then will come about the saying that is written , " DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory . 55 " O DEATH , WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY ? O DEATH , WHERE IS YOUR STING ?" 56 The sting of death is sin , and the power of sin is the law ; 57 but thanks be to God , who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ .
58 Therefore , my beloved brethren , be steadfast , immovable , always abounding in the work of the Lord , knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
(Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-58)
All the saints should not die, but all would be changed. In the gospel, many truths, before hidden in mystery, are made known. Death never shall appear in the regions to which our Lord will bear his risen saints. Therefore let us seek the full assurance of faith and hope, that in the midst of pain, and in the prospect of death, we may think calmly on the horrors of the tomb; assured that our bodies will there sleep, and in the mean time our souls will be present with the Redeemer. Sin gives death all its hurtful power. The sting of death is sin; but Christ, by dying, has taken out this sting; he has made atonement for sin, he has obtained remission of it. The strength of sin is the law. None can answer its demands, endure its curse, or do away his own transgressions. Hence terror and anguish. And hence death is terrible to the unbelieving and the impenitent. Death may seize a believer, but it cannot hold him in its power. How many springs of joy to the saints, and of thanksgiving to God, are opened by the death and resurrection, the sufferings and conquests of the Redeemer! In verse 58, we have an exhortation, that believers should be stedfast, firm in the faith of that gospel which the apostle preached, and they received. Also, to be unmovable in their hope and expectation of this great privilege, of being raised incorruptible and immortal. And to abound in the work of the Lord, always doing the Lord's service, and obeying the Lord's commands. May Christ give us faith, and increase our faith, that we may not only be safe, but joyful and triumphant.