We Will be Immortal

I Corinthians 15:52b-53

We shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.

Scripture declares that our present perishable bodies of flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. This will all change when Christ returns for the Bible says: “We shall 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 imperishable, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51b-52).

What kind of body will it be? Paul explains that it will be a different kind of body; it will be a body like Christ has, for “we shall be like him.” Jesus could be recognized. The nail prints in his hands and the gash in his side remained. He could eat as he did in the past, but he could also pass through walls.

The resurrected bodies of believers are called “spiritual” bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). They will be imperishable, glorious, and powerful. “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:49). Our bodies will be like the body of Jesus.

The second coming of Christ is “blessed” because at that moment “death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Death has reigned since the fall of Adam and Eve. With the first coming of the second Adam (Jesus), the doom of all evil creatures was sealed on the cross, ensuring that death together with all evil creatures will be finally judged at the second coming. By faith we believers can shout with joy, “O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).

With this blessed hope, believers do not despair or fear when faced with sickness and death. By faith, we have seen what Christ did at his first coming, and by faith, we trust him to bring final victory at his second coming.

Today's Reflection

Praise Jesus that he is the King of kings and Lord of lords who defeated death. Go through your day remembering that his Word challenges us to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” as we wait for him to come again.