The Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15
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Pastor Colin focuses on 1 Corinthians 15, particularly beginning at verse 52, where Paul describes the second coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus, who was born in humility, crucified in weakness, and raised in power, will come again in glory. At that time, the souls of believers who have died will receive the resurrection body. Christian believers who are still living will be transformed instantaneously.

Colin emphasises three aspects: how Jesus has changed the face of death for His people, what God has told us about the resurrection body, and what the resurrection will mean for us.

The resurrection bodies of believers will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual, allowing them to fully express their new nature in the presence of God forever. In contrast, those who are not in Christ will face a resurrection of judgment, resulting in eternal conflict and loss.

Pastor Colin encourages everyone to embrace Jesus Christ as their Saviour to secure a future resurrection to life, rather than judgment. He invites listeners to confess their sins, submit to Christ, and follow His way for a glorious life in heaven.

1 00:00:00,420 –> 00:00:03,420 Now what we have been learning in these last weeks 2 00:00:03,420 –> 00:00:05,920 is that every person who has ever lived 3 00:00:05,920 –> 00:00:09,060 will eventually die in one of two ways. 4 00:00:09,060 –> 00:00:11,860 Either you will die in your sins 5 00:00:11,860 –> 00:00:14,140 or you will die in the Lord. 6 00:00:14,140 –> 00:00:17,320 We have seen that there is an incalculable difference 7 00:00:17,320 –> 00:00:19,559 between these two things. 8 00:00:19,559 –> 00:00:22,520 Last week we looked at what lies immediately 9 00:00:22,520 –> 00:00:26,340 the other side of death for a Christian believer. 10 00:00:26,340 –> 00:00:30,080 We saw that the death is the separation of the soul 11 00:00:30,080 –> 00:00:33,020 from the body, a temporary separation. 12 00:00:33,020 –> 00:00:34,660 It’s as if Solomon says, 13 00:00:34,660 –> 00:00:37,840 the silver cord that joins your soul to your body 14 00:00:37,840 –> 00:00:39,340 has been cut. 15 00:00:39,340 –> 00:00:41,720 Your body will lie in the grave. 16 00:00:41,720 –> 00:00:44,720 Your soul is going to be immediately, consciously 17 00:00:44,720 –> 00:00:46,200 at home with the Lord, 18 00:00:46,200 –> 00:00:48,959 enjoying the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. 19 00:00:48,959 –> 00:00:50,619 But also we saw last week 20 00:00:50,619 –> 00:00:54,939 waiting for the day of the resurrection. 21 00:00:54,939 –> 00:00:56,419 And that is our focus today 22 00:00:56,419 –> 00:00:58,060 and I hope you will have your Bible open 23 00:00:58,060 –> 00:01:00,820 at I Corinthians and Chapter 15 24 00:01:00,820 –> 00:01:05,139 as we look at this marvelous, marvelous subject together. 25 00:01:05,139 –> 00:01:08,660 Now we begin at verse 52 where Paul is describing 26 00:01:08,660 –> 00:01:11,879 the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 00:01:11,879 –> 00:01:15,059 For those who are new to church and new to Christianity, 28 00:01:15,059 –> 00:01:17,139 what you need to know about the Lord Jesus 29 00:01:17,139 –> 00:01:20,940 is that he was born in great humility in a manger. 30 00:01:20,959 –> 00:01:25,419 He was crucified in weakness on a cross, 31 00:01:25,419 –> 00:01:28,980 but he was raised on the third day in power 32 00:01:28,980 –> 00:01:33,980 and he is coming, the Bible says, again one day in glory. 33 00:01:34,500 –> 00:01:37,139 And we’re told about that day in verse 52 34 00:01:37,139 –> 00:01:38,800 when we read these words. 35 00:01:51,639 –> 00:01:54,580 Now in another scripture in 1st Thessalonians 36 00:01:54,580 –> 00:01:57,680 in chapter four, Paul tells us 37 00:01:57,680 –> 00:02:01,139 that when Jesus returns he will bring the souls 38 00:02:01,139 –> 00:02:03,540 of believers who have died with him. 39 00:02:03,540 –> 00:02:06,059 They’re already with the Lord and so it makes sense, 40 00:02:06,059 –> 00:02:08,839 doesn’t it, that when he comes he brings the souls 41 00:02:08,839 –> 00:02:11,699 of those who have already died with him. 42 00:02:11,699 –> 00:02:13,880 But at that time the Bible is telling us 43 00:02:13,880 –> 00:02:15,860 the dead will be raised. 44 00:02:15,860 –> 00:02:19,580 In other words, the souls that are with Jesus now 45 00:02:19,619 –> 00:02:23,860 will receive the gift of the resurrection body then. 46 00:02:24,839 –> 00:02:27,539 And of course when Jesus comes again in glory 47 00:02:27,539 –> 00:02:32,220 at a future date, but a date already known to God, 48 00:02:32,220 –> 00:02:35,539 there will be Christian believers who are still living. 49 00:02:35,539 –> 00:02:37,619 And for these believers who are still living 50 00:02:37,619 –> 00:02:39,460 when the Lord Jesus returns, 51 00:02:39,460 –> 00:02:41,300 there will be this marvelous privilege 52 00:02:41,300 –> 00:02:43,360 of bypassing death altogether 53 00:02:43,360 –> 00:02:44,839 and instead of going through it 54 00:02:44,839 –> 00:02:46,740 and waiting as those who have died 55 00:02:46,740 –> 00:02:48,300 for the resurrection body, 56 00:02:48,300 –> 00:02:51,059 those who are still alive will be transformed 57 00:02:51,059 –> 00:02:53,759 instantaneously at that moment. 58 00:02:53,759 –> 00:02:57,000 And that is why Paul says here in verse 51, 59 00:02:57,000 –> 00:03:00,039 we shall not all sleep, 60 00:03:00,039 –> 00:03:01,699 not every Christian will die, 61 00:03:01,699 –> 00:03:03,960 those who are still living when Christ returns, 62 00:03:03,960 –> 00:03:05,300 they will not pass through death, 63 00:03:05,300 –> 00:03:08,500 but we shall all be changed. 64 00:03:08,500 –> 00:03:12,339 And again, in 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul puts it this way, 65 00:03:12,339 –> 00:03:14,500 we who are alive and are left, 66 00:03:14,500 –> 00:03:16,619 that’s at the time of the Lord’s coming, 67 00:03:16,639 –> 00:03:19,440 we will be caught up with them, 68 00:03:19,440 –> 00:03:21,720 that is with those who come with Jesus, 69 00:03:21,720 –> 00:03:25,000 in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, 70 00:03:25,000 –> 00:03:28,240 and so we shall be forever with the Lord. 71 00:03:28,240 –> 00:03:30,339 These are wonderful things. 72 00:03:30,339 –> 00:03:34,679 When as a Christian, faith unites you with Jesus, 73 00:03:34,679 –> 00:03:36,740 you are one with Him in His death, 74 00:03:36,740 –> 00:03:38,880 you’re no longer the person you were, 75 00:03:38,880 –> 00:03:41,479 you’re one with Him in His resurrection, 76 00:03:41,479 –> 00:03:44,460 you have a new life in you by the Holy Spirit, 77 00:03:44,720 –> 00:03:48,320 and you will one day be one with Him in His ascension. 78 00:03:48,320 –> 00:03:52,000 Jesus ascended and believers will ascend with Him, 79 00:03:52,000 –> 00:03:55,119 we will meet the Lord in the air when He comes, 80 00:03:55,119 –> 00:03:56,919 that is what the scripture says. 81 00:03:56,919 –> 00:03:59,679 And those who have died before that time 82 00:03:59,679 –> 00:04:02,880 will be with the Lord and part of that great gathering, 83 00:04:02,880 –> 00:04:06,520 and it is at that time that the resurrection body 84 00:04:06,520 –> 00:04:09,720 will be the gift of God to every believer 85 00:04:09,720 –> 00:04:13,440 and what a day that will be. 86 00:04:13,820 –> 00:04:16,160 Folks I want to focus in on three aspects 87 00:04:16,160 –> 00:04:19,200 of this vast, vast subject. 88 00:04:19,200 –> 00:04:21,559 The first is I want us to see clearly 89 00:04:21,559 –> 00:04:26,559 how Jesus has changed the face of death for His people, 90 00:04:26,619 –> 00:04:29,440 Jesus has changed death. 91 00:04:29,440 –> 00:04:33,359 Second, I want us to look at what God has told us 92 00:04:33,359 –> 00:04:35,459 about the resurrection body. 93 00:04:36,320 –> 00:04:38,720 Now there are many things we don’t know, 94 00:04:38,720 –> 00:04:41,019 but there are some things we do know. 95 00:04:41,040 –> 00:04:43,579 And the things we do know, God has given to us 96 00:04:43,579 –> 00:04:47,359 for our joy, our encouragement, our hope and our comfort. 97 00:04:47,359 –> 00:04:49,100 And we need to know what they are. 98 00:04:49,100 –> 00:04:51,140 And we need to build them into those things 99 00:04:51,140 –> 00:04:53,059 that we deeply believe. 100 00:04:53,059 –> 00:04:54,619 And then thirdly, I want to come 101 00:04:54,619 –> 00:04:57,100 to the most practical question of all. 102 00:04:57,100 –> 00:05:00,519 What will the resurrection mean for you? 103 00:05:01,660 –> 00:05:05,660 Jesus makes it very clear that this day is coming 104 00:05:05,660 –> 00:05:07,940 and every person who has ever lived 105 00:05:08,000 –> 00:05:12,019 will participate in the day of resurrection. 106 00:05:12,019 –> 00:05:15,440 What will that day mean for you, 107 00:05:15,440 –> 00:05:18,839 cannot imagine a question of greater importance 108 00:05:18,839 –> 00:05:22,540 for us to consider together today. 109 00:05:22,540 –> 00:05:23,619 So these three things. 110 00:05:23,619 –> 00:05:24,600 Let’s begin here then. 111 00:05:24,600 –> 00:05:26,980 How Christ has changed the face of death 112 00:05:26,980 –> 00:05:29,859 for those who believe, for his own people. 113 00:05:29,859 –> 00:05:31,739 Look at verse 54. 114 00:05:31,739 –> 00:05:35,279 When the perishable puts on the imperishable 115 00:05:35,540 –> 00:05:38,640 and the mortal puts on immortality, 116 00:05:38,640 –> 00:05:42,079 then shall come to pass the saying that is written, 117 00:05:42,079 –> 00:05:43,839 will you say it with me, please? 118 00:05:43,839 –> 00:05:47,200 Death is swallowed up in victory. 119 00:05:47,200 –> 00:05:48,440 Say it with me more strongly. 120 00:05:48,440 –> 00:05:50,540 We’ll say it more strongly one day. 121 00:05:50,540 –> 00:05:54,380 Death is swallowed up in victory. 122 00:05:54,380 –> 00:05:57,140 There’s a day coming when all of us will see this 123 00:05:57,140 –> 00:05:59,519 because we’re experiencing it 124 00:05:59,519 –> 00:06:02,119 because in the glory of Christ return 125 00:06:02,119 –> 00:06:04,399 the perishable puts on imperishable 126 00:06:04,399 –> 00:06:06,359 and then it will come true. 127 00:06:06,359 –> 00:06:08,760 Death is swallowed up with victory. 128 00:06:08,760 –> 00:06:10,559 Now let’s think about that wonderful phrase. 129 00:06:10,559 –> 00:06:12,940 Death is swallowed up. 130 00:06:12,940 –> 00:06:14,200 I love that. 131 00:06:14,200 –> 00:06:15,040 In victory. 132 00:06:16,420 –> 00:06:19,279 And you see, death itself 133 00:06:19,279 –> 00:06:20,980 is the great devourer, isn’t it? 134 00:06:22,160 –> 00:06:24,799 Death swallows up the human race 135 00:06:24,799 –> 00:06:26,220 one person at a time. 136 00:06:27,079 –> 00:06:29,739 It doesn’t matter what culture you come from, 137 00:06:29,739 –> 00:06:32,559 it doesn’t matter what religion you are, 138 00:06:32,559 –> 00:06:35,059 it doesn’t matter how rich you are 139 00:06:35,059 –> 00:06:36,359 or how poor you are, 140 00:06:36,359 –> 00:06:39,239 death is the devourer, one by one, 141 00:06:39,239 –> 00:06:42,799 of every member of the human race. 142 00:06:42,799 –> 00:06:45,720 It swallows us up, 143 00:06:47,200 –> 00:06:48,760 and here we are being told. 144 00:06:48,760 –> 00:06:50,920 It is an amazing phrase just to think about, 145 00:06:50,920 –> 00:06:53,079 that death, the great devourer, 146 00:06:53,079 –> 00:06:55,959 is itself going to be swallowed up 147 00:06:55,959 –> 00:06:58,540 in victory through Jesus Christ. 148 00:06:59,640 –> 00:07:01,980 Now, let’s think about what this means. 149 00:07:02,880 –> 00:07:07,160 Death, the old grim reaper. 150 00:07:08,920 –> 00:07:10,160 Think of it this way. 151 00:07:11,200 –> 00:07:14,880 Death has two henchmen, 152 00:07:14,880 –> 00:07:16,779 two awful henchmen, 153 00:07:16,779 –> 00:07:18,480 who worked together with death 154 00:07:18,480 –> 00:07:22,679 in a miserable dark Triumvirate, 155 00:07:22,679 –> 00:07:24,339 and they bring a triple threat. 156 00:07:25,399 –> 00:07:27,079 Who are Death’s henchmen? 157 00:07:27,079 –> 00:07:28,839 Well, they’re both mentioned here. 158 00:07:28,839 –> 00:07:30,600 One is called Sin. 159 00:07:30,600 –> 00:07:31,420 Do you see that? 160 00:07:31,420 –> 00:07:34,579 The sting of death is Sin. 161 00:07:34,579 –> 00:07:36,859 And the other is called Law. 162 00:07:36,859 –> 00:07:40,619 The power of Sin is the Law. 163 00:07:40,619 –> 00:07:42,140 And, in the scripture, 164 00:07:42,140 –> 00:07:43,559 these three are linked together 165 00:07:43,559 –> 00:07:45,359 because they operate together, 166 00:07:45,359 –> 00:07:49,619 and because of their coalition together, 167 00:07:49,619 –> 00:07:52,739 they are such a fearsome enemy, think of it. 168 00:07:52,739 –> 00:07:56,040 Law is a demand that we cannot meet. 169 00:07:56,980 –> 00:08:01,079 Sin is a stain that we cannot remove, 170 00:08:01,079 –> 00:08:06,000 and death is an outcome that we cannot avoid. 171 00:08:06,000 –> 00:08:08,239 And it is the combination of these three, 172 00:08:08,239 –> 00:08:10,200 death with Sin and Law, 173 00:08:10,200 –> 00:08:12,839 that makes death such a fearsome enemy. 174 00:08:12,839 –> 00:08:13,980 See, I’ve spoken to folks, 175 00:08:13,980 –> 00:08:15,279 and you’ve spoken to folks too, 176 00:08:15,279 –> 00:08:16,880 I’m sure, who will say, 177 00:08:16,880 –> 00:08:19,040 Hey, death’s no big deal. 178 00:08:19,040 –> 00:08:21,100 They’ll say, you know, you live your life, 179 00:08:21,100 –> 00:08:23,079 life your life to the full and then you die. 180 00:08:23,079 –> 00:08:25,399 And they’ll say, help me with this phrase, 181 00:08:25,399 –> 00:08:28,179 When you’re gone, you’re gone. 182 00:08:28,179 –> 00:08:30,640 You see, you’ve heard people say that. 183 00:08:30,640 –> 00:08:32,900 And so, they’re saying, Hey, death is no big deal, 184 00:08:32,900 –> 00:08:35,619 but what they forget is death’s henchmen. 185 00:08:36,619 –> 00:08:41,520 If death were simply the end of life, no big deal. 186 00:08:41,520 –> 00:08:43,320 But here’s the sting of death. 187 00:08:43,320 –> 00:08:45,260 Here’s why death is a problem. 188 00:08:45,260 –> 00:08:49,460 The sting of death is Sin, Paul says. 189 00:08:49,460 –> 00:08:50,900 That’s why it is a problem. 190 00:08:50,900 –> 00:08:52,440 That’s why it is a big deal. 191 00:08:53,679 –> 00:08:56,539 And you say well, our church is always going on about sin. 192 00:08:56,539 –> 00:08:57,880 Why is sin such a big deal? 193 00:08:57,880 –> 00:08:59,500 Well, because of the law. 194 00:08:59,500 –> 00:09:01,039 The power of sin is the law. 195 00:09:01,039 –> 00:09:02,380 Here’s what that means. 196 00:09:02,380 –> 00:09:06,020 God has called you to live a life that you have not lived. 197 00:09:07,219 –> 00:09:10,700 God has given you commandments that you have not kept. 198 00:09:11,840 –> 00:09:16,559 God has made you for a purpose that you have not fulfilled, 199 00:09:16,559 –> 00:09:21,020 and this puts all of us in a desperate, desperate position. 200 00:09:21,020 –> 00:09:25,340 We find ourselves swallowed up by this triple tragedy. 201 00:09:25,340 –> 00:09:27,919 A demand we cannot meet. 202 00:09:27,919 –> 00:09:30,679 A stain we cannot remove. 203 00:09:30,679 –> 00:09:35,679 And an outcome that we cannot avoid, loss and death. 204 00:09:35,799 –> 00:09:39,080 That’s the grim prospect that lies ahead 205 00:09:39,080 –> 00:09:41,280 of every member of the human race. 206 00:09:41,280 –> 00:09:42,919 That’s the problem. 207 00:09:42,919 –> 00:09:44,700 It’s that triumvirate. 208 00:09:44,700 –> 00:09:47,320 When you put them together, one alone wouldn’t 209 00:09:47,320 –> 00:09:49,320 perhaps matter so much without the others. 210 00:09:49,320 –> 00:09:51,400 But you put the three of them together, 211 00:09:51,400 –> 00:09:54,239 and then there’s a desperate, desperate situation. 212 00:09:55,320 –> 00:09:57,239 And it’s the reality for every one of us, 213 00:09:57,280 –> 00:09:59,080 the speaker and the hearers alike. 214 00:10:01,159 –> 00:10:04,679 Now look with me up to Jesus Christ. 215 00:10:05,880 –> 00:10:06,760 Who is he? 216 00:10:07,840 –> 00:10:12,640 Well he’s the son of God, and he took our flesh. 217 00:10:12,640 –> 00:10:14,760 And he came and he stood with us, 218 00:10:14,760 –> 00:10:18,559 and he came to act for us, and to become our redeemer. 219 00:10:18,559 –> 00:10:23,559 Our savior from the triple threat, death and attachment. 220 00:10:25,200 –> 00:10:26,719 And how did he do that? 221 00:10:26,799 –> 00:10:28,880 Well here’s how he did this. 222 00:10:28,880 –> 00:10:33,479 First, Jesus Christ lived a perfect life 223 00:10:33,479 –> 00:10:37,000 that completely fulfilled the law of God. 224 00:10:37,000 –> 00:10:41,960 Listen, everything that God calls you to be, Jesus was. 225 00:10:43,359 –> 00:10:48,119 Everything that God calls you to do, Jesus did. 226 00:10:48,119 –> 00:10:52,479 He fulfilled the law perfectly, completely, and utterly. 227 00:10:52,479 –> 00:10:56,159 The only person who has ever done that in a human life. 228 00:10:56,359 –> 00:10:59,200 And that deals with the first Tenshman, law. 229 00:10:59,200 –> 00:11:01,400 He fulfilled it perfectly. 230 00:11:01,400 –> 00:11:03,739 Second, what does he do? 231 00:11:03,739 –> 00:11:06,359 Christ laid down this perfect life 232 00:11:06,359 –> 00:11:11,000 as a sacrifice for the sins of others. 233 00:11:11,000 –> 00:11:14,140 In other words, he gave this life, this perfect life, 234 00:11:14,140 –> 00:11:17,400 he chose to lay it down, that’s the language he uses. 235 00:11:17,400 –> 00:11:21,700 And he did that for people like you and me. 236 00:11:21,700 –> 00:11:25,260 This was of course, what was happening at the cross. 237 00:11:25,299 –> 00:11:29,299 The sins of others were laid on Jesus. 238 00:11:30,780 –> 00:11:34,919 And he came under a terrible curse because of them. 239 00:11:34,919 –> 00:11:38,520 He took them on himself. 240 00:11:38,520 –> 00:11:41,780 The Bible says Christ died for the ungodly. 241 00:11:41,780 –> 00:11:45,099 It was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us. 242 00:11:45,099 –> 00:11:47,460 In other words, with all the stain that is on us 243 00:11:47,460 –> 00:11:49,559 with everything that God has called us to do 244 00:11:49,559 –> 00:11:50,960 that we have not done, 245 00:11:50,960 –> 00:11:54,059 all of that was laid on the one who did do it. 246 00:11:55,059 –> 00:11:58,820 And he bore our sins in himself 247 00:11:58,820 –> 00:12:00,000 when he was on the cross. 248 00:12:00,000 –> 00:12:03,280 So he’s dealt with law by living the perfect life. 249 00:12:03,280 –> 00:12:05,039 He’s dealt with our sin 250 00:12:05,039 –> 00:12:09,919 by dying the sacrificial and atoning death. 251 00:12:09,919 –> 00:12:10,960 Then what does he do? 252 00:12:12,200 –> 00:12:14,320 Well, he goes into death itself. 253 00:12:15,760 –> 00:12:20,760 Remember as he’s been suffering behaving sins on the cross 254 00:12:20,840 –> 00:12:22,260 at the end of it all he says, 255 00:12:22,419 –> 00:12:27,219 As father, into your hands I commit my spirit. 256 00:12:28,140 –> 00:12:31,400 And then the Bible says he breathed his last. 257 00:12:31,400 –> 00:12:35,700 And the Son of God goes into death. 258 00:12:35,700 –> 00:12:36,640 Isn’t that amazing? 259 00:12:37,760 –> 00:12:41,320 That death should’ve been experienced by the Son of God. 260 00:12:42,299 –> 00:12:43,380 He goes into it. 261 00:12:44,380 –> 00:12:47,080 But you know this is at the very heart of the gospels 262 00:12:47,080 –> 00:12:48,440 and of the Christian faith. 263 00:12:48,440 –> 00:12:51,219 He’s not held by it, he goes into it. 264 00:12:51,219 –> 00:12:53,979 He goes through it, he comes out of it. 265 00:12:55,039 –> 00:12:57,880 And on the third day he rises again 266 00:12:57,880 –> 00:13:01,359 in power and in triumph and in glory. 267 00:13:01,359 –> 00:13:05,419 And Christ swallowed up death in victory. 268 00:13:05,419 –> 00:13:08,619 So you see he deals with this grim triumvirate. 269 00:13:08,619 –> 00:13:12,700 Law, sin, death. 270 00:13:12,700 –> 00:13:14,299 He lives the perfect life. 271 00:13:14,299 –> 00:13:18,260 He dies the sacrificial death bearing our sins. 272 00:13:18,260 –> 00:13:21,159 And he goes into death and he triumphs over its power 273 00:13:21,159 –> 00:13:22,859 by his resurrection. 274 00:13:22,859 –> 00:13:25,039 And what we’re being told here, wonderfully, 275 00:13:25,039 –> 00:13:28,960 is that Jesus Christ triumph will be yours 276 00:13:28,960 –> 00:13:31,000 if you are in him. 277 00:13:32,020 –> 00:13:33,799 You see if you are in Jesus Christ, 278 00:13:33,799 –> 00:13:35,059 here’s the wonderful truth. 279 00:13:35,059 –> 00:13:37,140 You’ve not kept all of the law of God. 280 00:13:37,140 –> 00:13:40,140 But in him, you’re not gonna stand before God 281 00:13:40,140 –> 00:13:43,080 in the rags of your own attempts at righteousness. 282 00:13:43,080 –> 00:13:45,280 You’re gonna be dressed in the beauty, 283 00:13:45,280 –> 00:13:47,359 the white robes, the Bible says, 284 00:13:47,359 –> 00:13:48,979 of his perfect righteousness. 285 00:13:49,099 –> 00:13:51,179 He has kept the law in every way. 286 00:13:51,179 –> 00:13:54,039 And that is credited to you if you are in him. 287 00:13:55,000 –> 00:13:56,559 And you’re not gonna die in your sins, 288 00:13:56,559 –> 00:13:57,979 you’re gonna die in the Lord. 289 00:13:57,979 –> 00:14:01,559 He’s taken your sins if you’re in Christ into his death 290 00:14:01,559 –> 00:14:03,580 so that you won’t take them into yours. 291 00:14:05,020 –> 00:14:06,619 And death is no longer a trap 292 00:14:06,619 –> 00:14:09,260 that is going to somehow hold you, 293 00:14:09,260 –> 00:14:13,260 it’s a passage through which Christ will walk with you, 294 00:14:13,260 –> 00:14:15,739 and your soul will immediately, as we saw last time, 295 00:14:15,739 –> 00:14:17,619 experience the joy of his presence. 296 00:14:17,659 –> 00:14:20,780 And then when he comes and you come with him. 297 00:14:20,780 –> 00:14:23,559 You’re gonna receive all of the gift 298 00:14:23,559 –> 00:14:25,159 of the resurrection body 299 00:14:25,159 –> 00:14:28,119 and enter into everything that that body 300 00:14:28,119 –> 00:14:31,280 will equip you for in the new heavens 301 00:14:31,280 –> 00:14:34,500 and in the new Earth to come. 302 00:14:35,700 –> 00:14:37,780 No wonder Paul says, 303 00:14:37,780 –> 00:14:42,380 thanks be to God who gives us the victory 304 00:14:42,380 –> 00:14:46,320 through Jesus Christ our Lord. 305 00:14:47,080 –> 00:14:49,200 That’s the gospel isn’t it? 306 00:14:49,200 –> 00:14:50,400 This is the good news that’s at 307 00:14:50,400 –> 00:14:53,119 the very center of our life and of our ministry, 308 00:14:54,000 –> 00:14:57,880 what Jesus Christ has done as our Redeemer, 309 00:14:57,880 –> 00:15:02,880 changing the face of death for all who are in him. 310 00:15:05,679 –> 00:15:07,919 And secondly I want us to look at 311 00:15:07,919 –> 00:15:10,479 what we’re told here about the resurrection body. 312 00:15:11,840 –> 00:15:13,440 Now draw your attention especially 313 00:15:13,440 –> 00:15:16,840 to verses 42 through 44. 314 00:15:16,840 –> 00:15:19,919 And of course there is so much that we don’t know 315 00:15:19,919 –> 00:15:22,520 about the resurrection body 316 00:15:22,520 –> 00:15:26,039 and these future glorious things 317 00:15:26,039 –> 00:15:27,599 that will become ours in Christ. 318 00:15:27,599 –> 00:15:29,239 That’s why Paul says in verse 51, 319 00:15:29,239 –> 00:15:31,520 behold I show you a mystery. 320 00:15:31,520 –> 00:15:33,320 There is so much that we don’t know. 321 00:15:34,440 –> 00:15:35,840 But I sometimes hear Christians, 322 00:15:35,840 –> 00:15:37,039 and you will have heard this too, 323 00:15:37,039 –> 00:15:38,840 saying oh well you know we don’t know anything about that 324 00:15:38,840 –> 00:15:40,320 and you just want to push it away. 325 00:15:40,320 –> 00:15:42,219 That’s not the right reaction. 326 00:15:43,179 –> 00:15:44,840 There are some things we do know. 327 00:15:45,700 –> 00:15:47,580 And we’ve been told some things 328 00:15:47,580 –> 00:15:52,159 so that our minds can begin the joy of anticipation. 329 00:15:53,260 –> 00:15:55,619 So that our appetite will be whetted. 330 00:15:56,500 –> 00:15:58,679 So that it will be increasingly natural 331 00:15:58,679 –> 00:16:01,739 for us to set our minds and our hearts 332 00:16:01,739 –> 00:16:05,380 on things above and not on earthly things, 333 00:16:05,380 –> 00:16:07,479 which is what God calls us to do. 334 00:16:08,460 –> 00:16:11,260 So let me just try and point your mind 335 00:16:11,479 –> 00:16:15,059 in a wonderful direction by drawing your attention 336 00:16:15,059 –> 00:16:17,500 to the four ways in which the resurrection body 337 00:16:17,500 –> 00:16:20,419 is clearly described in this passage. 338 00:16:20,419 –> 00:16:21,799 Four words. 339 00:16:21,799 –> 00:16:23,260 Number one, 340 00:16:23,260 –> 00:16:24,900 it will be imperishable. 341 00:16:25,719 –> 00:16:27,419 Verse 42. 342 00:16:27,419 –> 00:16:29,580 What is sown, that’s the body that dies, 343 00:16:29,580 –> 00:16:31,099 is perishable. 344 00:16:31,099 –> 00:16:34,479 What is raised is imperishable. 345 00:16:35,419 –> 00:16:38,799 Folks, your resurrection body will never wear out, 346 00:16:38,799 –> 00:16:40,460 will never tire, 347 00:16:40,520 –> 00:16:42,599 will never be sick. 348 00:16:42,599 –> 00:16:45,979 All the limitations and disabilities 349 00:16:45,979 –> 00:16:48,400 that make life difficult in this world 350 00:16:48,400 –> 00:16:50,760 will be gone forever. 351 00:16:50,760 –> 00:16:53,479 I’ve been thinking of a dear friend of mine 352 00:16:53,479 –> 00:16:56,200 who has been blind from birth 353 00:16:56,200 –> 00:16:58,719 and I’m thinking about him in the resurrection 354 00:16:58,719 –> 00:17:00,880 seeing for the very first time. 355 00:17:02,059 –> 00:17:04,640 I think of children who have spent their lives 356 00:17:04,640 –> 00:17:07,920 in wheelchairs and have not walked nor run nor danced 357 00:17:08,780 –> 00:17:11,079 and their joy to do these things 358 00:17:11,079 –> 00:17:12,560 in the very presence of Jesus 359 00:17:12,560 –> 00:17:17,560 in a resurrection body, a resurrection body. 360 00:17:17,780 –> 00:17:20,079 Those who have lost limbs 361 00:17:20,079 –> 00:17:22,319 being able to raise their arms and their hands 362 00:17:22,319 –> 00:17:25,920 in praise and thanksgiving to God. 363 00:17:25,920 –> 00:17:29,719 Thomas Boston picks up some characters from the Bible 364 00:17:29,719 –> 00:17:31,219 and he says this, 365 00:17:31,219 –> 00:17:34,599 Isaac’s eyes will not be dim 366 00:17:34,599 –> 00:17:37,479 and Jacob will no longer limp. 367 00:17:38,400 –> 00:17:40,760 Leah will not be short sited 368 00:17:40,760 –> 00:17:44,760 and Mephibosheth and I’ve been practicing that one, 369 00:17:44,760 –> 00:17:46,880 Mephibosheth do you remember him? 370 00:17:46,880 –> 00:17:48,739 The guy that King David was kind to? 371 00:17:48,739 –> 00:17:50,280 He was on crutches, 372 00:17:50,280 –> 00:17:52,959 oh he’s not gonna be crutches in the new heaven 373 00:17:52,959 –> 00:17:55,500 and in the new earth in the resurrection body. 374 00:17:57,260 –> 00:17:59,479 Boston says, as a goldsmith melts down 375 00:17:59,479 –> 00:18:00,760 the old broken vessel 376 00:18:00,760 –> 00:18:03,719 and casts it over again in a new mold, 377 00:18:03,719 –> 00:18:06,479 so shall the body which lay dissolved in the grave 378 00:18:06,479 –> 00:18:10,439 come forth at the resurrection in perfect beauty 379 00:18:11,420 –> 00:18:13,680 and lovely proportion. 380 00:18:15,380 –> 00:18:17,459 Well, there’s two things that we wouldn’t always say 381 00:18:17,459 –> 00:18:20,619 about ourselves and our bodies right now, right? 382 00:18:20,619 –> 00:18:24,219 Perfect beauty and lovely proportion. 383 00:18:24,219 –> 00:18:25,420 If you’re one of those folks 384 00:18:25,420 –> 00:18:27,000 that looks in the mirror often and says, 385 00:18:27,000 –> 00:18:29,239 oh dear, do you worry about 386 00:18:29,239 –> 00:18:31,020 one aspect or another of your body, 387 00:18:31,020 –> 00:18:34,339 think about what it’s gonna be in the resurrection. 388 00:18:35,339 –> 00:18:38,959 Perfect beauty and lovely proportion, 389 00:18:38,959 –> 00:18:40,599 and it will be you. 390 00:18:40,599 –> 00:18:42,300 It will be you. 391 00:18:42,300 –> 00:18:45,420 And we’ll see next week, we will know one another for sure. 392 00:18:45,420 –> 00:18:49,719 And just as sure as you know yourself now consciously, 393 00:18:49,719 –> 00:18:52,520 the moment will come when you will know yourself 394 00:18:53,500 –> 00:18:55,579 to be in the very presence of Jesus 395 00:18:55,579 –> 00:18:57,319 in this resurrection body, 396 00:18:59,119 –> 00:19:02,260 and you say, I am here and I’m me. 397 00:19:02,339 –> 00:19:05,800 And yet I am marvelously new. 398 00:19:06,959 –> 00:19:09,739 And this is the beginning of all eternity. 399 00:19:09,739 –> 00:19:11,839 Imperishable, imperishable. 400 00:19:13,500 –> 00:19:16,339 Second word, it will be a glorious body. 401 00:19:16,339 –> 00:19:19,160 It is sown in dishonor, verse 43, 402 00:19:19,160 –> 00:19:22,180 it is raised in glory. 403 00:19:23,160 –> 00:19:24,660 Paul tells us in Philippians 404 00:19:24,660 –> 00:19:27,380 that Christ is going to change our lowly body, 405 00:19:27,380 –> 00:19:30,819 that it may be like his glorious body. 406 00:19:30,819 –> 00:19:33,020 So the resurrection body will be like 407 00:19:33,020 –> 00:19:35,540 the glorious body of Jesus Christ, 408 00:19:35,540 –> 00:19:36,680 that’s what we’re told. 409 00:19:37,619 –> 00:19:39,199 Now we should think here not simply 410 00:19:39,199 –> 00:19:41,579 about the Resurrection appearances of Jesus 411 00:19:41,579 –> 00:19:44,819 in the 40 days after he rose from the dead 412 00:19:44,819 –> 00:19:48,140 but particularly what we know of the glorified body 413 00:19:48,140 –> 00:19:49,900 of our Lord Jesus Christ 414 00:19:49,900 –> 00:19:52,780 through the appearances after the Ascension. 415 00:19:53,780 –> 00:19:58,780 So you think of the glory that Saul of Tarsus saw 416 00:19:59,260 –> 00:20:02,459 when the son of God appeared to him on the road to Damascus. 417 00:20:03,459 –> 00:20:04,680 Or you think about the glory, 418 00:20:04,680 –> 00:20:07,859 the brightness that John saw in Revelation chapter one 419 00:20:07,859 –> 00:20:12,060 when the glory of Jesus is unveiled to him, 420 00:20:12,060 –> 00:20:14,140 the glorious body of Jesus, 421 00:20:14,140 –> 00:20:16,020 the Resurrection body of Jesus. 422 00:20:16,020 –> 00:20:18,140 You think about what it was like for Peter 423 00:20:18,140 –> 00:20:19,040 and James and John. 424 00:20:19,040 –> 00:20:22,219 Do you remember on the Mount of Transfiguration? 425 00:20:22,219 –> 00:20:24,780 And they had known Jesus in an earthly body 426 00:20:25,939 –> 00:20:27,800 and people could talk with him 427 00:20:27,939 –> 00:20:31,359 and he could almost sort of melt into the crowd of people 428 00:20:31,359 –> 00:20:32,900 in that sense. 429 00:20:32,900 –> 00:20:36,599 But there on the Mount of Transfiguration, 430 00:20:36,599 –> 00:20:39,939 they saw the glory of the body that was to come, 431 00:20:39,939 –> 00:20:44,280 it was like brightness burst out of Jesus. 432 00:20:44,280 –> 00:20:48,560 And it was overwhelmingly glorious and bright and light. 433 00:20:49,939 –> 00:20:52,680 Donald McCloud puts it like this, 434 00:20:52,680 –> 00:20:55,939 brilliant, brilliant light. 435 00:20:56,939 –> 00:21:00,459 Bodies so luminous, so splendid, 436 00:21:00,459 –> 00:21:03,699 so light-bearing, so magestic, 437 00:21:03,699 –> 00:21:07,900 that in them the glory of God Himself is seen. 438 00:21:09,119 –> 00:21:11,099 It’s gonna be your body. 439 00:21:11,099 –> 00:21:12,800 Imperishable. 440 00:21:12,800 –> 00:21:14,079 Glorious. 441 00:21:15,140 –> 00:21:16,300 Powerful. 442 00:21:16,300 –> 00:21:18,020 I like this word. 443 00:21:18,020 –> 00:21:21,040 It is sown in weakness, 444 00:21:21,040 –> 00:21:24,439 and it is raised in power. 445 00:21:24,500 –> 00:21:26,180 Again, I quote from Donald McCloud, 446 00:21:26,180 –> 00:21:28,439 who writes so well on these things. 447 00:21:28,439 –> 00:21:31,839 The body is going to have in the resurrection 448 00:21:31,839 –> 00:21:33,760 more energy. 449 00:21:33,760 –> 00:21:35,920 And amen for that. 450 00:21:35,920 –> 00:21:39,680 More energy, more physical capability. 451 00:21:39,680 –> 00:21:43,599 More stamina, more athleticism. 452 00:21:43,599 –> 00:21:45,400 I really like that, I like that one. 453 00:21:45,400 –> 00:21:46,760 I need that. 454 00:21:46,760 –> 00:21:48,560 More speed. 455 00:21:48,560 –> 00:21:51,160 More coordination, thank God. 456 00:21:51,160 –> 00:21:53,839 More durability than ever 457 00:21:53,859 –> 00:21:56,239 because we’re not going to need the body less, 458 00:21:56,239 –> 00:21:58,239 we’re going to need the body more. 459 00:21:58,239 –> 00:22:00,640 A new heaven and a new earth. 460 00:22:00,640 –> 00:22:03,599 So be done with all this vague kind of thinking 461 00:22:03,599 –> 00:22:05,560 about eternity floating on clouds. 462 00:22:05,560 –> 00:22:07,359 A resurrection body that’s at 463 00:22:07,359 –> 00:22:08,839 the heart of Christian faith. 464 00:22:09,719 –> 00:22:11,020 And it’s gonna be imperishable, 465 00:22:11,020 –> 00:22:13,199 it’s gonna be glorious, it’s gonna be powerful, 466 00:22:13,199 –> 00:22:14,719 and it’s gonna be spiritual. 467 00:22:14,719 –> 00:22:17,459 You say now what in the world is a spiritual body? 468 00:22:17,459 –> 00:22:20,040 Verse 44, it is so in a natural body, 469 00:22:20,040 –> 00:22:22,079 it is raised a spiritual body. 470 00:22:22,099 –> 00:22:25,959 Well, a spiritual body is a body 471 00:22:25,959 –> 00:22:28,079 that will be completely responsive 472 00:22:28,079 –> 00:22:30,959 to your glorified spirit. 473 00:22:31,880 –> 00:22:35,040 In other words, a body that is responsive 474 00:22:35,040 –> 00:22:38,040 in every way to all that the Holy Spirit 475 00:22:38,040 –> 00:22:39,800 would have you do. 476 00:22:39,800 –> 00:22:42,199 That’s marvelous, because right now 477 00:22:42,199 –> 00:22:44,520 that’s not how it is with our bodies. 478 00:22:44,520 –> 00:22:46,300 Alick Mateer says this. 479 00:22:46,300 –> 00:22:49,219 The Christians’ present experience 480 00:22:49,479 –> 00:22:52,939 is that the body militates against 481 00:22:52,939 –> 00:22:54,560 living the godly life. 482 00:22:54,560 –> 00:22:56,500 Is that your experience, by the way? 483 00:22:56,500 –> 00:22:58,380 You find that you have desires within your heart 484 00:22:58,380 –> 00:23:00,979 to be more godly than you actually are, 485 00:23:00,979 –> 00:23:02,780 and you find that you’re weighed down 486 00:23:02,780 –> 00:23:04,140 by conflicts that you find 487 00:23:04,140 –> 00:23:05,839 and they arise from your flesh. 488 00:23:05,839 –> 00:23:08,099 We know this to be the nature of the Christian life. 489 00:23:08,099 –> 00:23:10,060 The flesh and the spirit and so forth. 490 00:23:10,060 –> 00:23:12,099 He says there is a downward drag 491 00:23:12,099 –> 00:23:14,219 in our bodily members 492 00:23:14,219 –> 00:23:16,979 so that frequently, our best intentions 493 00:23:16,979 –> 00:23:19,380 are destroyed by the inability 494 00:23:19,380 –> 00:23:21,859 or the rebellion of the body. 495 00:23:21,859 –> 00:23:24,959 How marvelous, he says, then is the promise 496 00:23:24,959 –> 00:23:28,180 of a body that will respond fully 497 00:23:28,180 –> 00:23:30,699 to the promptings of God 498 00:23:30,699 –> 00:23:33,780 and will be the perfect vehicle 499 00:23:33,780 –> 00:23:35,880 for the expression 500 00:23:35,880 –> 00:23:37,699 of the new nature. 501 00:23:37,699 –> 00:23:40,540 Well, that’s gonna be the body that you will have. 502 00:23:40,540 –> 00:23:42,420 And it will be marvelous, indeed. 503 00:23:43,459 –> 00:23:46,180 So how Christ has changed 504 00:23:46,219 –> 00:23:48,180 the face of death for his people. 505 00:23:48,180 –> 00:23:49,880 Death is swallowed up in victory. 506 00:23:50,900 –> 00:23:54,760 And what lies ahead for those who are in Christ 507 00:23:54,760 –> 00:23:57,500 as we deal with all kinds of issues 508 00:23:57,500 –> 00:23:59,699 that arise from and changes that happen 509 00:23:59,699 –> 00:24:01,939 to our bodies in this world, 510 00:24:01,939 –> 00:24:03,979 we are to be encouraged 511 00:24:03,979 –> 00:24:06,880 and to be comforted at what yet lies ahead, 512 00:24:06,880 –> 00:24:08,640 a body that is imperishable 513 00:24:08,640 –> 00:24:11,140 and is glorious and powerful 514 00:24:12,020 –> 00:24:15,819 and spiritual that will be yours 515 00:24:15,819 –> 00:24:19,500 and in which your glorified spirit 516 00:24:19,500 –> 00:24:22,699 will express all that is your life 517 00:24:22,699 –> 00:24:25,599 in the new heavens and the new earth for ever and forever. 518 00:24:27,500 –> 00:24:30,939 And then we come to the most pressing issue of all. 519 00:24:32,300 –> 00:24:33,479 And it’s simply this. 520 00:24:35,060 –> 00:24:39,079 What will the resurrection mean for you? 521 00:24:40,180 –> 00:24:42,260 What will the resurrection mean for you? 522 00:24:43,260 –> 00:24:46,020 Now, I’m going to press this question today 523 00:24:46,020 –> 00:24:48,599 and I feel a burden on my own heart to do it 524 00:24:48,599 –> 00:24:50,579 because the Bible makes it very clear 525 00:24:50,579 –> 00:24:53,260 that the resurrection will mean different things 526 00:24:53,260 –> 00:24:54,459 for different people. 527 00:24:56,040 –> 00:24:57,819 And look at these words of Jesus 528 00:24:57,819 –> 00:24:59,479 that are on the screen before you 529 00:24:59,479 –> 00:25:00,880 from John and chapter five. 530 00:25:00,880 –> 00:25:01,719 Look at them. 531 00:25:02,619 –> 00:25:06,959 All who are in their tombs will hear the voice 532 00:25:06,959 –> 00:25:10,319 and it’s the voice of the Son of God, and come out. 533 00:25:11,160 –> 00:25:14,199 So, he’s talking about not just believers, 534 00:25:14,199 –> 00:25:16,219 he’s talking about everyone. 535 00:25:16,219 –> 00:25:18,359 There’s no exceptions, this isn’t by culture, 536 00:25:18,359 –> 00:25:21,079 this isn’t by generation, it is nothing to do 537 00:25:21,079 –> 00:25:24,260 with the course of your life here, it’s everybody. 538 00:25:25,119 –> 00:25:27,920 Everybody, all, all who are in their tombs 539 00:25:27,920 –> 00:25:29,359 will hear the voice of the Son of God, 540 00:25:29,359 –> 00:25:30,520 they’re gonna come out. 541 00:25:31,760 –> 00:25:35,099 But at this resurrection in which every human being 542 00:25:35,099 –> 00:25:38,400 will participate, all creation being drawn 543 00:25:38,439 –> 00:25:40,079 before the creator, there are going to be 544 00:25:40,079 –> 00:25:41,859 very different experiences. 545 00:25:41,859 –> 00:25:43,239 These are the words of Jesus, 546 00:25:43,239 –> 00:25:48,160 those who have done good to the resurrection of life 547 00:25:49,800 –> 00:25:52,020 and those who have done evil 548 00:25:53,040 –> 00:25:56,520 to the resurrection of judgment. 549 00:25:57,800 –> 00:25:59,640 Now, do you see that the resurrection, 550 00:25:59,640 –> 00:26:01,599 therefore, according to the words of Jesus, 551 00:26:01,599 –> 00:26:04,160 it cannot mean anything other than this? 552 00:26:04,160 –> 00:26:05,839 The resurrection will mean different things 553 00:26:05,839 –> 00:26:08,359 for different people, because for some people 554 00:26:08,359 –> 00:26:11,119 it is going to be a resurrection to life 555 00:26:12,780 –> 00:26:15,839 and for other people it is going to be 556 00:26:15,839 –> 00:26:19,319 a resurrection to judgment, 557 00:2:20,719 –> 00:26:23,719 and these three words put together 558 00:26:23,719 –> 00:26:25,979 are horrendous even to contemplate. 559 00:26:27,079 –> 00:26:29,439 I would not dare to stand and speak like this 560 00:26:29,439 –> 00:26:34,319 on a pulpit today if it had not been that Jesus, 561 00:26:35,119 –> 00:26:40,119 our Savior and our Lord speaks so clearly in this language. 562 00:26:41,140 –> 00:26:44,219 The resurrection will mean different things 563 00:26:44,219 –> 00:26:46,560 to different people 564 00:26:46,560 –> 00:26:49,819 and so I’m pressing this question what will it mean to you? 565 00:26:51,099 –> 00:26:55,400 Because Jesus says all will be part of this day. 566 00:26:55,400 –> 00:26:57,319 So you will be part of this day 567 00:26:57,319 –> 00:26:59,780 and your experience will be one or the other 568 00:26:59,780 –> 00:27:00,920 of these two things. 569 00:27:00,920 –> 00:27:03,699 Your experience will either be a resurrection to life 570 00:27:03,699 –> 00:27:08,699 or your experience will be a resurrection of judgment. 571 00:27:11,640 –> 00:27:14,660 One of the writers that I really like to read 572 00:27:16,119 –> 00:27:20,140 is an old Scottish preacher by the name of Thomas Boston. 573 00:27:21,239 –> 00:27:22,719 I enjoy him for many reasons 574 00:27:22,719 –> 00:27:25,939 and one is that he had a vivid imagination 575 00:27:25,939 –> 00:27:27,920 that he deployed very effectively 576 00:27:27,920 –> 00:27:29,640 in the course of his ministry. 577 00:27:30,599 –> 00:27:35,339 And in one of his sermons he tries to picture 578 00:27:35,339 –> 00:27:39,199 what it would be like in that moment 579 00:27:39,199 –> 00:27:43,439 where the resurrected body and the redeemed soul 580 00:27:43,439 –> 00:27:45,500 are reunited. 581 00:27:45,500 –> 00:27:48,619 The soul and the body that were separated in death. 582 00:27:48,619 –> 00:27:51,739 And now in the resurrection they’re reunited together. 583 00:27:52,880 –> 00:27:54,420 And he asked the question 584 00:27:54,420 –> 00:27:56,119 what would that be like for the body 585 00:27:56,119 –> 00:27:58,199 and what would that be like for the soul. 586 00:27:59,199 –> 00:28:02,199 And he tries to picture, he’s using his imagination, 587 00:28:02,199 –> 00:28:06,719 the kind of conversation that your resurrected body 588 00:28:07,760 –> 00:28:10,699 might have with your redeemed soul 589 00:28:10,699 –> 00:28:13,839 on that moment when the two are reunited together 590 00:28:13,839 –> 00:28:15,040 if you’re a Christian believer 591 00:28:15,040 –> 00:28:16,780 in the presence of Jesus Christ. 592 00:28:17,760 –> 00:28:20,199 And it’s old language and it’s quite long 593 00:28:20,199 –> 00:28:22,520 so I’ve taken some of his thoughts and phrases 594 00:28:22,520 –> 00:28:24,939 and rewritten the rest, 595 00:28:24,979 –> 00:28:27,680 but I think my resurrected body 596 00:28:28,780 –> 00:28:33,060 would say to my redeemed soul something like this, 597 00:28:35,020 –> 00:28:38,060 well my friend, it’s good to be back together. 598 00:28:39,920 –> 00:28:43,160 After that awful separation that we went through, 599 00:28:44,599 –> 00:28:47,420 I mean my soul, it was all right for you. 600 00:28:47,420 –> 00:28:49,699 You went straight to be at home with the Lord, 601 00:28:49,699 –> 00:28:51,180 you know what they did with me? 602 00:28:51,180 –> 00:28:53,760 They dug a hole and put me six feet under in a grave. 603 00:28:55,020 –> 00:28:59,040 The silver cord that had tied us together was severed. 604 00:29:00,180 –> 00:29:02,300 But now we are brought back together 605 00:29:02,300 –> 00:29:05,800 in the presence of Jesus, both wonderfully transformed. 606 00:29:07,020 –> 00:29:09,880 And how different this is from the moment when we parted. 607 00:29:11,619 –> 00:29:14,660 And then I think my body might say to my soul 608 00:29:14,660 –> 00:29:18,099 something like this, I’m so glad to be your body. 609 00:29:19,699 –> 00:29:21,699 You see, your great longing, soul, 610 00:29:21,699 –> 00:29:23,939 was that Christ should be in us. 611 00:29:23,959 –> 00:29:27,819 You knew that having Him would be our hope of glory. 612 00:29:28,760 –> 00:29:31,979 You were the one who made me a temple of the Holy Spirit. 613 00:29:31,979 –> 00:29:36,060 You have brought me, your body, into all this joy. 614 00:29:36,979 –> 00:29:39,819 And then I think my body might say something like this, 615 00:29:39,819 –> 00:29:42,040 and yours would, too, if you’re a Christian, 616 00:29:42,040 –> 00:29:44,800 your body might say I am so sorry 617 00:29:44,800 –> 00:29:47,420 that I made life so hard for you, my soul. 618 00:29:48,660 –> 00:29:50,219 I know that I was often a burden, 619 00:29:50,219 –> 00:29:52,780 I was often slow and sluggish and reluctant. 620 00:29:52,780 –> 00:29:57,739 Many times, my soul, you were willing and I was weak. 621 00:29:58,900 –> 00:30:01,979 And I know that I was difficult for you to master, 622 00:30:01,979 –> 00:30:04,319 but you mastered me well. 623 00:30:05,540 –> 00:30:08,900 You made these eyes shed tears over sin. 624 00:30:08,900 –> 00:30:11,500 You led these knees to kneel before God 625 00:30:11,500 –> 00:30:12,880 in faith and repentance. 626 00:30:12,880 –> 00:30:16,260 You caused this tongue to confess Jesus as Lord 627 00:30:16,260 –> 00:30:18,979 and to pray and to give thanks and now this tongue 628 00:30:18,979 –> 00:30:21,739 will be used in the praises of God forevermore. 629 00:30:21,780 –> 00:30:25,500 I am so grateful, my soul, your body might say, 630 00:30:25,500 –> 00:30:28,520 that you did not let me have my way 631 00:30:29,939 –> 00:30:32,439 because others pampered their flesh. 632 00:30:33,359 –> 00:30:35,339 They lived for their own comfort. 633 00:30:36,260 –> 00:30:38,400 They followed the lusts of their bodies 634 00:30:38,400 –> 00:30:40,219 and it led to their destruction. 635 00:30:40,219 –> 00:30:42,780 But now here I am, your body might say, 636 00:30:42,780 –> 00:30:46,219 risen and with you and entering into 637 00:30:46,219 –> 00:30:48,380 all of the mansions of glory. 638 00:30:48,380 –> 00:30:51,339 And now, my soul, your body might say, 639 00:30:51,339 –> 00:30:53,660 you will not have to worry anymore 640 00:30:53,660 –> 00:30:57,020 about me being sick or tired or weary. 641 00:30:58,020 –> 00:31:00,739 You will not be concerned about me slowing up 642 00:31:00,739 –> 00:31:02,900 as I grow old. 643 00:31:02,900 –> 00:31:06,640 Now I will keep pace with you, my soul 644 00:31:06,640 –> 00:31:10,319 in the praises of God forevermore. 645 00:31:12,359 –> 00:31:13,880 And I think that if your body 646 00:31:13,880 –> 00:31:15,300 was saying that to your soul, 647 00:31:17,300 –> 00:31:19,599 your soul may well say back to your body 648 00:31:19,699 –> 00:31:21,599 something like this. 649 00:31:21,599 –> 00:31:24,800 I am so happy to be reunited with you, my old friend. 650 00:31:26,140 –> 00:31:28,199 You were and are, and always will be 651 00:31:28,199 –> 00:31:30,099 the temple of the Holy Spirit. 652 00:31:31,479 –> 00:31:33,400 Now arise and come with me, 653 00:31:34,400 –> 00:31:37,239 and let the eyes that so often wept over sin 654 00:31:37,239 –> 00:31:39,560 look with joy at the face of the Redeemer. 655 00:31:40,500 –> 00:31:43,599 Let these ears that heard the word of life 656 00:31:43,599 –> 00:31:45,479 now hear the songs of Heaven. 657 00:31:46,359 –> 00:31:48,680 Let these feet that took me to worship 658 00:31:48,699 –> 00:31:50,760 with the people of God on earth 659 00:31:50,760 –> 00:31:54,280 now lead me into the presence of my savior 660 00:31:54,280 –> 00:31:56,099 in this new creation, 661 00:31:56,099 –> 00:31:59,680 and rejoice with that great congregation above. 662 00:31:59,680 –> 00:32:02,959 And let the tongue that confessed Jesus below 663 00:32:02,959 –> 00:32:05,439 now join with the choirs of Heaven 664 00:32:05,439 –> 00:32:08,319 in singing his praises forevermore. 665 00:32:10,060 –> 00:32:10,900 What a picture. 666 00:32:11,959 –> 00:32:13,439 And if you’re in Christ, you know, 667 00:32:13,439 –> 00:32:15,699 I think that just catches a little bit 668 00:32:15,699 –> 00:32:18,359 of the joy of your experience. 669 00:32:18,380 –> 00:32:22,380 Soul and body that took part in the fight together, 670 00:32:22,380 –> 00:32:25,020 entering in together to receive 671 00:32:25,020 –> 00:32:28,280 and to wear the crown of life. 672 00:32:30,479 –> 00:32:32,359 But now I must ask you this question. 673 00:32:34,060 –> 00:32:35,839 What will it be like for the body 674 00:32:35,839 –> 00:32:37,439 and the soul of the wicked 675 00:32:38,939 –> 00:32:42,979 reunited in what Jesus describes 676 00:32:42,979 –> 00:32:46,900 as a resurrection to judgment? 677 00:32:47,699 –> 00:32:49,119 What would that be? 678 00:32:50,880 –> 00:32:54,920 I think that the resurrected body 679 00:32:56,040 –> 00:32:58,619 of a person without Jesus Christ 680 00:33:00,160 –> 00:33:04,660 would say to his or her soul something like this. 681 00:33:07,099 –> 00:33:09,920 I would rather have been the body 682 00:33:09,920 –> 00:33:13,000 of a dog or a donkey than be your body 683 00:33:13,880 –> 00:33:17,380 because if I was the body of a dog or a donkey, 684 00:33:17,380 –> 00:33:20,300 I would be allowed to lie in peace in the grave, 685 00:33:20,300 –> 00:33:24,599 but now because of you, I am raised up 686 00:33:24,599 –> 00:33:28,339 and I have to face this awful eternal future. 687 00:33:30,380 –> 00:33:34,260 You gave me what I wanted, and you led me to destruction. 688 00:33:35,680 –> 00:33:40,180 Cruel kindness, you hugged me to death, 689 00:33:40,180 –> 00:33:41,579 you took me down, 690 00:33:41,579 –> 00:33:44,339 you made me an instrument of unrighteousness. 691 00:33:44,339 –> 00:33:46,640 It was your pride, the body would say, 692 00:33:46,640 –> 00:33:48,680 to the soul that made me boast. 693 00:33:48,680 –> 00:33:51,459 It was your greed that made me a slave to work. 694 00:33:52,599 –> 00:33:56,300 It was your rage that made me curse and scoff. 695 00:33:57,819 –> 00:34:00,099 You were the one who kept me from hearing the truth 696 00:34:00,099 –> 00:34:02,979 that could have saved me every time the truth got near. 697 00:34:02,979 –> 00:34:06,420 You were often flights of imagination and fancy, 698 00:34:06,459 –> 00:34:10,239 and now we are bound together in an everlasting loss, 699 00:34:12,179 –> 00:34:15,620 and the unbelieving soul certainly wouldn’t take that, 700 00:34:17,020 –> 00:34:19,860 but would respond to its resurrected body 701 00:34:19,860 –> 00:34:21,179 something like this, 702 00:34:22,699 –> 00:34:25,280 don’t you blame me, you wretched hypocrite. 703 00:34:27,419 –> 00:34:29,219 I am now driven back into you, 704 00:34:29,219 –> 00:34:31,780 and I wish that you would lay in the grave forever, 705 00:34:32,939 –> 00:34:35,939 because it was by caring for you that I lost myself. 706 00:34:36,020 –> 00:34:39,479 It was by gratifying your senses that I was ruined. 707 00:34:39,479 –> 00:34:41,780 It was to please you 708 00:34:41,780 –> 00:34:44,560 that I turned away from opportunities of peace with God. 709 00:34:44,560 –> 00:34:46,419 It was because of you that I neglected prayer. 710 00:34:46,419 –> 00:34:49,300 It was because of you that I chose a life of comfort. 711 00:34:49,300 –> 00:34:52,300 It was because of you that I denied Christ 712 00:34:53,459 –> 00:34:55,260 and forsook his cause in the world. 713 00:34:57,719 –> 00:34:59,459 When my conscience was awakened, 714 00:34:59,459 –> 00:35:02,000 I thought a few times about my sins, 715 00:35:02,000 –> 00:35:04,739 but you found 1,000 other things for me to do. 716 00:35:06,620 –> 00:35:08,139 Wretched flesh, 717 00:35:09,639 –> 00:35:12,000 by the cords of your lust, 718 00:35:12,000 –> 00:35:17,000 I have been drawn with you down into this destruction. 719 00:35:19,120 –> 00:35:20,739 Friends, what a picture that is, 720 00:35:23,800 –> 00:35:25,600 the unbelieving soul 721 00:35:26,860 –> 00:35:30,919 and the body locked in an unending conflict 722 00:35:30,919 –> 00:35:32,979 of mutual recrimination. 723 00:35:33,919 –> 00:35:35,939 And urethra. 724 00:35:35,939 –> 00:35:38,419 You know Jesus used a very striking phrase 725 00:35:38,419 –> 00:35:40,780 and he used it on a number of times, 726 00:35:40,780 –> 00:35:41,879 kept repeating it. 727 00:35:42,840 –> 00:35:47,840 He said, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 728 00:35:50,419 –> 00:35:52,860 Friends, what is gnashing of teeth? 729 00:35:54,100 –> 00:35:55,379 What do you think that is? 730 00:35:56,260 –> 00:35:57,899 Here’s what it is. 731 00:35:57,899 –> 00:35:59,899 It is self-loathing. 732 00:35:59,899 –> 00:36:02,699 It is self-recrimination. 733 00:36:03,379 –> 00:36:05,699 It is a soul and a resurrection body 734 00:36:05,699 –> 00:36:07,199 at war with each other, 735 00:36:07,199 –> 00:36:08,419 forever and forever. 736 00:36:08,419 –> 00:36:12,120 The Bible says there is no rest for the wicked. 737 00:36:12,120 –> 00:36:13,159 No rest. 738 00:36:14,139 –> 00:36:14,979 No rest. 739 00:36:17,560 –> 00:36:19,820 I say again, I would not, for a moment, 740 00:36:19,820 –> 00:36:23,060 stand on this platform and say these things to you 741 00:36:23,060 –> 00:36:27,840 if it was not absolutely clear from the teaching of Jesus 742 00:36:27,840 –> 00:36:30,040 that the resurrection will mean different things 743 00:36:30,040 –> 00:36:31,100 for different people 744 00:36:31,139 –> 00:36:33,340 and that there will be a resurrection to life 745 00:36:33,340 –> 00:36:36,439 and that there will be a resurrection to judgment. 746 00:36:36,439 –> 00:36:39,379 And it will be one of these two for you 747 00:36:40,340 –> 00:36:41,500 and for every person you meet 748 00:36:41,500 –> 00:36:42,979 and for every person you know. 749 00:36:45,020 –> 00:36:48,540 So I say to you today, life is very, very short 750 00:36:48,540 –> 00:36:50,620 and eternity is very, very long. 751 00:36:52,600 –> 00:36:54,399 Think, I plead with you, 752 00:36:54,399 –> 00:36:58,739 think about the future of your soul and of your body 753 00:36:58,739 –> 00:37:00,360 in the resurrection. 754 00:37:02,100 –> 00:37:04,340 The sting of death is sin 755 00:37:04,340 –> 00:37:06,419 and the power of sin is the law. 756 00:37:07,939 –> 00:37:12,939 Commandments that you have not kept, 757 00:37:12,979 –> 00:37:14,739 stains that you can’t remove 758 00:37:16,800 –> 00:37:18,860 and an outcome that you cannot avoid 759 00:37:18,860 –> 00:37:20,820 and then the Savior comes 760 00:37:20,820 –> 00:37:23,459 and He offers Himself to you. 761 00:37:25,899 –> 00:37:27,959 Why would you not embrace Him today? 762 00:37:28,479 –> 00:37:33,439 Some of you, your life has become very full 763 00:37:33,439 –> 00:37:35,300 and it is full perhaps of good things 764 00:37:35,300 –> 00:37:38,459 but it is not full of Christ. 765 00:37:38,459 –> 00:37:41,080 And if Christ is outside of you, 766 00:37:41,080 –> 00:37:42,959 you will be outside of Christ 767 00:37:42,959 –> 00:37:43,879 unless something changes. 768 00:37:43,879 –> 00:37:46,959 Which day is it going to change if it isn’t today? 769 00:37:46,959 –> 00:37:49,280 You are not thinking about eternity all the time. 770 00:37:49,280 –> 00:37:52,820 You are now. 771 00:37:52,820 –> 00:37:56,199 So I plead with you. 772 00:37:56,360 –> 00:37:57,459 Stop turning away. 773 00:37:57,459 –> 00:37:59,360 Come with me in faith 774 00:37:59,360 –> 00:38:03,320 and in repentance today before God. 775 00:38:03,320 –> 00:38:05,320 Confess your sins and look to the Savior 776 00:38:05,320 –> 00:38:08,020 who freely and gladly offers Himself to you 777 00:38:08,020 –> 00:38:10,459 and ask Him to save you. 778 00:38:10,459 –> 00:38:13,159 Submit your life today, body, and soul 779 00:38:13,159 –> 00:38:16,540 to Jesus Christ as your Master and your Lord 780 00:38:16,540 –> 00:38:21,320 and ask Him to lead you into a new life on earth 781 00:38:21,360 –> 00:38:24,919 that will end in a glorious life in heaven. 782 00:38:26,739 –> 00:38:30,020 Whatever you have done, come to Him today. 783 00:38:30,020 –> 00:38:33,320 However far you were from Christ this morning, 784 00:38:33,320 –> 00:38:34,820 come to Him today. 785 00:38:36,219 –> 00:38:38,760 However long you’ve delayed, 786 00:38:38,760 –> 00:38:42,120 however long you’ve pushed this off, 787 00:38:42,120 –> 00:38:44,500 you come in faith and repentance 788 00:38:44,500 –> 00:38:46,820 to embrace the Savior who is coming 789 00:38:46,820 –> 00:38:49,080 towards you even now today. 790 00:38:51,659 –> 00:38:54,820 Will you bow with me in prayer please? 791 00:38:57,020 –> 00:38:59,939 And to give you an opportunity here 792 00:39:01,260 –> 00:39:02,939 to make a prayer your own 793 00:39:02,939 –> 00:39:05,979 and to seal in this very moment 794 00:39:05,979 –> 00:39:08,479 your response to Jesus Christ. 795 00:39:09,760 –> 00:39:12,000 You know that you need Him. 796 00:39:13,020 –> 00:39:13,979 You’ve been pushing Him away, 797 00:39:13,979 –> 00:39:15,820 but today, you have glimpsed eternity, 798 00:39:15,820 –> 00:39:17,639 and today, you want to embrace Christ. 799 00:39:17,639 –> 00:39:19,040 And if that’s where you are, 800 00:39:19,580 –> 00:39:22,239 I invite you to raise your hand as we’re praying 801 00:39:22,239 –> 00:39:26,860 and then just slip it down just to indicate to Scott 802 00:39:26,860 –> 00:39:30,179 and to me, that you’re trusting Christ here today. 803 00:39:31,260 –> 00:39:32,340 Let me give you these words, 804 00:39:32,340 –> 00:39:35,300 and you make these words your own right now. 805 00:39:35,300 –> 00:39:40,300 Lord, today I come to you in faith and in repentance. 806 00:39:42,699 –> 00:39:47,020 Forgive my pride, forgive my stubbornness. 807 00:39:48,000 –> 00:39:49,919 Forgive my unbelief, 808 00:39:51,399 –> 00:39:54,179 forgive my many sins that are known to you. 809 00:39:55,040 –> 00:39:56,919 You’re making this your prayer. 810 00:39:56,919 –> 00:39:59,540 You raise your hand and then just slip it down. 811 00:40:01,379 –> 00:40:02,919 Let’s keep praying together. 812 00:40:04,179 –> 00:40:09,179 Today, I ask you to make me a new person in Jesus Christ. 813 00:40:10,080 –> 00:40:11,080 Pray that today. 814 00:40:12,919 –> 00:40:15,719 Today, I ask you to give me your Holy Spirit 815 00:40:15,739 –> 00:40:17,739 so that I may live a new life 816 00:40:17,739 –> 00:40:19,360 following the way of Jesus. 817 00:40:21,699 –> 00:40:25,159 Today, I submit my life, body and soul 818 00:40:25,159 –> 00:40:28,000 to Jesus Christ as my master and my Lord. 819 00:40:30,080 –> 00:40:33,620 Lead me into a new life for you on earth 820 00:40:33,620 –> 00:40:38,620 that will end in a glorious life with you in heaven. 821 00:40:41,959 –> 00:40:44,260 Lord, hear our prayers. 822 00:40:44,879 –> 00:40:47,899 As we come to you in faith and repentance 823 00:40:47,899 –> 00:40:50,679 and renew our dedication before you. 824 00:40:51,899 –> 00:40:54,699 For these things we ask in Jesus Christ, 825 00:40:54,699 –> 00:40:58,500 our Savior’s name, and everyone together said, amen.

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Colin Smith

Trustee / Founder and Teaching Pastor

Colin Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. He has authored a number of books, including Heaven, How I Got Here and Heaven, So Near – So Far. Colin is the Founder and Teaching Pastor for Open the Bible. Follow him on X formerly Twitter.

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Sometime soon, we’ll all be in another world. What will it be like? The inner-workings of death seem hidden from us, like a room with the lights turned off. But God has not left us completely in the dark. In the Bible, God tells us the Inside Story of Your Future Life. In this series,

Colin Smith

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