Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Job 19:26 ". . . in my flesh I will see God."
HEAVEN -- MORE THAN JUST GOOD FOR THE SOUL
In early New Testament times it is said that Christian parents would teach their children to place their right hand over their hearts and then to say the words: "This body will live forever!"
This would be a good custom to reintroduce among Christian people today. For it is the very truth! Job states that his very own body will be raised on the Last Day: ". . . in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes" (19:26-27).
Most religions claim a belief in the immortality of the soul. Christianity proclaims life everlasting for both soul and BODY! We Christians really mean it when we confess almost every Sunday: "I believe in the resurrection of the BODY!"
If we journey back to the first Easter we see just why we believe it. What did our risen Savior say to His disciples? "Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have" (Luke 24:39). Christ rose bodily from the grave! Our personal resurrection as His believers is based on the historical fact of His physical resurrection.
In Philippians, St. Paul clearly connects the Easter event to our own bodily resurrection: ". . . the Lord Jesus Christ . . . will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (3:21).
Yes, heaven is more than just good for the soul! The Bible describes our resurrection bodies as: imperishable . . . glorious . . . powerful . . . spiritual (sinless) . . . immortal! (cf. 1 Corinthians 15)
Just think! No more dentures, bifocals, or hearing aids. No more crutches, canes, or wheelchairs. No more blemishes, wrinkles, or acne. No more nursing homes, ambulances, or hospitals. NO MORE DEATH!
Indeed, this body will live forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives!
