How does it make you feel to know that your physical body is failing? I’ve been blessed with good health. I haven’t faced any life-threatening diseases. I’ve never broken a bone. I’ve only had one operation in my life (appendectomy at age 8), and other than that, the only hospital stays I’ve had were to give birth to my daughters.
Yet, I know my body is going to fail me one day. It’s not made to live forever. Some of you have been through many physical challenges and you know first-hand what it’s like to look death in the face. Maybe you’re fighting it now. In 1 Corinthians 15-16, Paul gives us good news for those who follow Christ.
Death doesn’t win!
Because Christ has been resurrected, because He defeated death, we get new bodies at our resurrection. Bodies that will never ache, never fail, never suffer disease, because they are imperishable, powerful, glorified bodies that will live eternally. We will finally get the bodies and experience the life that God intended for us to have – bodies that can live in His presence.
When do we get them? Paul says “we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (15:51-52)
This is good news for all who believe in the gospel and a warning for those who do not believe. The Bible tells a different story for those who reject Christ. Those who say “no” to Jesus here will not be given a new body but will live for eternity in a place of torment, separated from God forever. For them, this life is the best it will ever be, and the body they have now is as good as it gets. I want everyone to have those new bodies. I do not want anyone to miss heaven.
Jesus came to give us abundant life here, and eternal, immortal, imperishable life in heaven. As I look around at how our world is decaying physically and spiritually, I long for that even more. Are you tired? Is your body worn out? Full of “replacement parts”? Do you live with chronic pain? Hold on, dear friend. Put your trust in God and persevere. Your new body is waiting for you.
“The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57)
The Way Of The Word 