1 Corinthians 15:50-56
Now I say this, brothers: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, and what is perishable is not going to inherit what is imperishable. Look, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. But once this perishable body has put on imperishability and this mortal body has put on immortality, then what is written will be fulfilled: Death is swallowed up in victory. Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for these verses that help believers understand the final part of Your salvational plan for us; this is a gift for all who believe. These words illuminate what happens to all believers throughout time when Jesus comes again. For those still alive, since our bodies are corrupted by sin, the perishable cannot inherit the imperishable. This means our corrupt, perishable bodies cannot enter heaven. Jesus will transform them in an instant into glorified, immortal, and incorruptible bodies that can enter.
Bodies resting in the grave are resurrected from their slumber and reunited with their souls, meaning that when body and soul come together, they are raised as immortal and imperishable beings. Through faith in Your Son, death holds no power over us, for Christ has defeated sin; He has also conquered death and the Devil. Many will experience a temporary death of the body as the soul separates from it, but we remember Jesus’ words to the criminal hanging next to Him. That man confessed his sins and acknowledged Jesus as the innocent Savior suffering for the world’s sins. Jesus said to him, “Amen, I tell you: Today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus spoke the words of forgiveness and life to that man, which are for all who trust in Him; through Jesus’ words, He grants complete pardon and eternal life.
With this anticipation, we pray to hear the trumpet sound soon, so we may be with You in heaven forever. Forgive us all our sins according to Your love and mercy. Grant us the confidence to share Your love, grace, and mercy with those around us who do not know or trust You; help us to share our hope with them. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Come, Lord Jesus, come!