Why Hear About the “Resurrection of the Dead”?
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 WEB)
This statement sounds fantastic, encouraging us to continue our work in the Lord without giving up, that it has an eventual reward.
However, before this imperative which comes at the very end of the chapter, the apostle Paul used many sentences to teach about the “resurrection of the dead”.
In our case, we born-again believers are looking forward to receiving an immortal, spiritual body that will never perish.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will 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 incorruptible, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable body will have become imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54 WEB)
This truth is glorious, but sometimes Christians may question just how practical such preaching is. After all, there are so many challenges to deal with in this mortal lifetime, so why bother to ‘daydream’ about the return of the Lord?
Being reminded of the resurrection of the dead actually makes us look forward and up. To set our minds on the things which are above and heavenly.
While the world is looking back in regret and guilt, and looking down towards their death, being one step closer to the grave, we who eagerly expect the salvation of our bodies are being purified from worldly cares and concerns.
Remember the first verse I quoted? It is only when you are in the posture of steadfastly expecting the Lord’s imminent return that you can be effective in serving Him. You will do so with renewed enthusiasm when you are reminded of the blessedness and eternal value of following Him instead of pursuing a carnal lifestyle. Look onward and upward!
Not sure what are the eternal rewards of serving Jesus, or how to begin identifying and stepping into your God-given calling? “Sandcastles Don’t Last Forever” was written to show you how: https://www.ko-fi.com/s/7b9e3783ae
