1 Corinthians (Written)

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52

In the previous verse, Paul explained that, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” Now to provide detailed insight into this marvelous event, he says that it will come about “in a moment.” The word he uses is atomos, which is where we get our word “atom” from. It is only used this one time in the New Testament and it comes from the prefix a which means “not,” and temno which means “to cut.” Thus it indicates a moment of time which is indivisible; instant. In explanation of that, he further defines what he means by saying, “in the twinkling of an eye.”

The word used to describe this is also used only once in the New Testament. It is rhipé. It means “a glance, twinkle or flash of the eye; a rush of wind or flame; any rapid movement.” It comes from another word, rhiptó, which indicates “to throw, cast, toss, set down; pass.” It thus is an event which occurs in one combined action, without any delay and nothing to hinder it.

A person can blink their eye five times in a single second. So fast is this that the brain doesn’t always register events which occur so quickly as they flash by. This is the rapidity of the event which is coming. It will be as if a door is opened, we are taken, and then the door is closed before those around us can even perceive what occurred. And the timing of the event is given for us. Nobody can say that “we can’t know when the rapture will occur.” The fact is that we have been told in advance that it will be “at the last trumpet.”

Far too often, this is used by students of prophecy to indicate that this sudden event will occur at the seventh trumpet judgment of Revelation. There is no substantiation for this at all, and it doesn’t fit with a host of other verses in the Bible which indicate that we will be gone before, not during or after, the events of the seven-year tribulation period.

Rather, the word “last” here is described well by Albert Barnes. He says it “does not imply that any trumpet shall have been before sounded at the resurrection, but is a word denoting that this is the consummation or close of things; it will end the economy of this world; it will be connected with the last state of things.”

Understanding this then shows us that even though we know exactly when the rapture will occur – which is at the last trumpet, we will not know when the last trumpet will occur. Instead, all we need to know is that when the trumpet sounds, we are out of here. So keep your ears always ready for that wondrous blast.

When the trump sounds, the blessed hope of the believer in Christ will be realized. “For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” The many words Paul has used so far in this chapter to describe our resurrection bodies will be realized in each believer at that moment. All who have called on Christ, from the dead of thousands of years ago all the way to the final sinner who says, “I’m sorry Lord Jesus, I receive you as my Savior” at that last moment before the trump will be caught away together. We shall be changed, never again to see corruption or death.

Life application: We can send an entire movie through the internet in a moment; something that wasn’t even conceived of a short time ago. We can send all of the information of the internet around the world with tinker toys we call computers. If we can do these things, then why should we believe it is impossible that God can do what His word states, just as His word states it? Have faith in God and in His word.

O God, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, there is going to be a change in those who have received Jesus; and we understand the reason why – it’s because He has done all of the work for us. We shall be raised to eternal life, never again to see corruption of any kind. Then will end the burdensome strife; then will come peace and joy to the believer’s mind. Thank You, O God for the comfort Your word provides to us! Thank You for the hope that is found in the Lord Jesus. Hallelujah and Amen.

Tuesday, 14 April 2015

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 1 Corinthians 15:51

This verse and the next one to come are “rapture” verses. They provide details that, when taken with the other rapture verses of the New Testament, show us the general order in which the rapture will occur within the framework of the greater panorama of redemptive history. Paul’s words here are descriptive in the sense that they depict what will occur. However, they are to be taken literally. One must have rapture theology trained out of them to deny a literal rendering of what they say. When taken at face value they are clear and obvious.

Paul first begins with “Behold.” The word is horao. According to Helps Word Studies it means “properly, see, often with metaphorical meaning: “to see with the mind” (i.e. spiritually see), i.e. perceive (with inward spiritual perception).” This is just what Paul intends with the use of the word because he next says, “I tell you a mystery.”

This word, mystery, is mustérion. In addition to meaning “mystery” it carries the connotation of a “secret, of which initiation is necessary; in the NT: the counsels of God, once hidden but now revealed in the Gospel or some fact thereof; the Christian revelation generally; particular truths or details of the Christian revelation.” In other words, Paul is now explaining something that, until he revealed it to those at Corinth, was completely unknown except to him. It had been revealed to him by God and he was now passing it on for the edification and instruction of the Corinthians, and thus us as well!

And this mystery which is now revealed is that, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…” The meaning is obvious on its surface. Not all believers in Christ will die a physical death (Paul uses the Christian concept of “sleep” to mean “physical death”), but will instead be transformed immediately from the “earthly” to the “heavenly” body that he described earlier.

Paul will continue with his rapture theology to the Corinthians in the next verse and then he will explain why this will occur and the hope which it signifies. In this, other than the fact that there will be living Christians at the time of the event, no specifics concerning that timing are given in this epistle. Rather, it must be discerned by uniting these words with those in other areas of the New Testament.

Life application: Rapture theology is often spoken against by Christian fuddyduddies. Don’t be a Christian fuddyduddy. Instead, accept what the Bible says at face value and know that the Lord will bring the people of His church to Himself. It is the blessed hope of the faithful.

Lord, Your word gives specific details concerning the rapture. It tells us the way in which it will happen, the timing in relation to other events of redemptive history, and who will be included among those changed. It even tells us the speed in which it will occur… in the twinkling of an eye. I’m excited about that and I am prepared. Oh to be with You forever… I’m ready anytime Lord! Amen!

Monday, 13 April 2015

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 1 Corinthians 15:50

In verse 35 Paul noted that, “… someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?'” He has been answering this question since then by making analogies that we can comprehend based on our knowledge of things. However, an entirely new revelation is given from him which is not based on analogy. Rather, it is given as a statement of fact. His words, “Now I say, brethren…” mean that he is adamant about his thoughts and they are words directed specifically to believers.

“Flesh and blood” is a term which is set against, “flesh and bone.” According to Genesis 9:4 (and a principle taught many times after that in Scripture), the life is in the blood. When Jesus died on the cross, His blood was shed. This was the necessary evidence to prove His death. After the resurrection, He used the term “flesh and bones” when showing Himself to the apostles –

“Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” Luke 24:39

This same basic terminology was used by Adam when Eve was created –

“This is now bone of my bones
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.” Genesis 2:23

These words, “bone” and “flesh,” are used quite a few more times in Scripture to indicate identification between individuals. The last time it is used is in Ephesians 5:30 when speaking of the relationship of believers within the body of Christ –

“For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.”

However, the words “flesh” and “blood” are used when speaking of Jesus’ earthly ministry; a ministry which is now complete. That is found explained in Hebrews 2:14 –

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.”

The “flesh and blood” is corruptible and this state “cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” Whatever our bodies will be like, the Bible shows that they will be different than what we now possess. This is why Paul is so careful to show us that our corruption will not inherit incorruption.

Life application: Our current bodies, as marvelous as they are, are weak and corruptible. The blood which runs through our veins will someday be replaced with a new life force, a life force which will allow us to continue on through all eternity. Hold fast to the truth that God has it all under control and that what He has promised will come about just as it is written!

O God! Access is restored through the blood of the Lamb. I now can again enter into Your presence and fellowship with You in the Garden of Delight which we lost so long ago. I believe the message, I receive Your Gift. Thank You for Jesus who has made all things new. Give me the heart and desire to share this wonderful word with others so that they also may walk in Your presence for all eternity! Hallelujah to the Lamb. Amen.

Sunday, 12 April 2015

And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 1 Corinthians 15:49

This verse further explains verse 46 which said, “However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.” Adam is the “natural” whom Paul is referring to. He was created from the dust and was earthly. As we are descendants of Adam, we bear his image. This means that we are also of the dust. It is an obvious truth that all people know and understand. When our lives end, we quickly decay and return to the earth from which we came. But there is good news for the believer in Christ!

Just “as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” This does not mean all humans, but rather only those who have called on Christ. We are now “positionally” in Christ even though we don’t yet actually bear His image. Eventually, we will bear His image; a reality which means that we will never again see decay or corruption. What He is like, we shall also be like. As our current body is suited to the earth and is tied to our relationship to Adam, our future body will be suited to heaven and will be tied to our relationship to Christ.

It should be noted that some translations say “let us also bear” rather than “we shall also bear.” This comes from a variant reading in some manuscripts, but this does not flow with the rest of Paul’s words in the surrounding verses. He is not exhorting us, but rather teaching us. His words in this chapter are an explanation of the issue. It is true that because we are “in Christ” we should act in that manner, but regardless of whether we do or to what level we do, we shall in fact bear the image of Christ, the heavenly Man.

Life application: Christ rose from the dead, never to see corruption. He possesses a resurrection body which is glorious and suited for eternity. We shall be changed to be like this as well. What occurs here is temporary and will pass. What is coming will be eternal and it will be glorious. Don’t lose hope, but rather cling to the truth that is presented in the Bible concerning our future state.

Heavenly Father, I am grateful for every good blessing that You send my way, but I often fail to acknowledge them as they come. Forgive me for taking for granted the many wonderful things that You have graced me with in this life. Help me to acknowledge them openly so that others will see and learn to do so as well. May the praises You deserve rise in abundance from Your undeserving creatures. How great You are and You are greatly to be praised! Amen.

Saturday, 11 April 2015

As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 1 Corinthians 15:48

Paul has just made statements of fact concerning the state of man in regards to Adam and in regards to the Lord. In verse 46 he said, “…the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.” Then in verse 47 he noted that, “The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.” Verse 48 now further explains verse 47. Verse 46 will be further explained in verse 49.

Adam was of the earth, made of dust. Logically then it follows that, “As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust.” All who are “in Adam” are like Adam. Everything follows after its own kind. Pumpkins don’t come from whales nor do papayas come from mangos. As Adam is earthly, it naturally follows that all who issue from him will be earthly as well.

Likewise, we can take it as an axiom that just “as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly.” Christ is “the heavenly Man,” and therefore all who are of Christ are also of the “heavenly.”

Paul states this as a fact based on verse 47. In the next verse, he will show what that means to those who are “in Christ.”

Life application: If you are in Christ, you are in Christ. Nothing can change this. He cannot deny Himself. If you falter in your walk with Him, you may lose rewards, but your salvation is not in question. Be confident that God’s eternal grace and mercy in Christ are greater than your temporary failings.

Lord, Your word says that when my sin was transferred to the cross of Christ, it included all of my sin. An exchange was made which changed me from an earthly position to a heavenly one. I cannot tell You how grateful I am for this. As I walk along this current path, I stumble and fall often, but I have the complete confidence that I am saved, once and for all through the work of Another; through the work of Jesus. Thank You for the assurance I have. I need it often as I know I fail You often. Amen.