Paul had been revealing the power and truth of the resurrection to the believers in Corinth. The apostle now focuses on the victorious aspect of Jesus’ resurrection and that of all those who believe in Him.
Having already explained those resurrected will inherit a spiritual, celestial body to replace their terrestrial one. This earthly body, dead in the sin of Adam will be raised to fulfill God’s promise to His children, as they are made new in the like of the celestial Christ.
“50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.” (1 Corinthians 15:50)
Because our bodies are corruptible, and the terrestrial seed of Adam’s sin, such bodies cannot enter heaven. Instead believers will be given a new celestial body, glorifying to God almighty.
“51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
Paul reveals a mystery to his Corinthian audience, announcing that some would be alive upon Jesus’ return. Those asleep, dead then alive in Christ, they too will be given a new body to be lifted up in glory for all eternity. Suddenly, without warning, Paul calls on believers to stand fast as we await His return.
“53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:53-54)
Because our terrestrial body is corruptible, it must be replaced with an incorruptible celestial body before it can enter heaven. Our bodies must die before they are risen in Christ, before we are resurrected. This is known as the final victory, when death and hell are conquered by eternal life and God’s kingdom.
“55 O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-56)
Without hell, death has no consequences other than the end of life on earth. Without pain and suffering, hell loses its battle against God’s kingdom, against heaven.
“57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)
Thanks to the power of God, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, believers are promised resurrection from the dead. Though guaranteed, this rebirth must not be taken for granted. Instead those who believe in Christ should ready themselves for His return, as promised, holding steadfast as we devote our lives to serving the Lord. Through resurrection, we are victorious over death and hell. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
