16-20 If corpses can’t be raised, then Christ wasn’t, because he was indeed dead. And if Christ weren’t raised, then all you’re doing is wandering about in the dark, as lost as ever. It’s even worse for those who died hoping in Christ and resurrection, because they’re already in their graves. If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.

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18 Then those also who have fallen asleep(A) in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.(B)

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,(C) the firstfruits(D) of those who have fallen asleep.(E)

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