Tuesday, November 11, 2008
1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
FACTS CONCERNING THE FINAL RESURRECTION: IT'S ALL ABOUT CHRIST
Of course, when it comes to all matters, as Christians we eventually want to think in terms of Christ. After all, that is why we call ourselves "Christians." It is good for us all to stop from time to time and to contemplate different aspects of our existence from the standpoint of how these things are affected by Christ and what Christ has done for us.
If I am at school learning, I can be reminded that knowledge is a gift from God and that all of that which I learn should be subject to that most important knowledge of Christ found in His Word, especially to that most-important message of forgiveness of sins and eternal life found in His cross. If I am at work earning my wages, I can be reminded that this is a gift from my Lord so that I can attend to the things that He has put into my hands here in this world. If I am enjoying a peaceful walk on a bright, sunny day, I can remind myself that the day itself is a gift from him and that I could have no true peace in my heart if He had not done everything necessary to bring me eternal salvation. If I am experiencing a painful or trying time, I can be reminded that my Savior promises that in even this He will strengthen me and will care for me, finally bringing me to a good place.
And with regard to the painful and trying things of this life, in Christ we believers have been promised total deliverance, as in Christ we have been promised the sure hope of resurrection from the dead and eternal life where the pains and problems of this present world will not touch us. Not even death itself can truly threaten God's believing people because of their connection to Christ who has power over all things -- even death. Just as He has risen bodily from the grave, so too will all those who "sleep in Jesus."
