We are examining the meaning of Paul’s statement that the resurrection of 1 Corinthians 15 would be at “the end.” It is taken for granted by the majority of Christians that this must refer to the end of time, or the end of the Christian age. However, a closer look demonstrates beyond doubt that this simply is not true. Be sure to read the first two articles in this series–#1” href=”http://donkpreston.com/then-comes-the-end-but-what-end-1/” target=”_blank”> #1 here-– #2” href=”http://donkpreston.com/then-comes-the-end-but-what-end-2/” target=”_blank”>#2 here.
We noted in our last article that no matter what else we might think, or postulate, the resurrection of 1 Corinthians 15 would be in fulfillment of God’s Old Covenant Promises made to Israel. We follow up on that with Fact #2:
Fact #2 – Not only does Paul see the resurrection as the fulfillment of God’s Old Covenant promises made to Israel, he posits fulfillment at the end of that covenant history. The apostle says the resurrection would be when sin, the sting of death, and when “the law” that is the “strength of sin” would be overcome and removed (v. 55-56).
Numerous times in my debate with Joel McDurmon, (Held in Ardmore, Ok., July 2012) I noted that in scripture, only one law is ever described as “the strength of sin” and that was Torah, the Law of Moses (cf. Romans 7; 2 Corinthians 3, Galatians 2-3, etc.). McDurmon never denied this, and he never said even one word about the argument below. In the majority of my debates, when I have asked my opponent to define “the law” that was the “strength of sin” they have answered, “The law of Moses.” This was also true in my recent (September 6-8, 2013) formal debate with Steve Gregg, held in Denver, Colorado. (DVDs of that debate will be available asap). So, if/ since, “the law” that is “the strength of sin” was the Law of Moses, take a look at what this means.
The resurrection– resurrection from the Adamic death– would be when “the law” that was the “strength of sin” was overcome and removed.
“The law” that was the “strength of sin” was the Law of Moses, Torah.
Therefore, the resurrection– resurrection from the Adamic death– would be when “the law” that was the “strength of sin” was overcome and removed.
As just noted, neither Joel McDurmon or Steve Gregg offered a single word in response to this argument. In fact, there is no logical, or scriptural response that can be given. You simply cannot, logically, agree that “the law” that was “the strength of sin” was Torah, the Law of Moses, and postulate the resurrection in our future without thereby affirming the present, continuing validity of the entire Law of Moses.
Let me reiterate, for it is critical: Unless one is willing to say the Law of Moses remains valid today the resurrection from the Adamic death has been fulfilled. And remember, virtually no eschatological paradigm openly says Torah is still valid, in spite of McDurmon’s quote given earlier. (McDurmon, in an incredible claim, contra virtually all Dominionists, affirmed that Old Covenant Israel and her Covenant relationship with YHVH will remain valid until the physical resurrection at the end of human history! This is an astounding claim)!
This logically demands that “the end” of 1 Corinthians 15 is the end of the Old Covenant age of Israel, the end of Torah. It is not the end of time; it is not the end of the Christian age. Since 1 Corinthians 15 is patently about the “final” resurrection, not a type or shadow of another one, this definitively falsifies the claim that AD 70 was a type of the real end. Be sure to see my newest book: AD 70: A Shadow of the (Real) End? for a definitive refutation of the claim by many that AD 70 was “a” fulfillment of the resurrection, but, that we are still looking for the “real” resurrection.
We have more, so stay tuned!