The verse “the last enemy to be destroyed is death” is found in 1 Corinthians 15:26, which says: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” This verse comes in the midst of Paul’s extensive teaching on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. To fully understand what this verse means, we need to understand it in its context.
The Context of 1 Corinthians 15
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is addressing questions and confusion among the Corinthian Christians regarding the resurrection. Some were denying that there would be a future physical resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12). Others misunderstood the nature of the resurrection body (1 Cor. 15:35).
In response, Paul gives a lengthy explanation of the certainty, significance, and nature of the future resurrection. He begins by emphasizing that Christ’s resurrection is an historical fact verified by many eyewitnesses (1 Cor. 15:1-11). He then explains how belief in Christ’s resurrection and our future resurrection is an essential part of the gospel message (1 Cor. 15:12-19).
Paul goes on to explain that Christ’s resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of believers. Just as death came through Adam, the resurrection of the dead comes through Christ (1 Cor. 15:20-28). He describes the resurrection as a triumph over death, comparing it to Old Testament military conquests (1 Cor. 15:54-57). It is in this context of victory over death that Paul declares: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:26).
The Meaning of “The Last Enemy to Be Destroyed is Death”
When Paul says that “the last enemy to be destroyed is death,” he is explaining the sequence of events in connection with the resurrection. Christ was the first to rise from the dead, as the “firstfruits” (1 Cor. 15:20, 23). After that will come the resurrection of believers at His second coming (1 Cor. 15:23). Paul says “then comes the end” (1 Cor. 15:24). He explains that this “end” involves a sequence of events:
1. Christ defeating all enemies and powers (1 Cor. 15:24-25).
2. The last enemy, death, being destroyed (1 Cor. 15:26).
3. Christ subjugateing all things under Him and subjecting Himself to the Father (1 Cor. 15:27-28).
So the destruction of death is presented as the climactic event right before the end. Death is the “last enemy” because it will be the final enemy to face defeat.
Death is portrayed as an “enemy” because it is an intrusion on God’s good creation. It opposes God’s purposes and intent for life and fellowship with humanity. But Christ decisively conquers this enemy through his death and resurrection, and will ultimately destroy its power entirely through the resurrection of believers.
Paul’s statement highlights several key truths:
1. Death’s power is not ultimate
Death may seem overwhelming and undefeatable. But Paul says it is only temporary – an enemy destined to be overthrown. It will be the last enemy to meet its end.
2. Death’s defeat is tied to resurrection life
Christ defeated death by rising from the dead. The destruction of death comes about through the resurrection. The resurrection life made possible by Christ will ultimately swallow up death completely.
3. God will fulfill his purposes
Sin allowed death to enter the world, but God is sovereign over death. Though it opposes his intentions, death will not thwart God’s plans. Its defeat is sure.
4. Victory is assured in Christ
Christ has already decisively defeated death through his own resurrection. His victory over death guarantees the future destruction of death when believers are resurrected.
So 1 Corinthians 15:26 assures us that death’s days are numbered. Its power will be utterly destroyed. The resurrection life made possible through Christ will be death’s undoing. This truth brings tremendous hope to all who trust in Christ!
The Destiny of Death
What exactly will it look like when this “last enemy” is finally destroyed? The Bible does not give a detailed description, but it provides some clues:
Death will be no more
Revelation 21:4 declares, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” With death definitively conquered, it will exist no longer.
The resurrection will swallow up death
Isaiah 25:8 says, “He will swallow up death forever.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 says, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” The context makes clear this happens through the resurrection. When believers are raised imperishable, death is conquered and consumed by resurrection life.
Death loses its power and sting
1 Corinthians 15:55-56 says, “‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” With death defeated, it loses its power to hurt or cause fear.
No more mourning or pain
With death destroyed, all the heartache it causes will disappear. Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.”
A new heaven and earth
Revelation 21:1 says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” 2 Peter 3:13 says, “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” With sin, evil, and death overthrown, God will create a new perfect order.
So while we don’t know every detail, the destruction of death ushers in a glorious resurrection existence unmarred by the curse of death and sin. All that death brings will be no more.
The Timing of Death’s Destruction
When exactly will this destruction of death take place? The timing is connected to the resurrection of believers:
At Christ’s return
1 Corinthians 15:23-26 indicates it will happen when Christ returns. Death will be destroyed immediately before He subjects Himself to the Father.
At the resurrection of the just
Revelation 20:5-6 draws a connection between the “first resurrection” of the righteous and the fact that “over such the second death has no power.” The destruction of death is tied to this resurrection of life.
At the end of the millennium
Revelation 20:14 locates death’s destruction after Satan is released and defeated at the end of Christ’s 1,000 year reign. “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire” forever.
So the Bible connects the timing of death’s destruction with Christ’s second coming and our bodily resurrection. Death will ultimately meet its doom when the resurrection swallows it up forever.
Christians Can Live In Hope and Confidence
What should this truth mean for believers today? Here are some key applications:
We need not fear death
Knowing that death is a defeated enemy robs it of its terror. Christians can face death with hope rather than fear.
We can take confidence in the resurrection
Christ’s resurrection guarantees we too will rise again. Death does not get the last word.
We can find comfort in grief
The destruction of death means the separation it causes is only temporary for believers. We will see loved ones again.
We should live boldly and fully
With death’s power broken, we have freedom to live wholeheartedly for Christ now without fearing death.
We can patiently endure suffering
Present pain due to the curse of death is light compared to the coming glory of resurrection life free from death forever.
We should spread the gospel
Christ’s victory over death provides hope of salvation and eternal life to all who believe. We get to share this amazing news!
We can labor faithfully
Knowing death will be vanquished motivates us to labor for the Kingdom wholeheartedly, knowing our work in Christ will endure.
In His time, Christ will fulfill His promise and destroy the power of death forever. This certain hope allows believers to live joyfully and boldly no matter the circumstances until death’s destined doom arrives. What amazing confidence knowing the last enemy is already defeated! We can trust Christ will destroy death and bring the resurrection life!