"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.." 2 Cor. 5:1 -2
Christ is alive, in his glorified body today. Outta that dank rock tomb!
The Apostle Paul knew it was best to live in God's perfect will.. even though it was far from perfect here. Therefore Paul obeyed Jesus, stayed in touch, and knew he'd soon get a new home to live in. He simply wanted to please the Lord.
Christians will be physically resurrected with new bodies as well. Soon and very soon.
What did Jesus mean when He said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2)?
Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we can be raised from the dead.
Do you live in California or North Carolina? Have you suffered some loss? Do you live in some tent elsewhere today? So sorry about that, and about all you've been through.
Home rebuilding from scratch, or renovation sure isn’t cheap these days.
According to research from the website Angi, an average
renovation in Dallas has a $42,000 price tag. The cost of the project depends on the work that will be done; some rooms are more expensive than others:
• Living room remodeling cost: $5,000–10,000
• Bedroom remodeling cost: $1,500–5,500
• Kitchen renovation cost: $14,550–40,400
• Bathroom remodeling cost: $6,600–28,000
• Basement renovation cost: $12,023–34,497
• Home theater installation cost: $10,000–60,000
• Attic remodeling cost: $4,600–16,400
• Garage renovation cost: $1,500–50,000
Some homes need more help than others. A full gut-and-remodel renovation costs between $100,000 and $650,000.
Q: What factors (age, neglect, environment) have caused the most damage to your home?
Right now we're planted and grow up metaphorically like palm trees. We reach upwards, endure some storms, and cast some seed that gets planted.. only to go heavenwards.
“No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.” – Josh McDowell
Man, denying the physical resurrection with glorified bodies.. often stems from human pride or perhaps a lame fear. There is a holy reverential fear of God that's good.
Some people struggle to believe in what they cannot see. Others resist, rebel and refuse to submit to the implications of eternal accountability -- to Direct Authority.
But our flawless Scriptures are unyielding when it comes to this Cardinal Doctrine: the resurrection is not dependent on our belief or disbelief—it is a certainty decreed by God. Historically Jesus rose from the dead and there were gobs of eyewitnesses (over 500) and Christians will physically rise out of graves as well.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” John 11:25
Good idea: Let's believe all the Bible from the maps to the back leather cover. To deny the resurrection is to deny Christ Himself. To embrace the living Word of God and all His Essentials is to embrace the real and abundant life that He offers.
“If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” – Timothy Keller
Primarily..Today Even.. You Are Called To God Through Jesus Christ!
We are then called to believe all of God's word. Important decision! Let's not put it off. Honestly, humbly.. with true repentance approach the as you are. Be willing for Him to change you.
If you’ve doubted or dismissed the resurrection, I urge you to please reconsider your stance. The hope of the resurrection is not just a theological concept; it is the very heartbeat of Christ's gospel.
It is God’s promise that death does not have the final word. For those people in Christ, the grave is not a hard period but a comma—merely the doorway to eternal life with God.
Don't trust what I say to you, but trust in the words of God's sinless Son, Jesus. Believe in the Trinity's power to raise the dead (yes all three were involved in raising Jesus, they are always in harmony with each other).
For the hour is coming when every single grave will be emptied, and every soul will stand before the One who holds eternity in His hands. Choose life. Decide today to repent and believe in Jesus. Choose to live in light of this truth, instead of in darkness and error. In doing so, you will find the hope, peace, and assurance of salvation that only Christ can give. He's the one who saves people.
Believers, let us not wackle, flake, be shifty, or waver even a little bit with what the Bible teaches. Listen, the resurrection is not just some religious doctrine—it is our important destiny.
The Bible says, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, a time is coming and is here now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear it will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in Himself and is self-existent, even so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself and be self-existent. 27 And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is a Son of Man sinless humanity, qualifying Him to sit in judgment over mankind. 28 Do not be surprised at this; for a time is coming when all those who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and they will come out—those who did good things will come out to a resurrection of new life, but those who did evil things will come out to a resurrection of judgment that is, to be sentenced." John 5:25-29 amp
The first great resurrection was the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Optimism hopes for the best without any guarantee of its arriving and is often no more than whistling in the dark; Christian hope, by contrast, is faith looking ahead to the fulfillment of the promises of God. Christian hope expresses knowledge that every day of his life, and every moment beyond it, the believer can say with truth, on the basis of God’s own commitment, that the best is yet to come.” – J.I. Packer
“We live and die; Christ died and lived!” – John Stott
Get saved. Live again with Him!
“While the resurrection promises us a new and perfect life in the future, God loves us too much to leave us alone to contend with the pain, guilt and loneliness of our present life.” – Josh McDowell
In saying (see Jn. 5:25) that the dead will hear his voice, Jesus was speaking about the spiritually dead people around him who hear, understand, and accept him as Savior. Those who repent and accept Jesus, the living Word, will indeed have eternal life. But Christ was also speaking about physically dead people. He raised several dead people while he was there on earth.
Saints will get new bodies in the time of the Rapture and at the time of Christ's Second Coming (sure, the tribulation saints will too) "Christians who have died” will rise to meet him (1 Thess. 4:16).
There is no life apart from Creator God (5:26 our Father and Source) either here or hereafter. The life in each of us is a truly a gift from him (see Deuteronomy 30:20; Psalm 36:9). Because Jesus is eternally existent with our Creator Father, he, too, is “the life” (14:6) through whom we can live eternally (see 1 John 5:11). He's the way, truth and life.
Remember in the OT the three signs (5:27) of the coming Messiah? John shows that Jesus has fulfilled all three signs. Authority to judge is given to him as the Son of Man (cf. 5:27 with Daniel 7:13, 14). The lame and sick are healed (cf. 5:20, 21 with Isaiah 35:6; Jeremiah 31:8, 9). The dead are raised to life (cf. 5:21, 28 with Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; 2 Kings 5:7).
The people who rebelled against Christ (5:29) will also be resurrected, too, but not with glorified bodies. They will sadly hear God’s judgment pronounced against them and will be appropriately sentenced to a horrific love-less eternity.
You probably know some people who wish to live prosperous and well on earth? They ignore God, chase the bucks, and then see death as final ending. Life here is brief. But in reality, Jesus does not allow unbelieving people to see death as the end of it all. There is a judgment to face.
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Heb. 9:27 esv
I challenge you to study all the claims of Christ. Jesus went on in John claiming to be equal with God the Father (5:18), to give eternal life (5:24), to be the source of life (5:26), and to judge sin (5:27). These statements make it clear that Jesus was claiming to be divine—an almost unbelievable claim, but one that was supported by another witness, John the Baptist.
"Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." Revelation 20:4 esv
Real Christians will be resurrected at the time of the last trumpet and the rapture. All those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ during the church age and have died before Jesus returns will be resurrected at the rapture. The church age began on the day of Pentecost and will end when Christ returns to take believers back to heaven with Him (John 14:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). The apostle Paul explained that not all Christians will die, but all will be changed, i.e., given resurrection-type bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50–58), some without having to die. Christians who are alive and those who have already died will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him always.
The tribulation saints will be resurrected at the Second Coming of Christ to earth.
Some people will repent and believe during the tribulation years. These people are called the tribulation saints. They will serve their Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of desperate surroundings. Faithful to the end, many of these believers will die for their faith. But in their death, they overcome; “They overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11). And God will reward them: “He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:15–17).
What is the purpose of the thousand-year reign of Christ
What will happen when Jesus comes back to earth?
Will you.. who will occupy the Millennial Kingdom?
What does it mean that Satan will be bound for a thousand years?
Will David reign with Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom?
What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming?
What is the judgment seat of Christ?
What is the meaning of those who were raised to life at Jesus' death?
Where was Jesus for those three days?
Why did Jesus tell Mary, “Do not cling to me” (John 20:17)?
What are the keys of death (Revelation 1:18)?
How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible?
Where was Jesus for the three days between His own death and rez-day?
Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?
What is the great white throne judgment?
In the Bible, what is the second death?
Do unbelievers immediately go to hell when they die?
What is the marriage supper of the Lamb?
Where did Old Testament believers/saints go when they died?
What is the first resurrection? What is the second resurrection?
In Romans 8 - Paul states that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will also raise up believers.
"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus[a] from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." Romans 8:11 esv
In Luke 24 - Jesus declared that his resurrection body was physical and touchable
"See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Lk. 24:39 esv
In John 5 - Jesus speaks of the resurrection as involving the coming forth of individuals out of their tombs.
"Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment." Jn. 5:28-29 esv
Philippians 3 - Paul describes how believers will be resurrected and given glorified bodies at the second coming of Christ
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Phil. 3:20-21 esv
See all of 1 Corinthians 15 - The Apostle Paul calls Christ's resurrection the "first fruits" of the resurrection and he compares our current bodies to seeds planted. He describes how our resurrected bodies will come up from the earth to be imperishable and glorified with God.
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Cor. 15:20-22 esv
"So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; 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. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body." 1 Cor. 15:42-44 esv
For Christians, the resurrection is the very heartbeat of our Historic Christian faith! The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the foundation of our hope, the promise that we, too, will rise out of seas, ashes, graves—not just spiritually, but bodily. Jesus, in His perfect wisdom and glory, triumphed over death, and in doing so, He secured for us the future resurrection of our own bodies. Ours will be like His glorified body.
"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:" 1 Cor. 15:40-44 kjv
One day we'll look up and see that a whole lot has been changed!
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away (vanished), and there is no longer any sea." Revelation 21:1 amp
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15 paint a clear picture of this living hope we enjoy. He tells us that the body we sow in death is perishable, dishonorable, and weak. But it is raised up imperishable, glorious, and powerful instead of weak.
Why did Paul speak metiphorically of seeds? He compares the resurrection with seed and its growth from the earth (1 Cor. 15:35). Do you have a garden? He says that seeds placed in the ground won’t grow unless they “die” first. And the plant that grows from that seed looks very different from that seed because God gives it a new “body.” There are different kinds of bodies—people, animals, fish, birds. Even heavenly bodies. The angels up there have bodies too that are different in beauty and glory. Our resurrected body will be very different from our earthly body, but it'll be a spiritual body full of glory. Currently our physical body is aging, weak, perishable and prone to decay. Our resurrection body won't be like that after being transformed. The spiritual body will not be limited by the laws of nature here. This does not necessarily mean we’ll be superpeople like Clark Kent, but our body will be different from and more capable than our present earthly body. Our spiritual body will ever get weak or sick -- it'll never die.
We believers like to plant seed ideas of faith. We like to plant churches too. Think about seed planted in the dirt. Essentially, a plant seed's metabolism on the ground slows down significantly, preventing decay and preserving its ability to grow until the conditions are fitting for that.
Scientests tell us a seed can remain viable for thousands of years, even after being found in an ancient place like a pyramid, because of the biological process called "desiccation tolerance," where the seed essentially goes into a state of suspended animation when very dry. This allows it to last long in the dirt and extreme conditions, and then to germinate when it's exposed to moisture and favorable conditions. The most important factor is a dry environment for seeds, which prevents that dry ole seed from germinating prematurely.
It's Like a Dormancy of Sorts - yes, many plants have a natural "dormancy" period where the seed waits for optimal conditions like moisture and temperature before germinating.
Q: Do you tend and water the seeds you've planted in your hearers ears?
From a seed of faith planted.. "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”
Q: Has your late Christian uncle been burried a really log time?
I often think about date palm seeds. They are some of the oldest known viable seeds found even in ancient archaeological sites, which have later been successfully germinated with water even after thousands of years.
Palm seeds turn into trees that grow upwards, with branches reaching upwards. The Christian life is such that we each are to grow from the word upwards and praise the Lord. Like a palm tree, we should be pointing others towards Heaven (to Jesus). Palm trees are deeply rooted, they endure strong winds and produce fruit. We can do that with God's help.
Believer, our mortal, decaying bodies (even if you eat right and exercise at your peak age) will one day be made totally immortal, totally free from the corruption that sin has brought into the world via Adam and Eve's choices. You will be resurrected.
The martyrs will rise up too. The blood of those who were killed or just died in Christ will be addressed. It's been said "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church," but hey, their bodies planted in dirt are too. They will be raised by Jesus himself—honored by the Spirit, and glorified by the power of our loving Father!
Seeds Sown in Corruption, Christians Get Raised in Glory
When we consider the resurrection of the body, we must remember the analogy Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 15. A seed must die before it brings forth new life. In the same way, our earthly bodies, subject to decay, will "sleep" as the Bible says (not a soul sleep). They will be laid to rest so to speak before they are resurrected. But when they are raised up, they will very much so bear the likeness of Christ’s glorified body—a body that knows no more pain, no more decay, and no more sickness, disease or death. This is the ultimate redemption of mankind for our body and soul and spirit, the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore all things.
The Glorification of the Believer
What does this glorified body look like? The Scriptures don’t leave us in the dark. In 1 John 3:2, we are assured that we will be like Christ, for we will see Him as He is. This doesn’t mean we will all look the same or be clones of Christ; rather, it speaks of a deep, eternal transformation—a glorious likeness to the Savior. Just as Jesus was recognizable after His resurrection, so too will we be recognizable, yet gloriously different. In this new state, the imperfections of the flesh will give way to the perfection of the eternal.
The Hope of the Resurrection
The resurrection is not just a future event; it is a present hope that shapes how we live today. The body of the believer, though subject to weakness, decay, and death, is destined for glory. It is a truth that calls us to live with an eternal perspective, to work, to pray, and to labor as those who know that death is not the end. The promise of resurrection should inspire us to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal, to live with the knowledge that in Christ, we are more than conquerors. Our resurrection is secured not by our strength, but by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.
As the martyr’s blood has been the seed of the church, so too is the body of the martyr and all who die in Christ. They, like us, will rise again, glorified, in bodies fit for eternity. This is our hope. This is our confidence. And this is the truth that sustains us as we journey through this world—our bodies may fade, but our resurrection is certain. Let this truth encourage our hearts and propel us to live for Christ, knowing that the final victory is His, and it is ours through Him. So let us not shrink back from the truth of resurrection. Let us live with joy, with the certainty that our Savior will one day return to raise us up, in bodies like His. We will rise, and when we do, we will be more like Christ than we ever imagined. The seed planted in the ground will bear much fruit. That is the promise of resurrection, and it is a promise we can cling to with hope, knowing that the best is yet to come.
Let's talk about the W's of what God is saying in JOHN 5
Works - That Speak Loudly (John 5:1–21). Remember when our Father God “broke” His Sabbath rest to help two sinners (Gen. 3:8ff.), and later on Jesus followed His example. In the world of nature, the Father is healing and resorting bodies, multiplying food, turning water into wine, and so forth; but He takes longer to do those things. Jesus regenerates (saves) people -- what a great miracle! Our Lord’s miracles are the Father’s works done instantly. Whether instantly or gradually with his miracles, they are all wonderful works of God. Think about this -- Jesus while dead and buried in a rock tomb had a part in physically raising himself from the dead. All members of the Trinity had a part in this.
Wrath - That Also Speaks To Those Who Will Listen (22, 24–30). Today, Jesus is the Savior; tomorrow, He will be the Judge (Rev. 20:11–15). Even death and cold graves cannot keep lost sinners from the judgment ahead, for He will raise them from the dead. All humans will be raised from the dead and have a body fit for their location in eternity -- in either heaven or in hell. There is no escape of judgment ahead, except faith in Jesus Christ (5:24) will bring you through to the right place. The Bible teaches us that He is God the Fathers only way for you into his holy heaven.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 niv
Worship - That Is Acceptable Is Biblical (23). If you worship God the Father acceptably, you must also worship the Son wholeheartedly; and if you dishonor the Son of God, you dishonor the only Father God. Those who claim to worship God but ignore the Son are not even worshiping God at all! They will sadly split hell wide open. They are only fooling themselves, but have perhaps a bit of time to repent.
Witnesses - So Many Do This, And We Can Join In (31–47). How can anyone deny that Jesus is the Son of God when there are so many witnesses affirming He really is God the Son: John the Baptist (vv. 31–35), the miracles (v. 36), the Father (v. 37; Mark 1:11), and the Scriptures (vv. 38–39)? But when people believe on Him, they have the witness within themselves (vv. 39–47; 1 John 5:9–13).
Will Awaken - God's Voice WILL Indeed Awaken All Humans That Are Dead. All WILL Exsist In Either Heaven Or Hell
In these John 5, Jesus declares that His voice holds the power to awaken both spiritually dead people and physically dead people. John 5 not only reveals the depth of His great authority but also confronts us with the reality of our eternal destiny (heaven or hell, we each must choose).
Want to take a moment to unpack this passage to understand its rich meaning (reread through a couple times).
1. God's Voice -- Is The Voice of Life (John 5:25)
"Truly, truly, I say to you, a time is coming and is here now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear it will live."
There's a sense of urgency with Jesus the soul-winner and there needs to be a sense of urgency in your ministry as well.
The time is both future and present. Jesus' voice is powerful, the Word of God doesn't return void.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 esv
(John 1:1), calls the spiritually dead to life. Those dead in sin, blinded by darkness, are awakened when they hear His call and respond in faith. This is not just about physical resurrection but spiritual transformation—a life made new by the power of Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5).
This is the miracle of salvation. When Jesus speaks, the soul that is unresponsive to God’s truth awakens, and eternal life begins. The spiritually dead, those separated from God, are invited to hear and live.
2. The Trinity Communicates With Each Other And Harmonizes As The Source of Real Life (John 5:26)
"For just as the Father has life in Himself and is self-existent, even so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself."
Here in the Bible, Jesus declares His divine nature. Just as the Father is the source of life, so is the Son. Jesus does not merely possess life—He is life (John 14:6). This divine self-existence is what qualifies Him to give life to others.
This truth emphasizes the unity of the Father and the Son in their passionate work of salvation (that goes on to this day. God wants to use you in this ministry).
It reminds us that the eternal life Jesus offers is not borrowed or derived—it flows from the infinite, self-sustaining life of God Himself to needy man. To anyone willing to humble themselves before Him. The Holy Spirit doesn't point to self, but to Jesus because He is also about life!
2 Corinthians 3:6: "For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life"
Romans 8:6: "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace"
Galatians 5:16: "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh"
Galatians 6:8: "He that sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life"
3. The Authority To Judge Humans (John 5:27)
"And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man."
Jesus is uniquely qualified to judge because He is both fully God (always has been, wasn't created) and fully man since He was born of a virgin. His humanity enables Him to understand our weaknesses, temptations, struggles and trials, while His sinless divine nature ensures His judgment is perfect and righteous. Always. Never misses.
The title “Son of Man” points to His role as the Messiah of Israel (most Jews didn't recognize Him, but we do) and also His connection to all humanity. He is not a distant judge but one who has walked in our shoes here, has faced our temptations and lived among us. Yet, because He is sinless, He has the authority to execute perfect justice.
4. The Resurrection of the Dead (John 5:28-29)
"Do not be surprised at this; for a time is coming when all those who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and they will come out."
They will be out and about. Remember when Jesus physically died? Many bodies of male and female saints came alive at that time.
Those murdering Jesus put a spear through his heart to make sure. Blood and water came out. Jesus didn't merely swoon or pass out.
The Bible says, "Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God." Matt. 27:50-54 kjv
"..and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53 They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people." Matt. 27:52-53 nlt
Jesus speaks of a future event for humans—yes, the bodily resurrection of the dead. This resurrection will encompass all humanity, believers and unbelievers alike will get resurrected bodies according to their respective locations (heaven or hell. Please don't RSVP too late. His forgiveness is free cuz of the Cross). Listen, the righteous will rise to eternal life, while the wicked will rise to face judgment.
This is a staggering truth we each must grasp while we suck air. The same voice that called Lazarus from the tomb will raise you too.
"When He had said this, He shouted with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!'” John 11:43 amp
One day God will call all the dead to come out of the sea, out of the dirt, out of the ash heap, and stand before Him.
For those who have trusted in Christ, this will be a special day to remember. This resurrection leads to everlasting joy and glory. We each get a glorified body to worship Him with.
For those who have rejected Christ, their physical resurrection will tragically lead each one to eternal separation, deep loneliness, and lasting pain away from God's presence—such a sobering reality that should NOW drive us to our knees in repentance and saving faith.
5. The Eternal Divide
"Those who did good things will come out to a resurrection of new life, but those who did evil things will come out to a resurrection of judgment."
Works of course don't save any of us but they sure reveal who we are. We work from our own salvation, not for our salvation.
This verse above does not suggest salvation by works at all, but it reflects the evidence of faith within a believer because we want to serve the Lord by serving others once we are born again.
Those who belong to Christ openly and in private live for Him demonstrating their faith through their good attitudes, words and actions.
"So too, faith, if it does not have works to back it up, is by itself dead inoperative and ineffective." James 2:17 amp
The demons believe and tremble. They don't have saving faith or good works to please God, but lie and deceive people even through religious leaders.
"You believe that God is one; you do well to believe that. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!" James 2:19 amp
The "good things" from a born-again Christian are the fruit of a regenerated transformed heart -- from a fully life surrendered to God the Lord.
Conversely, those who reject Christ will face certain judgment. Their "evil things" are the natural outflow of a life lived for self apart from God. This eternal divide is not arbitrary; it is the result of the choices made in this life.
The Call to Respond To Jesus Still Goes Out For A Time
Jesus' words in John 5:25-29 are both a promise and a warning. The promise is this: His voice can awaken the dead, bringing zoe life to those who respond in faith. He gives life to dead bodies that won't fail again. The warning is equally clear: those who reject Christ will face judgment and the lake of fire.
No redo. I mean a do-over, no purgatory, or reincarnation after death.
When I pray, God hears me and works. He'll hear you too. When I read my Bible daily I hear God's voice speak.
You will love having fellowship with God daily.. all day long. Toss one (a prayer) up. Toss one up all day long!
This Bible passage in John 5 challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus’ voice. Have you heard Him calling to get right with your heavenly Father? Are you sure you are saved and living in the light of His life-giving resurrection power?
The time is coming when every grave will be opened up, and every soul will emerge.. even particles into a body to stand before the One who holds life and judgment in His hands. For those who trust in Jesus, this is a moment of glorious hope.
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…He’s risen!” – Charles R. Swindoll
Come to God right now. Be right, get right in the light (honestly). As Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). The question remains: Will you hear His voice and live?
THINK: Reflect on what the future consummated kingdom of God may be like – a perfect place where there is no evil, mourning, crying or pain. Where everyone honors God in all things and treats everyone else with respect, kindness and selfless love. There are some who say heaven “sounds boring” because they imagine just sitting on a cloud playing a harp and singing praise music all day forever. How would you respond to someone who said that to you?
PRAY: for God to give you a renewed image of the people in the world around you – as people who will be immortal creatures in the future. Ask Him to give you His heart for loving His people, His understanding and patience with their weaknesses and failures, and His grace for them just as He has grace for you. Ask God to show you how to love all His people, especially those who are difficult for you to get along with.
ACT: Bible memorization. Choose some verses to memorize this week, either from this passage (1 Corinthians 15) or from the passages we referenced that speak about the consummated kingdom of and our inheritance in heaven. Work to memorize those Scriptures so they will sink deep into your heart and impact your thoughts and actions.
