1 Cor 15: 38-58, The Glorious Resurrection

1 Cor 15: 38-58, The Glorious Resurrection

  Jesus is risen! God gave us many gifts through the cross of Jesus. Resurrection, eternal life, forgiveness of sins, abundance, justification, blessing, God’s children, healing, and glory. What will we be like in heaven? Paul answers. Let’s apply it to our lives through God’s word given today.

1. Resurrection is a change from an earthly form to a heavenly form (35-39).
  How will resurrection be accomplished and with what body? (35). Paul explains that a seed is planted in the ground, dies, sprouts, and grows into a new form (36). When we die, our bodies decay, but we receive a resurrected body in heaven. The resurrection body is a heavenly form, different from the body worn on earth. Just as the glories of the sun, moon, and stars are different, the glory of the resurrected body is the most beautiful.

2. It is resurrection, coming back to life with a spiritual body (40-44)
    After resurrection, we will receive a new spiritual body of eternal life (42,44). Just like the transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, the four will be the most beautiful and glorious. 1) Resurrection from the perishable to the imperishable. 2) Reaping from dishonorable things to glorious things. 3) Survival from weakness to strength. 4) Being raised from a physical body to a spiritual body.

3. He will be resurrected in a heavenly image (45-49).
    2 Cor.5:17, “...a new creation...new thing”. We take on the heavenly body, that is, the image of Jesus Christ(49). Rom.6:5, “…and we will be united in the likeness of his resurrection.” “At the time of resurrection, saints will become like angels and resemble the Lord.”(C.S.Lewis)

    Let us all hope for that glorious day and live with strong faith. Jesus Christ was victorious (57). Let us preach the resurrection of Jesus and live by that faith. 58, “...let us be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. “Knowing that our labor was not in vain in the Lord.” God will reward us fitfully for our efforts(Dan.12:13, Rev.22:16). You will receive a crown of life, righteousness, glory, and pride. I hope that we all believe in this promise, preach the gospel of life, Jesus Christ, and live a blessed life until the day the Lord comes again. Amen.