NT Fire Starters – Day 243: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

READ: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

THINK: Countless people over the centuries have dreamed of immortality. Many have invested their entire lives trying to leave a legacy they hoped would span the eons of time. The truth is, we will all live forever. But only those who have entrusted their lives to God and experienced His forgiveness have the hope of eternal life with Christ. His followers can look beyond the pain, suffering and hardship of earthly life because these things will all pass away with their physical bodies. Those who do not know God do not have this assurance, because when they pass from this life, their troubles will linger forever. But when Jesus’ followers are taken from this life, they are transformed by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead so that they can enjoy eternity and immortality with Jesus.

RESPOND: In what ways will Christians’ heavenly resurrected bodies be different from their earthly physical bodies (vv. 42-44)? In what ways were Jesus and Adam different in their being and in their activity (vv. 45-)? What’s the “mystery” Paul describes from verse 51 on? (See 15:51 note.) When will all of this be fulfilled? How does the final resurrection and spiritual transformation of the body assure a Christian’s ultimate victory through Christ (vv. 53-57)? In what way does this hope enable you to “stand firm” (v. 58) and to give yourself fully to the Lord’s work?

PRAY: Thank Jesus for the ultimate victory that is yours over sin and death because of His death and resurrection. Ask God for the strength to stand firm in your faith and the diligence to fulfill the work that He’s given you.

ACT: Read the article on the Resurrection of the Body, p. 1655. This can inspire hope and assurance of the ultimate victory that is yours because of your personal relationship with Jesus.