Together in Christ: 'In the Blink of an Eye!' — 1 Corinthians 15:51-53

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

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But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
— 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus warned that we cannot know the exact time when He will return but that we should always be ready and expecting His coming in glory. [1] The Lord's return should not be a distressing surprise to any of us who trust Him as our Savior and Lord. We should "eagerly look forward to his appearing." [2] Paul's words to Corinthian followers of Jesus in today's verses tell us why we should anticipate the Lord's coming: [3] Jesus' coming for us in the glory of the Father and the heavenly angels means that we will share in His glory and go to be with Him forever! [4]

However, our mortal bodies are not suitable for our forever future with Jesus. [5] So, when the Lord returns, the "wonderful secret" Paul shares "will happen in a moment, in a blink of an eye." Jesus will transform our bodies from mortal to immortal and from perishable to imperishable, for both the living and the dead. [6]

Our verses for today have at least two incredible implications for our most precious relationships:

  1. Our relationship with Jesus will only get better, richer, deeper, and more transformational. [7] Nothing can break this relationship, and we will become more like our Savior until we fully share in His glory. [8] So, let's hold onto our relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord no matter what this life brings, because our relationship is eternal and bound for a glorious reunion! [9]
     
  2. Our relationships with others we love who are "in Christ" will be forever relationships when we are reunited with the Lord and each other at His coming! These relationships will only be better and more glorious as we are transformed to be more completely like the Lord. [10] This means we should cherish and deepen these relationships here on earth and lead others to Jesus so they can share in our assured hope of glory! [11]
     
[1] Matthew 24:36, 25:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8.
[2] 2 Timothy 4:8.
[3] Some people talk about this as the rapture; however, "rapture" is not a word used in the New Testament. While it might be an apt description of the event, the Greek word used consistently is parousia, which means "coming" — 1 Thessalonians 4:15 NIV; 2 Peter 1:16. In this case, the emphasis is in Jesus' coming in glory — Matthew 16:27; Luke 9:26 NIV; Colossians 3:3-4.
[4] Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
[5] 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 50.
[6] In addition to our verses for today, see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.
[7] 1 John 3:1-3.
[8] 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:3-4.
[9] Romans 8:18-39.
[10] 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:1-3.
[11] Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:13-17.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, Who dwells in glory, thank You for the assurance that my future is bound up with Jesus' glorious future. Holy Spirit, please help me deepen my relationship with Jesus as You continue transforming me to be more and more like Him. Use me to lead others to know Him as Savior and Lord so they can share with Him in His glory when He comes. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-12
  • Romans 8:15-39

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Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 NLT — But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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