Understanding 1 Corinthians 15:24–26

“The Last Enemy to Be Destroyed is Death”

1 Corinthians 15:24–26
“Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

Christ’s Victory in Stages

This passage is part of Paul’s powerful teaching on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. His message is rooted in what theologians call “inaugurated eschatology”—the idea that Christ’s victory has already begun (in His death and resurrection), but will only be fully completed at His second coming.

Paul uses the language of kingship and conquest, drawing from Old Testament themes (especially Psalm 110:1) to show that Jesus is now reigning in heaven:

Psalm 110:1
“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’”

Phase 1: Redemption Through the Cross

Jesus’ first coming was to redeem humanity from sin and spiritual death (John 3:16–17). Through His death on the cross and resurrection, He defeated Satan, sin, and the grave spiritually.

Colossians 2:15
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

All who place their faith in Christ receive eternal life, even though their bodies still face physical death. This is why we say the redemption is already, but not yet fully. We are saved now, but we still wait for the full transformation of our bodies.

Phase 2: Christ’s Reign and Second Coming

Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, ruling until all enemies are defeated (Hebrews 10:12–13). But death, as the final enemy, still exists. His second coming will bring full justice, final judgment, and total restoration.

Hebrews 9:28
“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

At His return, Christ will:

Judge the nations (Matthew 25:31–46)
Bind and defeat Satan and demonic powers (Revelation 19:20; 20:10)
Establish a 1,000-year kingdom of peace on earth (Revelation 20:4)

Isaiah 65:20
“No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days… for the young man shall die a hundred years old…”

This millennial kingdom will partially restore the earth from the curse. Peace, justice, long life, and harmony will flourish.

Phase 3: The Final Defeat of Death

After the 1,000 years, Satan will be released briefly, defeated again, and then thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7–10). Then comes the final enemy: death itself.

Revelation 20:14
“Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”

This is the moment Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 15:26: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” From that point on, there will be no more physical death, ever again.

Eternity: A New Heaven and Earth

Following death’s defeat, God will reveal a new heaven and a new earth where He will dwell with humanity forever:

Revelation 21:1–4
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… He will wipe away every tear… and death shall be no more…”

Jesus will hand the kingdom over to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:24), having fulfilled His redemptive mission. Worship will no longer be centered on saving or shepherding, but on dwelling eternally with God in perfection.

Why This Matters for Us Today

This entire process—from Christ’s first coming to His final return—shows God’s deep love and plan for humanity. Though we still face suffering and death now, we have the assurance of total victory in Christ.