The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Corinthians 15:19,
"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."
I find much to be thankful about for knowing Jesus Christ in this life. So much of this life becomes grander, more beautiful, more fulfilling. However, if Christians are deluded, Paul says here we are to be the most pitied of all people. It would be as if believers have invested their entire lives and souls to a lie, to nothing.
Being ignorant of God and not knowing Jesus Christ leaves no hope at all in this life. All we work for, all our efforts, all our favorite things and places, all the ones we love will be lost forever the day we die, if we are deluded. And, we are all going to die one day. No one will stay here for long. But this is not the case! Paul says, "we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead"... "he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures", verses 15 and 4. Since Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, we will be raised from the dead as well.
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him." Verses 20-23. How wonderful is that?!
Knowing God and his Son Jesus Christ, experiencing the Holy Spirit within brings a new reality to our earthly existence here. We know this life is not all there is. This life is just a beginning! We have so much to look forward to! Our own resurrection from the dead into a body that is imperishable, raised in glory, raised in power, a new spiritual body!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."
I find much to be thankful about for knowing Jesus Christ in this life. So much of this life becomes grander, more beautiful, more fulfilling. However, if Christians are deluded, Paul says here we are to be the most pitied of all people. It would be as if believers have invested their entire lives and souls to a lie, to nothing.
Being ignorant of God and not knowing Jesus Christ leaves no hope at all in this life. All we work for, all our efforts, all our favorite things and places, all the ones we love will be lost forever the day we die, if we are deluded. And, we are all going to die one day. No one will stay here for long. But this is not the case! Paul says, "we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead"... "he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures", verses 15 and 4. Since Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, we will be raised from the dead as well.
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him." Verses 20-23. How wonderful is that?!
Knowing God and his Son Jesus Christ, experiencing the Holy Spirit within brings a new reality to our earthly existence here. We know this life is not all there is. This life is just a beginning! We have so much to look forward to! Our own resurrection from the dead into a body that is imperishable, raised in glory, raised in power, a new spiritual body!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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