Twinkling of An Eye

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but shall be changed—–in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.   1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Anybody need an encouraging word as we start this New Year? Here in our text, Paul answers a earlier question: “How are the dead raised up?”(v.35) and more specifically by showing us that the resurrection body of Jesus Christ is the prototype. By focusing directly on the resurrection body, Paul gives 4 sets of contrasts to show how the new body will differ from the present ones. 1st) no more sickness and death (“corruption”); 2nd) no more shame because of sin (“dishonor”); 3rd) no more frailty in temptation (“weakness”); 4th) no more limits to earth’s time/space sphere (“natural”). People cannot live in God’s eternal heavenly glory the way they are. Paul points out also earlier in the chapter, Through the first Adam we received our natural bodies, but through the last Adam (Christ) we will receive our spiritual bodies in the resurrection. The first Adam, was our helpless sinful state, whereas Christ’s resurrected body is our new born again body going to be like. When a seed is planted in the ground it dies; decomposes and ceases to exist in its seed form, but life comes from inside that dead seed (John 12:24). Just as God gives a new body to that plant that rises from the dead seed, so He can give a resurrection body to a man who dies after this life.

Behold, I tell you a mystery—This term refers to truth hidden in the past and revealed in the New Testament. In this case, the rapture of the church was never revealed in the Old Testament. It is first mention by Jesus in John 14:1-3, when it is specifically explained, and more detailed beside here in our text, but also in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18. Twinkling of an eye—This was Paul’s way to show how quickly everything will change, how brief the “moment” will be. Since the eye can move more rapidly than any other part of our visible bodies, (marvel at the Holy Spirit’s leading for Paul to use this part of the body) it seems well to illustrate the sudden transformation of raptured believers. The Trumpet sound—To herald the end of the church era, when all believers will be removed from earth at the beckoning call of God and the Bridegroom (Christ) returning for His bride the church. Paul finishes with the comparison of death as it were a mere bee sting that has been removed, that enhances his joy at the reality of the resurrection. The hope of the resurrection makes all of the efforts of trials, and testings, persecutions, and sufferings in this life more bearable because we are to look ahead to where our inheritance awaits us. No work done in His name is ever wasted and won’t be without reward one day in the eternal life’s glory and victory.

Beloved friend, In an instant, the saints of the Christian faith will be caught up in the air to meet the Lord in wonderful everlasting glory. What an incredible picture of the church ascending to their glorious celestial home at the long awaited trumpet sound! The victory over death and sin will be evident through the return of Christ and we shall reign with Him forevermore. This promise of hope everlasting should make our start of the New Year be filled with thanksgiving and praise to our God, and Savior, and King! It should be quite noticeable in each of us, and we should be so willing to tell others who don’t have this hope.

May the Lord bless your walk with Him this New Year!

Author: rontrujillo

Married 37 years We have six children. All of whom are adult. Three are married one of them blessed us with three beautiful grandchildren. Retired Firefighter @ Boeing Aircraft 37 years (Formally McDonnell Douglas) Born Again Summer of 1981 View all posts by rontrujillo