1 Corinthians 15:18

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Then [also], those who have died in [fellowship with] Christ are lost.

Cross References

Revelation 14:13

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write [this]: Those who are [now] dead, who died in [fellowship with] the Lord, are blessed from now on. Yes, says the Holy Spirit, they will rest from their work, for [the record of] their deeds will follow them [i.e., into the next life].”

1 Thessalonians 4:16

For the Lord Himself [i.e., Jesus] will come down from heaven with a commanding shout [Note: This probably refers to Jesus’ voice. See John 5:25, 28], [and] with the archangel’s voice [i.e., Michael. See Jude 9] and with the sound of God’s trumpet; [at this] the dead in [fellowship with] Christ will rise [from the dead] first.

1 Corinthians 15:6

After that He appeared to over five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, but some have died.

Acts 7:60

Then he kneeled down and called out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold them responsible for this sin [of killing me].” And when he said this he fell asleep [in death].

1 Thessalonians 4:15

For we say this to you by [the authority of] the word of the Lord [Note: Paul was either quoting what Jesus had previously said, or was giving a revelation he had received from the Lord. See I Cor. 14:37], that we [Christians] who are [still] alive, who are left [on earth] when the Lord returns, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. [Note: The point Paul is making is that the living will not be “changed” (I Cor. 15:51-52) and taken to heaven before the dead are raised].