Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 20th Edition.
Dear Flock of God,
which he Bought with His own Blood, Happy Good Friday! This is the worst possible of all days, that the resurrection turned into the greatest of all days!
Yesterday we looked at the Exit Plan for Believers in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Today we conclude this exploration into biblical teaching on end times, in order that we may return to our meditations in Philippians. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Paul reiterates his words that we saw yesterday about the resurrection and the rapture. But he adds that “We shall be changed.” A broad reading of this passage’s context shows us that the change will result in “spiritual bodies.” The spiritual body is described as incorruptible and immortal (read, cannot decay – and obviously, won’t die). There are many things we don’t know about the new spiritual body. John, in 1 John 1:2 says, “It has not been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him… ”
We can glean a few things from the gospels about the resurrection body of Jesus:1. The women “held him by the feet,” Matthew 28:9, so the body is apparently tangible. Compare Luke 24:302. The body was “recognizable, Luke 24:31. Compare John 20:16.3. The body could appear and disappear (materialize and dematerialize), even in locked rooms, John 20:19, compare Luke 24:31.4. The body still had crucifixion scars, John 20:24-27, compare Luke 24:39.5. The body could eat, Luke 24:41-43. Having said all of the above, we repeat John’s words earlier, “It has not yet been revealed… ” We don’t know what in the gospels is accommodation and what is revealed for us to know, in this case, so we wait. But let’s not get carried away. 1 John 3:3 says, “And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself… ” Knowing the exact program of the end times is a waste of time if it does not encourage personal purity.
The day will come “Like a thief in the night,” (1 Thessalonians 5:2), “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect,” (Matthew 24:44). Join me tomorrow as we delve back into Philippians.
Your loving Pastor Chris.