The Resurrection: The Promise and the Preview
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
If you knew for certain that this life was all there was, how would it affect your thinking? Would it change the way you make decisions, big or small? The truth is, many people in this world live by the clichй, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we will die.” That earthly death, however, is not the end. Rather, on the other side of our physical death is eternity. Jesus declared the message of eternal life several times throughout His ministry. Why is this such a vital promise to the believer?
First, Jesus wanted His followers to know for certain that they are secure in Him forever. This means that death is nothing to be feared. Instead, our departure from earth is the moment of our entrance into His eternal presence.
Second, Jesus wanted to give His children hope in the face of death. The most common question in the minds of funeral attendees is, “Will I see him again?” Jesus did not want to leave His people unaware; He spoke to give them the assurance necessary to endure the loss of a loved one.
Third, Jesus wanted to inspire every believer to be faithful until death. Because we know we will have to give an account to God for our lives, we can live with the end in mind. Decisions that involve temptations to sin are then measured by the question, “Will God approve of this?”
Jesus conquered death so that we can enter into God’s eternal presence. Because we do not have to fear tomorrow, we can more fully rejoice in Him today.
Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries