by Dr. Othello O. Caturan
[ Excerpted final chapter from the published book by the same author, THE OVERCOMING LIFE-Biblical Truths On Victorious Living, Lord Jesus Christ Discipleship Publications, 2014, 25 chapters, 339 pages.]
Text: 1 Corinthians 15: 38-58
“38] But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.[39] All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.[40] There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.[41] There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.[42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:[43] It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:[44] It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.[45] And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.[46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.[47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.[48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.[49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.[50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
INTRODUCTION
1. a. The doctrine of the resurrection of the dead is an Old Testament doctrine noted in the book of Job 14:14, Daniel 12:2; Zechariah 12:10 This is not a mystery because this has been revealed already by God among Old Testament prophets and saints.
b. The resurrection of the dead associated with white throne judgment and the ones mentioned in the Olivet discourse is associated with the last trumpet of God at the end of the Great Tribulation.
c. The last trumpet mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15: 52 and trump of God in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 are associated with the judgment seat of Christ among the true believers at the end of the church age.
2. a. One of mysteries in the New Testament taught by Paul is the mystery of the translation of living saints in a twinkling of an eye. 1 Corinthians 15: 52-53 [52] ] “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”
b. This is in relation to other related passages in the Scriptures in Philippians 3:20-21 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18:
“ :
“ [20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:[21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:20-21
I Thessalonians 4: 16-18- – “[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
This is usually associated with judgment seat of Christ after the rapture. ] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
This is usually associated with judgment seat of Christ after the rapture. 2 Corinthians 5: 10 ] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
This is usually associated with judgment seat of Christ after the rapture. 2 Corinthians 5: 10 “[9] Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
b. There is a different resurrection from the dead associated with the white throne judgment of the Lord and also associated with the judgments of God during the Great Tribulation. Revelation 8-11 Matthew 24: 29-31; book of Daniel seventieth week.
3. The translation of the living saints as they are changed in suddenness and abruptness is the particular teaching of Paul in the context of the church as taught in I Corinthians 15; I Thessalonians 4:14-17 and Philippians 3:20-21
DISCUSSION
What is this teaching of the apostle Paul of the translation of the living saints in a twinkling of an eye?
1. We shall be changed as Christ’s dead body in the tomb had been changed by being risen from the dead. Vv. 38-47
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“ [38] But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.[39] All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.[40] There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.[41] There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.[42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:[43] It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:[44] It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.[45] And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.[46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.[47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.”
a. God one day will give us true believers a body that is spiritual, glorious one that is heavenly; this God’s sovereign plan to all of us who believe in Him, in the gospel of God and His precious words.
b. The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead is the central doctrinal foundation of our Christian faith. This is why the apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 15: 14-27 the following truths:
“ the following truths:
“[12] Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?[13] But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:[14] And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.[15] Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.[16] For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:[17] And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.[18] Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.[19] If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.[20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.[21] For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.[22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.[23] But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.[24] Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.[25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.[26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.[27] For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.”
1.) the preaching of the gospel is useless and vain. V 14 2.) our faith is useless and vain v. 14 3.) we are false witnesses of Christ v 15 4.) we are still in our sins un-forgiven and unpardoned and guilty v17 5.) those dead in Christ were perished or in eternal damnation v 18 6. we are most miserable in this life v 19 7.) we are without hope in life after death v 19
c. The risen Christ is the guarantee of our precious salvation that we shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye. There is the ultimate victory of Christ when he will come for His saints in 1 Corinthians 15:23
d. From the promise of the Lord in John 11:25- “[25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” we shall be changed and be transformed into the glorious body which is immortal and heavenly in nature because it is not made with human hands.
e. Listen to what apostle Paul told the church in Corinth:
“] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” we shall be changed and be transformed into the glorious body which is immortal and heavenly in nature because it is not made with human hands.
e. Listen to what apostle Paul told the church in Corinth:
“[1] For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.[2] For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:[3] If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.[4] For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.[5] Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.[6] Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:[7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)[8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-8
f. We should have the confidence and assurance as Paul had assured the believers in Corinth even as we have received the earnest of the Spirit in our mortal bodies. Romans 8: 9-11 “ [9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.[11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
2. We shall be changed to bear the image of the heavenly. Vv 48-49
[48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.[49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
a. The image of the heavenly body is glorious and pure, sinless, spotless spiritual body in holiness, righteousness, and godliness. Jesus Christ is the image of the heavenly Father and we need to be like Him transformed like into His glorious body. ] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
a. The image of the heavenly body is glorious and pure, sinless, spotless spiritual body in holiness, righteousness, and godliness. Jesus Christ is the image of the heavenly Father and we need to be like Him transformed like into His glorious body. Philippians 3: 20-21] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
a. The image of the heavenly body is glorious and pure, sinless, spotless spiritual body in holiness, righteousness, and godliness. Jesus Christ is the image of the heavenly Father and we need to be like Him transformed like into His glorious body. Philippians 3: 20-21- “[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:[21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
b. God’s plan is for every child of God to be transformed into the image of His Son one day and this is to start after we received salvation from God and finally to be completed at His coming for His saints. Romans 8:28-30- – “[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.[29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.[30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
c. Praise the Lord we have the imprint of the earnest of the Spirit in us at the time of our salvation; and from that day until His coming we shall all be changed into the image of His Son Jesus Christ through Holy Spirit in us. 2 Corinthians 3: 17-18- “[17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.[18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
3. We shall be changed because flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of heaven. Vv 50-52
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“ [50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
a. Flesh and blood is corrupt and corruptible therefore can in no way inherit the kingdom of God. This is so because the holiness of God demands sinless nature and absolute purity in the fellowship with in eternity. Flesh and blood are not pleasing to God because nothing good in it but corruption and rottenness. This is not pleasing to God because He is absolutely holy. Romans 7: 18-23 “ [18] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.[19] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.[20] Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.[21] I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.[22] For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:[23] But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”
b. The kingdom of God is absolutely free from sin in whatever form or shades we can imagine. God is incompatible with the sinful flesh and blood. God hates sin and anything evil or fleshy or carnal.
Deuteronomy 25:16- “[16] For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
Psalm 5:4 “[4] For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.”
Psalm 11:4-7- – “[4] The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.[5] The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.[6] Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.[7] For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.”
Proverbs 6: 16-19 “16] These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:[17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,[18] An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,[19] A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
c. We shall be changed so that God can be with fellowship with us with the complete absence of sin in eternity future.
4. We shall be changed to become incorruptible and immortal. Vv53-54
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“53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”
a. The corruptible and the mortal which is our sinful flesh must become incorruptible and immortal to have eternal fellowship with God. It takes God immortal and almighty power of God to do this. This is impossible with men but all things are possible with God.
b. It is through the gospel of Christ that sinful and corruptible men could avail of immortality and eternal life as taught by the apostle Paul. 2 Timothy 1:10 –“But now is made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel of :”
c. Thus, through the gospel of Christ and the assurance that Jesus will changed our corruptible body into incorruptible, we faint not to continue to do and serving Him no matter what: “
c. Thus, through the gospel of Christ and the assurance that Jesus will changed our corruptible body into incorruptible, we faint not to continue to do and serving Him no matter what: “[14] Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.[15] For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.[16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:14-18
5. We shall be changed to give final victory over death. 55- 56
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.”
a. We shall be changed to give a final and complete blow of defeat to death. “Death is swallowed up in victory.” Our victory is body being transformed into the glorified immortal and spiritual body unvanquished by death. The sting of death and the power of the grave can not harm us any longer and anymore true believers because of Christ who rendered death powerless and destroyed to its power and clutches to God’s children in finality.
b. We shall be changed to make our victory in Christ invincible and formidable beyond the power of death and the grave. We can never be separated from Christ no matter what in whatever circumstance and situation because the victory is thorough and completely undertaken by Christ.
c. The song writer penned this victory in Jesus in this manner:
“ Behold a future glimpse; I show a mystery A trumpet’s mighty blast will pierce through the sky. The grave shall then be swallowed in victory. King Jesus will prevail, and death shall die. I shall see the King in His beauty, Shining forth in brilliant light.
Creation groans together, calling the King to come; Each royal child looks upward scanning the skies. Their unison crescendo pleads, “Come quickly Lord, Pronounce the final word and we shall rise.”
I shall start the praise of eternity when I shall see the glorious sight. Though each foe from hell fights mastery, Though each sin of earth tries to conquer me with one word my King shall claim victory When my eyes behold the King!
6. We shall be changed to show and acknowledge the final victory of Christ among the dead and living in the faith. Vv 57
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“[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
a. Our victory is God in Christ because He conquered death to overthrow its power over us sinful men through His resurrection power manifested on us someday, Some Golden Daybreak.
“Some glorious morning sorrow will cease, Some glorious morning all will be peace; heartaches all ended, school days all done. Heaven will open- Jesus will come.
Sad hearts will gladden, all shall be bright, good-bye forever to earth’s dark night; changed in a moment, like Him to be, O glorious day-break, Jesus I’ll see.
O what a meeting, there in the skies, No tears nor crying shall dim our eyes; Loved ones united eternally, O what a day-break that morn will be.
Some golden day-break Jesus will come; Some golden day-break, battles all won, he’ll shout the victory, break through the blue, Some golden day-break, foe me, for you.”
b. The victory is assured of and is certain through Christ’s resurrection attested as historical facts and noted and seen by more than five hundred brethren at once. 1 Corinthians 15: 6
c. True believers need to be thankful for this victory over death settled already by Christ’s resurrection with no doubt about it. Le us settle this thing with faith in our hearts even as our faith in Him and His words is as certain as can be. Our true response to the victory we have in Christ is a thankful heart because we are nothing and powerless over sin and death without Christ.
d. Like the song writer we can sing:
“Thank you, Jesus for all you have done, Thank you, Lord, Thank you, Jesus, for vict’ries won, O Thank you , Lord, For Thy love and tender care, for Thy word and answered prayer; Thank you Jesus, for all you have done. Thank you Lord.”
7. We shall be changed to complete our salvation as promised by the Lord and to propel and motivate us to live in the Lord. V. 58
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
a. Our victory in Christ is never complete unless we all be changed and transformed like the glorified body of the Lord. We shall be like Him as He is when we shall see Him face to face when faith shall be no more but love abides forever.
“Face to face with Christ my Savior, Face to face- what will it be, When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me?
Only faintly now I see Him, With the dark’ning veil between, But a blessed day is coming; When His glory shall be seen.
What rejoicing in His presence, When are banished grief and pain; When the crooked ways are straightened, And the dark things shall be plain.
Face to face- O blissful moment! Face to face- to see and know; Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so.
Face to face I shall behold Him, Far beyond the starry sky; Face to face in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by.”
b. We shall be changed and be raised up in the last day to fulfill the promise of the Lord and the Father’s will in John 6:38-40- “[38] For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.[39] And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.[40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
c. We shall be changed and be transformed like the Lord in the end because this is God’s work for His glory and honor in His sovereign plan. 1 Corinthians 15: 23-28 “ “ “23] But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.[24] Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.[25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.[26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.[27] For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.[28] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”
APPLICATION
1. The challenge this morning is noted by Paul in] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”
APPLICATION
1. The challenge this morning is noted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15: 58- ] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”
APPLICATION
1. The challenge this morning is noted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15: 58- “[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
2. It Is important to be steadfast in the faith of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. It is important to be focused and narrowed down our life to Christ, in Christ and for Christ alone to the glory of the Father.
4. It is important to be all the time and every moment to work abundantly and exceedingly in His work of building His kingdom in all aspects of our life; all the glory of our heavenly father in Christ Jesus.
5. It is important to remember always that God will always remember and take notice of our labor in His name. His promises are abounding in this matter:
Matthew 25:34-40- Matthew 10: 40-42- Revelation 22: 12
CONCLUSION
Let me end this message with this hymn writer’s challenge to all of us; “Christ is coming, He is coming, And we do not know the hour. O sinner, you are not ready Till you taste His saving power As He went up into heaven, So He cometh from the sky, O Christian will you serve Him? For redemption draweth nigh. He will come in power and glory, and the dead in Christ shall rise. Then we who still are living , Shall be caught in the skies. Lord Jesus, come quickly, And take Thy children home. Are you ready for his coming? When Jesus claims His own.
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