Friday, April 23, 2010
1 Corinthians 15:17a,18,20 And if Christ is not risen ... Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished ... But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
CHRIST'S RESURRECTION GIVES LIFE AFTER DEATH TO CHRISTIANS
More than likely everyone reading this has seen a loved one lying in a coffin or watched as ashes were buried or scattered into the wind. Some have watched a loved one breathe his last or even have been on the doorstep of death themselves. Without the resurrection of Jesus, this would be a heart-rending experience. You would not only have to come to grips with your personal loss, but would have to contemplate that your family and friends would be lost forever in the flames of hell. Facing your own mortality would be a horrifying experience.
But ... Christ is risen from the dead. Death has lost its power. Hell gives no fear to the Christian. As a believer in Christ you will follow in His resurrection. Jesus' resurrection means that when you view a fellow Christian in a casket you can say with all confidence, "He's only sleeping." You can have the certainty that your soul and body will be reunited after death, and that the grave will not contain you because it could not contain Jesus. Your future is linked to Him.
Since Christ is risen from the dead all those who have fallen asleep in Christ have not perished. They have been saved from destruction and have received their inheritance. Look forward to waking up from your death with a glorified body to be with your Savior and all your fellow believers forever.
