In the last couple of emails, I have been focusing on the resurrection and why it’s important for our salvation, and I would like to continue with this theme for a few more months as there is still much more to discuss regarding this fundamental doctrine of the Christian Faith.
Not only is the resurrection important for the Christian’s confidence in salvation, but for the believer, the resurrection comes with many benefits. Paul mentions three of those benefits at the end of 1 Corinthians chapter fifteen, the first of which is found in verses 51-53. He says:
“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.”
(1 Cor. 15:51-53)
Because of the resurrection, all who belong to Christ will be changed. This is huge for the believer because Paul says in verse 50 that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” Since perishable flesh and blood are what we are, the only way that we could enter the joy of God’s eternal Kingdom, is if we are to somehow be changed and no longer be perishable. That is exactly what God will do for us when Christ returns! He will raise our earthly bodies and make them immortal and imperishable.
God has always desired to live and dwell with His people, and so, when the end of the age comes and Christ returns for His people, He will give them a body that is free from corruption, free from sin, free from pain, sickness, and death, so they can dwell with Him forever. What a glorious day that will be.
– Shaun M. Hewlett