"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." This scripture is supposed by many to refer to the resurrection of the wicked as well as the righteous, because it is equally true of them that they die in Adam. But this conclusion is not necessary, for a thing may be affirmed of a particular class, which is equally true of another class, and yet that other class not be had in view. The apostle in this chapter is declaring the benefits of the resurrection; but the resurrection of the wicked is not for a benefit to them. If Christ is raised, a benefit is thereby conferred on them that sleep in Jesus. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept." Verse 20. By this the apostle would show that those who are fallen asleep in Christ are not perished, inasmuch as Christ is the first-fruits of the harvest of saints. There is no change in the argument—the next two verses begin with "For." "For since by man (Adam) came death (on those who sleep in Jesus), by man (Christ) came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all (of the class under consideration) die, even so in Christ shall all (the same class) be made alive." But that it refers only to the saints is evident from the next verse. "But every man in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." All must admit that the expression, "every man," in this last verse covers the same ground exactly as the word "all" in the verse before it, hence it cannot apply to the wicked unless they are "Christ's at his coming." In verse 35 the query is anticipated, "How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?" Now if this refers to the general dead, without distinction, Universalism follows. See Paul's answer to the query in verses 42-44. "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." Will the wicked be raised in "incorruption" and "glory" with "spiritual bodies?" If so, Universalism is true. If not, then the chapter has reference only to the righteous. This view is also strengthened by the apostle's conclusion in the last verse. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Though the saints die "in" (by or through) Adam yet because "in," (by or through) Christ they will be made alive, therefore their labor is not in vain in the Lord.