JUNE 16, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16

Can the body be resurrected once the body has already decayed and become dust? To many people, it is ridiculous. But to Christians, it is possible and brings hope based on the infallible Word of God and our Lord’s experience. And what about Christian who may have been eaten by sharks? How about Christians who have died a long time ago? Well, verse 14 tells us that those who “sleep in Christ” – meaning people who died in the Lord as Christians – God will bring with him!

When Jesus returns in the air, He will give a ‘shout’ and command the ‘dead in Christ’ to rise first. Read John 5:28 and answer this question. Where are those people who hear His voice? Answer: _________________.
Those who rise shall receive glorified bodies, like the glorified body of Christ.

The doctrine of resurrection assures us that death is not the end. The grave is not the end. When the Lord returns, He will bring Christians with Him and raise their bodies in glory. Hallelujah! As 1 Cor 15:55-57 tells us, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Christ is resurrected. In the same manner, we will be resurrected when He returns.

Some of you may have loved ones who have passed away. Perhaps your grandparents or other relatives. If they were Christians, there is absolutely no need to sorrow for we know they will resurrect and we will meet them in the future!

If you have any loved ones who are not Christians, pray hard for them and share God’s wonderful message of salvation with them. If they believe in Jesus, they too will be resurrected together with other Christians when Jesus returns for them!

Thought: Thine is the glory, Risen, conquering Son; Endless is the victory, Thou o’er death hast won.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank Thee that for giving me the hope of resurrection when Christ returns. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.