Monday, 27 July 2015
…knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 2 Corinthians 4:14
Paul has been speaking of the death which is manifested in him and the apostles. They died in their lives for the sake of those they minister to. Eventually, actual death would overtake them, but even in this there is a sure and firm hope. Death is of no true consequence to a believer and the apostles were completely certain of this, “…knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus.”
As apostles, they had seen the risen Lord, they had seen His victory over death, and they knew that this too was promised to them. This is why they were so willing to die for Christ. Nothing could stop the inevitability of their resurrection, just as He was resurrected. The power of God raised Him up and that same power would also raise them up. This same sentiment is found in 1 Corinthians 6:14 –
“And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.”
But this promise was not just to those apostles who had first-hand knowledge of the Lord’s work. It is true with all who believe. Together with the apostles, all who believe will be presented alive for all eternity by the power of God. Again, Paul writes of this in Romans 8:11 –
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
This wondrous moment is described in 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4. Take time today to read those passages and have confidence that they will be fulfilled exactly as written. Eternal life is guaranteed to all who have placed their trust in Christ Jesus!
Life application: What fear should you have about death? If you have called on Christ, then show that your faith is more than just a superficial proclamation. Instead, if you face even the prospect of death, let the world know that death has no permanent authority over you. Christ is risen; you are in Christ; you too shall rise to eternal life.
Glorious God of all hope – You have spoken and Your word is true. Christ is risen from the dead and I am in Christ due to faith in His work. In this, I have the absolute assurance that I too will be raised to new and eternal life by You. There is no fear here. Rather, there is the eager anticipation of putting off this old tired tent and the excitement of a new, incorruptible, and eternal one. Christ is risen! Hallelujah and Amen!