By Steven J. Hogan
~ A Saturday Morning Post #165 ~
1 Corinthians 15 talks about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the believers. In the 1st part of this chapter (1 Cor. 15:3-4), we are told that the gospel message, that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day, is the most important message in the Bible. That Christ was resurrected shows He was victorious over sin and death, and that God was satisfied with His sacrifice for the sins of people. This is great news for all who repent of their sins and believe that Christ died for them, thereby, paying the penalty for their sins. If you have turned from your sin and trusted in Christ, then you have been forgiven, have victory over death, a relationship with God, and a purpose in life. You will also be given a new body, a perfect home in heaven, and a wonderful future with friends. Most importantly, you will be with Jesus Christ forever and ever. 1 Thess. 5:18
In the 2nd part of the chapter (1 Cor. 15:12-19), we read that some had questioned whether the dead were raised at all. If that is true that the dead are not raised, then Christ was not raised. How utterly sad and depressing to even think that Christ was not raised from the dead. If Christ stayed in the grave, then your faith is worthless, you are a condemned sinner, your life has no meaning, and living for Christ makes no sense. How hopelessly and hellishly lost you would be.“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Cor. 15:20). “God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power” (Acts 2:24, Rev. 1:17-18). Indeed, all is truly and forever good for those in Christ, for those who have embraced Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Rom. 10:8-13
In the 3rd part of the chapter (1 Cor. 15:20-28), we see the big picture, God’s eternal plans, and how it relates to the resurrection. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead about 2000 years ago, but when will believers, Old Testament and church-age saints, be raised again? Verse 23 definitively tells us that our resurrection happens at Christ’s coming. It’s critical that you know this, that you will be resurrected, be glorified, be given a new and perfect body at Christ’s 2nd coming, specifically at that time when the church is raptured. 1 Thess. 4:15-17, 2 Thess. 2:1
Then God succinctly sums up the ages to come. During the millennial kingdom, Christ will rule the world from Jerusalem, with believers in their resurrected bodies helping Him carry out His plans (Rev. 5:10). Christ will bring peace to this earth, subdue His enemies, and defeat death, the greatest enemy. Then this glorious 1000-year kingdom age will come to an end, when Christ “hands over the kingdom to the Father… then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:24, 28), and the most-glorious eternal kingdom age will begin.
In the 4th part of this chapter (1 Cor. 15:29-34), with this eternal perspective in mind, we are instructed how to live for God during our short lives on earth. Like Paul, we are to “die daily,” and not be afraid of “danger.” About the Christian, Jesus said, “Let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Paul also tells us to live holy lives and have godly relationships, not like non-Christians who believe this life is all there is, who say, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” But we know Christ and the truth of the resurrection – “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21
In the 5th part of the chapter (1 Cor. 15:35-49), we learn about our glorified body. First, we learn that the old body must die before there is a new body. Second, we see that the new body will be radically and amazingly different than the old body. A plant is different than the grain of seed it came from and, so too, our heavenly body will be different than our earthly body (Rom. 8:21). Third, we learn that, though there will be differences, there will be similarities. Humans will be humans, birds will be birds, and stars will be stars. Fourth, there will be the new body: it won’t be perishable but imperishable, won’t be dishonorable but honorable, won’t be weak but powerful, won’t be natural but spiritual, won’t be earthly but heavenly. We have this wonderful description of our brand-new body, but we still cannot fathom how glorious it will be. Might you thank Jesus “who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory.” Phil. 3:20-21, 1 Cor. 15:57
In the 6th part of this chapter (1 Cor 15:50-57), we learn how long it will take to be glorified, and when it will happen. As to the first point, it will take place “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” quicker than lightning. As to when it will happen, we know it will occur at Christ’s coming (1 Cor. 15:23), but here we learn that it is at “the last trumpet” which is just what Jesus said – “He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet.” Matt. 24:31
It is then said that “we will not all sleep,” that not all believers will physically die. When Christ comes back in the clouds, many Christians will still be on earth, and they will be raptured, and immediately be changed and glorified. But believers who had already fallen asleep, had already physically died, will be glorified first, a split second before those still on earth. “The Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thess. 4:15-17
It is at this time, when “this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality” that you will say, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:53-55). Finally, you will be fully and completely saved – body, mind and spirit. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3-4
In the 7th part of this chapter, you are told how you are to live. In view of the truth of Christ’s resurrection and your resurrection, in view of the fact that you have a most wonderful Savior and a living hope, you are to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor. 15:58
P.S. At this time of the Coronavirus Pandemic, when there is all this reporting and sadness about people getting sick and dying, we need hope, we need to know that we have a glorious future. Here is my Easter Sunday message – “The Glorious Resurrection of Christ and Believers in Christ,” a post about the resurrection – “The Resurrection and Rapture of the Believers,” and an article about hope – “You Have to Have Hope.”