PROCLAMATION
“… We will
not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a flash, in the twinkling of an
eye, at the sound of the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the
dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed … When the perishable
has been clothed with imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the
saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in
victory.’ ” 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 (NIV)
EXPLANATION
These words
were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of
God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.
Paul begins this chapter discussing the resurrection of Christ. (1 Corinthians
15:1-11) Then he discusses the resurrection of the believers who had died.
(1 Corinthians 15:12-34) Afterwards he transitions to a discussion on the
resurrected body. (1 Corinthians 15:35-58) It is during this discourse
that he states that believers will be changed. When Christ returns, we
will change from being perishable to imperishable, and from being mortal to
immortal. This will be done in the
twinkling of an eye.
APPLICATION
Some of us
will be alive when Christ returns, but dead or alive we will all be
changed. Our earthly bodies are not fit to be in His presence or in the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 15:50) Our human bodies
are frail, corrupt, and perishable. Age, disease, and death cause our
bodies to deteriorate. All believers will be changed from that which is
perishable to that which is imperishable. When He returns, the dead in
Christ will rise first and then we who are alive at that time will join them.
(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) Our earthly bodies will be transformed into
immortal bodies which will be recognizable to others (Luke 16:22-23) but will
be different like the angels. (Matthew 22:30) So, let us all keep the
faith and keep on working for The Lord knowing that He will remember our good
works. (Hebrews 6:10) Our labor for Him will not be in vain. (1
Corinthians 15:58) We have the victory over death through our Lord Jesus,
The Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57) To God be the glory!!!
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