“For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised up incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”—1 CORINTHIANS 15:52.

Let us examine Paul’s words as recorded in 1 Corinthians chapter 15.

This which is mortal must put on immortality.”​—1 Corinthians 15:42-53.

³ Reasonably when does fulfillment start for 1 Corinthians 15:50-57?

Thus the entire “[spiritual] Israel of God” will be gathered to the heavenly kingdom.​—1 Cor. 15:22, 23, 50-52; Heb. 2:10-13; Rev. 7:4-8; Gal. 6:16.

In the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians Paul discusses mainly the heavenly resurrection, of which Christ was the first.

See also John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:35-54; 2 Peter 1:4.

² In answer, let us return to Paul’s discussion of the resurrection recorded in 1 Corinthians chapter 15.

Though living on earth in a mortal, fleshly body, Christians who have the spirit as a token of coming heavenly life look forward to “a building from God,” an immortal, incorruptible spirit body. (1 Corinthians 15:50-53)

19, 20. (a) For those in the new covenant, what final, glorious fulfillment will Jehovah’s promise to Abraham have? (b) What further question needs to be considered?

¹⁹ After their death, these anointed ones are like Jesus raised from the dead as immortal spirit creatures to serve with him as kings and priests in heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:50-53; Revelation 20:4, 6)

Those who remained faithful to the death would inherit immortal heavenly life as coheirs with Jesus in his heavenly Kingdom. (Matthew 24:13; Romans 8:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54)

On this basis, he could urge his fellow believers: “Become steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 15:20-58.

◻ 55 C.E.: Paul explains that the Kingdom joint heirs will be resurrected to immortality and incorruption during Christ’s presence.—1 Corinthians 15:51-54

These have been delegated responsibilities so as to shoulder more and more work as the aging anointed remnant finish their earthly course and go to serve in a complete sense as heavenly “priests of Jehovah,” surrounding Jehovah’s throne of majesty as “ministers of our God.”—1 Corinthians 15:50-57; Revelation 4:4, 9-11; 5:9, 10.

As these ones die in faithfulness, they are instantaneously resurrected as immortal spirit creatures to join those of the 144,000 already in heaven.—1 Corinthians 15:51-53.

While those who served with him mourn his passing, they find comfort in the Bible’s promise regarding such anointed Christians, that they are resurrected to heavenly life and that “the things they did go right with them.” (Revelation 14:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54)

¹⁹ Most of these 144,000 have already died faithful and have gone to their heavenly reward. (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; Revelation 6:9-11)