How Do you know you are Saved?

 

Author's note:  It has been awhile; it's been a challenging year, but I feel called to revisit this topic.  I certainly have touched on it before, but I wanted to focus on Jesus' warnings/admonitions related to being saved and a Christ follower (which are the same thing).  I'll attempt to organize the related topics for clarity and simplicity, praying that this post will bless all who read it.

Saved from what?

Revelations does a great job of explaining what we have to look forward to as punishment for our sin.  In Revelations 20:7-15, John relates from the Holy Spirit that everyone will stand before the throne and the books to be judged based on his life; 'The lake of fire is the second death.  Anyone who's name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.'  The lake of fire is of 'burning sulfur' where there will be endless torment.  

Believe in Jesus

Like I touched on in a previous post, some may think that being 'saved' is like grabbing a ticket to heaven, an eternal insurance policy that you sign up for.  That you don't need to do anything else, just wait to fly to heaven someday.  Is this true?  Yes and no. Paul simply advises to 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.' Acts 16:31.  Digging back into the old testament, 'Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness' Genesis 15:6.  It does appear simple and easy.  Another verse supports this idea, starting at Ephesians 2:8-9..."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."  By saying that salvation is a gift, Paul means that we cannot earn it, there is nothing we can give in exchange for our salvation.  We just accept it.  

But Paul doesn't stop there... "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" Eph 2:10.  

Christ himself warned, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."  Not so easy after all to find the small gate and narrow road.  

Matt 7:13-14  Furthermore: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"  (Matthew 7:21-23)

So clearly there's more to it then just checking the box marked 'Christian' and believing in Jesus. Jesus warns over and over against hypocrisy.  Clearly there should be a life change.  There needs to be a difference in our hearts, minds, and actions.  We'll dig into this more.  But remember, the change comes as a result of Jesus' love, grace, mercy and salvation, not the precursor!  It's only by giving over control to God that we can have hope of living like Jesus.  The Bible gives several good warnings and indications to help us know if we are sheep or goats.

  Gospel Diagram 

 

Don't be a hypocrite

Don't get caught just going through the motions.  Don't let your heart be hardened.  (Starting Isaiah 1:13) God warns 'Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies...I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.'  We need to be truly humble and repentant.  Don't just look like a Christian, but have a changed heart--

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17)

Matt 23:27-28 Jesus admonishes, 'Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

Matthew 6:1 "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."

Clearly a superficial change is not enough, but something deeper.

 

Jesus' Commands

Jesus gives some other very clear warnings.  We are to forgive, love, and tell others about Jesus.

Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Matthew 6:14-15 "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Matthew 10:32-33 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven."

 

Maturing in Christ

Paul explains how we should grow in Christ following our conversion, see Ephesians 4.  In vs 22-24 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."  

Continuing in vs 31-32 "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

 James admonishes--

"You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone." James 2:2-24

Remain in the Vine

Let's conclude by meditating on Jesus' commands and promises for his followers.

John 15: 1-17

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.  This is my command: Love each other."

 

 

 

 

 

Why are we here?

The past few days we have examined purpose and meaning for life.  We found (from Rick Warren) that life is a test, a trust and a temporary assignment.  We know that God allows both difficulties and blessings in our life to build and reveal character.  We know that our time on earth is brief compared to eternity.  We seek treasure in heaven that will last.  Our goal is to hear 'Well done! Good and faithful servant!  You have used the talents and resources I loaned you well for my glory, so I will entrust you with more!  Come join the party!"

This answers the question of how we should approach our lives.  But why did God make us?  How do we bring him glory?  Let's review some great verses that help us understand our purpose.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. (Colossians 1: 16)

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:37)

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.  (John 13:34-35)

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28: 19)

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me....Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.  (Matthew 25: 34-36, 40)

Jesus Prays for All Believers-- “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.   I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.  (John 17:20-23)

Let's return to Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life.  He summarizes how we fulfill our purpose to bring glory to God by--worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. You can explore each topic in his book or at his website: www.purposedriven.com

So we are to love God, find our purpose in bringing him glory, love Christians, help the needy, grow God's kingdom by teaching others of God's love and be unified as the body of Christ. 

Jesus continues his prayer for believers.  Take heart...

Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

Searching for Meaning & Purpose

 

 
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Last time we asked if God's tests for us are pass/fail or graded tests.  I believe the answer is both.  The first test is definitely pass/fail.  It is the choice of whether or not to believe in and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  There's no halfway option.  But that is just the beginning.  After becoming a Christian and inviting God into our hearts, we will face additional tests and trials, perhaps more than we did before we were believers!  These tests may not be pass/fail, but instead designed to strengthen our faith and endurance through time.

God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13b)

Trusting God in the Good Times

Are God's tests only in the trials and hard times?  Certainly he wants to see if we turn to God then, but what about when things are going well--  could that also be a test from God?  What if we receive that promotion or good doctor's test results.  What if we have a bit extra after the bills are paid and our children are succeeding.  We turned to God in the foxhole, but now that we are home safe, do we still need God?  This is when God's tests are a trust.  He blesses us and watches to see what we will do.  It's easy to become proud and believe we are strong on our own without trusting God.  We must not forget that all blessings are from God and be thankful every day.  We should continue to give God the glory and remember that he is entrusting us as stewards of the wealth and talents we have.  We must use them wisely. 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

A Temporary Assignment

Remember Rick Warren said that life is also a temporary assignment.  It really helps put things in perspective when we know that we were not designed to live in this fallen world, but for eternal glory with God!  We are merely visitors for a short while.  Then we can see how ephemeral worldly things are and strive instead for what really matters, what lasts for eternity--God's approval!  So let us strive for the best grade and share in eternal glory.

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! (Matthew 25:21)

 

 

What's the point of life?

 

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It is reassuring to me that the characters of the Bible were human like us.  They made mistakes, sometimes more than once.  Samson had a temper problem and fell in love with the wrong woman.  Jonah tried to run from God and lacked mercy for Ninevah.  After calling God's fire from heaven, Ezekiel became scared and suicidally depressed.  When we meet Rahab she was a prostitute in an evil city.  Soloman took hundreds of foreign wives who did not believe in God, and was a poor father.  David also took too many wives, seduced Bathsheba and was a horrible father.  Aaron gave in to pressure and made a golden calf.  Moses was cowardly and reluctant when faced with God's plan.  Later he lost his temper and forgot to give God the credit for bringing water from the stone.  Jacob and Rachel were schemers, stealing the father's blessing from Isaac.  Sarah laughed at God's plan to give her a child in her old age.  Abraham was so cowardly he didn't even try to protect his beautiful wife Sarah--lying to say she was his sister.  Noah got drunk and passed out naked.  Adam and Eve let themselves be enticed by the serpent and sought to become like God.  The nation of Israel repeatedly forgot the God who saved them from Egyptian slavery, warring enemies, starvation and dehydration in the desert.

And yet...

And yet...

God still had a plan for them.  He patiently cared for them and had a place for them in his plan.  Nothing took God by surprise.  He used their mistakes to teach them, to help them grow.

They questioned God.  They asked about the purpose of existence and God's plan.  How could God love us and let us suffer?  Where is the justice?  How long will I have to wait for God's blessing?  What is the point?

Looking for answers

When we think about the meaning in life, many look to accumulate wealth, invent something new or make a scientific discovery, be famous and remembered, build something impressive, make something beautiful, or reach for inner peace or enlightenment.  

None of these things can fill the void in our hearts.  All human creations are subject to decay, all knowledge can be forgotten and people disappoint.  Recall the story of Job.  He was on top of the world when he lost it all: his wealth, family, reputation and health.  We need to look to the One who does not fall short for the answer.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:19-21

Jesus expounds in the parable of the rich fool.  He has an amazing harvest and has to build a bigger storehouse to hold it all.  He is happy that he is so rich that he will no longer have to work, but will be able to relax and party instead.  Many of us may be like the man, working hard to save up money.  Saying 'if I make more money, I'll be able to buy the house or car I need...if I work extra overtime now, then I can make up for it with a vacation...if I can just work for five more years, then I can retire and live the life I've always wanted!'  But God knows that we are missing the point of life.  Working for things and making big plans for future success is not what he wants of us.

"But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’"  (Luke 12:20)

Also heed the warning the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus the beggar, read Luke 16:19-31.  The rich man has no pity for the beggar and ends up in eternal torment.  Then he finally learns to regret how he lived his life, but it is too late.  The Bible has many such warnings against materialism.  So if getting more things is not the answer, what is?

Life is a test and a trust

In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren says that life is a test and a trust and a temporary assignment.  He points to the many tests and trials throughout the Bible that developed and revealed character.  In four different passages God is referred to as the potter and people as the clay.  Picture the potter sitting at the wheel, gently shaping the clay into something beautiful. 

So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:7)

Through life's trials, temptations and hardships we must stand strong.  Remember that those that endure to the end will be saved.  The refining fire burns away those that have a week, superficial faith and the precious metal remains.

He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.  (John 15:2)

Being shaped as the clay doesn't sound so bad, but being put through the fire and pruned sounds painful!  Mold us into righteousness through an arduous battle to overcome addiction, snip off our misplaced trust through a job loss, burn away our false faith through the heart-rending loss of a loved one.  It is our response that builds and reveals our character.  Do we continue to trust in God; that he loves us and this is part of His plan?  Do we give him the glory on the mountain and in the valley?  Say 'help my unbelief' and allow the Holy Spirit to sustain us.

We each experience God's test and refinement in different ways, but the goal is the same-- to become something strong, useful and beautiful for God's glory; holy and blameless before the Father.

So here's a question to ponder: is God's test pass/fail or graded?  Is it just to make the cut or are their gradations of success in God's Kingdom?  

To be continued... 

 www.purposedriven.com

The Ultimate Answer to Life, the Universe and Everything is...

 "42!"  ~~According to 'Deep Thought,' the computer who thinks about this question for seven and a half million years in Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...

“Forty-two!" yelled Loonquawl. "Is that all you've got to show for seven and a half million years' work?"
"I checked it very thoroughly," said the computer, "and that quite definitely is the answer. I think the problem, to be quite honest with you, is that you've never actually known what the question is.”  - link

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Douglas Adams is a brilliant humorist with hundreds of entertaining books.  He presents an interesting twist to the search for the meaning of life.  We all search for purpose in our lives.  Why do we get up each day?  We go to work, make money, come home, eat, sleep, just to do it all again the next day.  Sometimes it's like we're hamsters in a wheel, spinning but going nowhere, and we wonder if there is any point at all.  We seek to know if we have a purpose and how to fulfill that purpose.

In the Bible Job had good reason to question God.  God singled him out as a God-fearing and righteous man.  Then God allows Satan to test him, taking away all his many blessings-- even his children and health.  Job in his anguish regrets being born.  He asks why God is punishing him and wonders why God gave him life at all-- 

"But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God." (Job 13:3)

"If the only home I hope for is the grave, if I spread out my bed in the realm of darkness...where then is my hope—who can see any hope for me? Will it go down to the gates of death? Will we descend together into the dust?” (Job 17:13, 15-16)

Job was questioning the point of life, wondering 'why was I even born?'  He explains that one person has a wonderful life, always having what he needs, while another lives a bitter life, having none of the good things.  Yet they both end up dead and buried, so what does anything matter in the end?

Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?  (Job 38: 1-7)

Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6)

I picture it like this-- Job is sick of his friends all giving him 'helpful' advice and telling him what he should do.  He stands up from the dirt and looks up to heaven, 'God, aren't you good and righteous?  How can you judge me and punish me?  What is the point of it all?  Why give life if this is how you treat it!'  Then God comes in thunder and wind, whipping the dust into a tornado that lifts Job off his feet.  It's better than one of those 360 degree theaters at Epcot as God marches the galaxy past him in an all-encompassing panorama and bass pumping surround-sound.  God shows how he set the stars on their courses and the Earth at just the right distance and tilt for seasons and life.  He formed the planet, lifting up the continents and mountains, sending forth the crashing waves and roaring waterfalls.  He dedicated to each animal a unique role in the ecosystem from the great whales of the deep to the tiny bumblebees that flit across the flowers.  

Job falls prostrate in the dust before God, humbled at his insignificance before the wonders of the cosmos and the God who rules all.   He recognizes his insignificance like a grain of sand on the beach next to the overarching greatness of God and the intricate plan of His Creation!

God brings Job low, and then brings him up again.  His fortune is restored with twice as much as he had before, including seven new sons and three daughters.  He lives 140 years to see his children and grandchildren to the forth generation. (Job 42)

Pastor Chuck Swindoll explains, "God did not answer Job’s question of “Why?”—He instead overwhelmed Job and his friends with the truth of His majesty and sovereignty. Job came away with a deeper sense of God’s power and splendor, trusting Him more...Instead of asking where God is in the midst of your pain, the book of Job affirms God’s control and asks us, “Where are we in our pain? Are we trusting our Creator, even though we cannot understand our circumstances?”  -link

"And so Job died, an old man and full of years." (Job 42:17)  So we do good, we try hard, raise our children right, try to make the world a better place...and then we die.  Is that it?  Is that the end?  Are we left like the writer of Ecclesiastes saying "What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? ...What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun....I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 1:3, 9, 14)

If we keep searching, in the Old Testament we see foreshadowing of the hope to come, even in the great times of darkness...

There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.  Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12: 1b-3)

Daniel speaks clearly that we will live forever.  God does have a plan and we are part of it.  This is one of the first mentions of the Book of Life.  We are to be wise and shine God's light, teaching others about God's righteousness.  Through the prophets God warns about ultimate judgement for evildoers and everlasting reward for those who fear God.  And he foretells of The One who would fulfill both judgement and hope for redemption.

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Daniel 7: 13-14)

We will continue from here next time, exploring our part in God's plan, which gives us purpose and hope for an everlasting future in the light of His Love.

What will we be like after the Resurrection?

 
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What will we be like in the ever after?  (By 'we' I mean true believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.)  The Bible gives several tantalizing hints.  It is worth exploring; remember Paul's encouragement---"our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)  So the descriptions of life after death are meant to encourage us to press on to the end.  Also recall when Jesus was giving signs of the end times (Matthew 24: 9-14), he warned there would be persecution of Christians and false prophets deceiving them.  This would cause many to turn away and denounce Christianity rather than suffer-- Christians only so far as it is comfortable.

"The love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."  We must press on to run the race before us, keeping a heavenly perspective of the big picture.  We know that this world and its suffering will not last.  Our joy in heaven with Christ will be everlasting.  So what will we be like?  

First, what will happen...  

Resurrection of the Body

A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:28b-29)

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thes 4: 16-17)

After that we go to the 'wedding feast,' the great celebration to commemorate the union of Jesus Christ with his church.  But I've wondered this, why do the dead in Christ need to be raised up?  Weren't they already with Christ?  Where have they been since they died?  Were they 'asleep' in their graves? Did they fall out of space-time and fast forward to the Second Coming of Christ?

Remember the thief on the cross-- Jesus told him that "today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43b)  This statement indicates that he would experience real space-time in heaven today!  So why would the dead need to rise from the grave at the end times?  

When we die our suffering ends as our spirits leave our bodies and go to heaven.  Then at the trumpet call our spirits reunite with our bodies which are transformed into their permanent glorified state.  Remember Christ's triumph over the grave and death?  This will be proven again as we take part in the bodily resurrection after the trumpet sounds!

See a great article by Pastor Jared Webb of Lakeview Wesleyan Church of Indiana here: Bodies Rising from the Grave—Spooky, Kooky, or…Holy?

Glorified Spiritual Bodies

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul explains the triumph of the resurrection starting in verse 12.  He says that without the truth of the resurrection we have no hope and then goes on--

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him....The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” (1 Corin 15:20-27)

This is saying that Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected, then those who belong to him will be resurrected in the same way!  Paul goes on to describe how this will come about, saying that to grow a plant, a seed must first die, and that the type of plant depends on the type of seed.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. (vs. 42-44)

So our new bodies will not die, will be powerful and glorified and will be of the spirit.  As a wheat seed grows a wheat plant, so our new bodies will have a 'type' according to our physical bodies, but will be quite different as well.  (The most important seed differentiation is Christian vs. non-Christian, which impacts whether we raise to life or the second death of hell.)  Remember that the disciples recognized Jesus after the resurrection, though they often didn't know him at first.  Mary Magdalene thought he was the gardener until he said her name! (John 20:11-18)  Doesn't that bring to mind that "sheep follow him because they know his voice"? (John 10:4b)

Since Jesus was the 'firstfruits' of the resurrected, we can look to him as an example of what to expect.  

See also Our glorified bodies October 17, 2019 By Rob Phillips.

Jesus' Resurrected Body

So like Jesus, our new forms will probably look different, and yet still recognizable as human-shaped and as ourselves.

Of special note, Jesus twice appeared to his disciples while they were in a locked room; He disappeared after talking to the two disciples in Emmaus; Jesus rose up into the clouds and will return in the same way.  This indicates that His glorified body was not limited as our physical bodies are by the laws of physics.  Recall Paul promise of a future spiritual body.  As resurrected beings, we won't necessarily be subject to gravity, acceleration, momentum, speed of sound and light, etc!  Will we still be subject to the plodding progression of time?  God already knows the future and is somehow outside the dominion of time.  Perhaps we will be also as we thrive on in eternity at Christ's side.

While resurrected Jesus could appear and disappear at will, he also clearly had a physical presence.  He showed his disciples that he was not an ephemeral ghost or spirit.  To prove to Thomas that it was really Jesus, he had Thomas touch His scars.  He also cooked a breakfast of bread and fish for the disciples on the beach and ate with them.  (John 20:19-31, John 21, Luke 24:13-32, 36-43)  Therefore, while we will not have to obey the laws of physics, we will still be able to affect the physical world and enjoy things.  We will celebrate and enjoy food, drink, beauty, music and community.  Revelation describes how beautiful the restored Earth and new Jerusalem will be.  We will partake of the Tree and River of Life and sing, dance and play instruments to God without limitations!

See also Will we have physical bodies in Heaven?

More fun parts

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13: 12)

We will be face to face with God and Jesus and we will know the whole plan!  We will understand it all!

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)

We are joint heirs with Christ, who rules over everything!

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Obviously our human bodies do get tired, so Isaiah is giving a promise of hope for the future.  Our future bodies will not get tired!  Imagine all the exhilaration of running with none of the pain or weariness!  You can climb a mountain without shortness of breath!  For me, I plan to swim around the whole world just for the fun of it!

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away....The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:3-4, 23-27)

It will be a whole new world, no night or darkness.  Sin will not have a stronghold, so there will be no more sorrow.  Isaiah prophesied that the predators would eat plants instead of meat; lambs, children and babies would not fear dangerous animals because "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord." (Isaiah 11: 6-9) With nothing to fear, we will continue in Christ's love forever! 

Death Where is Your Sting?

Let's go back to the encouraging words of Paul.  He spoke with such conviction by the Spirit!

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but 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. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”

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.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corin. 15: 51-58)

Come and receive the Free Gift!

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)

 

 

 

Does God Really Judge People? Part 2

It seems hard to believe that a God who loves and cares for us, who made us each special to him, would want us to perish.  But he doesn't.  He desires for each of us to come to a saving knowledge of his grace, repent of our shortcomings, and put our faith in Jesus Christ.

So why does he judge people?  Why will he judge the whole world in the end?  It is because he is holy and good.  He cannot allow injustice to continue unchallenged, or he would not be the Good Father.  He cannot let sin continue to rule the world; selfishness, pride, greed, lust, evilness cannot continue unchecked.  Instead he gives each of us a choice.  We have to choose either self or God, we cannot serve both.  We choose God and the redemption of the precious blood of Christ.  We choose the narrow path toward righteousness with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

He will judge the world and separate the goats from the sheep.  The goats will be sent to torment to answer for the wrongs that they committed.  The sheep will join in the celebration as Jesus Christ establishes his rule of peace forever as the Good Shepherd.  He will not permit evil to remain, but we will rule with him in a world set to right.  No more taking advantage of the weak or poisoning the earth.  No more killing or sickness.  With evil gone forever, only good will remain.  And God wants all of us at the party.  What excuse is there?  I'm too busy, I'll seek God later...I'm doing just fine on my own...I don't want God meddling in my life.... Why would anyone reject the invitation?  He's knocking at the door, we need to open it and let him into our lives today!  Realize that what he has planned is so much better than the selfish plans and desires we cling to!

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Matt 16:26a)

 

https://commonmansbiblejourney.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/
going-to-a-wedding-with-nothing-to-wear-matthew-221-14-120/wedding-feast/

 

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Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.

“Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

“But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.

“Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matt 22:1-14)