“LIFE FOREVER”
(1 Corinthians 15:1-16:24)
“If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” – 1 Corinthians 15:19
Nothing matters if Jesus was not raised from the dead. This is essentially what Paul is saying here in 1 Corinthians 15. Without the resurrection, life is meaningless, faith is meaningless, and people should feel bad for us for being Christians. But the good news is, the resurrection of Jesus Christ did take place! This historically verifiable fact is the foundation of our faith, for without it we have nothing.
Want some more good news? The resurrection of Jesus not only brings salvation and meaning in this life we live on earth, but secures an eternity with God forever, ultimately leading to our resurrection with real bodies and spirits that are imperishable.
Have you ever been in a relationship you knew was going to come to an end at some point so you simply stopped caring about it? Maybe you checked out and started moving on before the end of that relationship even occurred. Why is that? Likely because you believed, “this isn’t going to last.” We naturally tend to invest in things that are going to last.
Our life with Christ is the same. Jesus has saved us, redeemed us, delivered us, set us free, healed us. This is great news! But if it ended with our death, what was the purpose? If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we should be grieved, not excited. But thanks be to God, our salvation in Christ guarantees an eternity with Him and a resurrection like His where we’ll trade our perishable, decaying bodies for something new and eternal.
The life we live now matters, but it is not the end.
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything, not just for today, but forever.
Reflections:
- How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ stir hope within your heart?
- How does an eternity with Jesus in the new heavens and the new earth change your perspective as you live in this life?
Application:
- What areas of life do you find hopeless? Begin to reframe that part of life in light of the resurrection of Jesus and eternity with Him.
- Share the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ with someone today.
Closing Prayer:
Almighty God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus, thank you for counting the cost, going to the Cross to die for my sin, and for rising again after being buried for three days. Thank you for resurrection life! You have overcome sin and death and have brought me new life. Jesus, I ask that you would fill me with hope for the resurrection that is yet to come and for the life that I will spend with you for eternity. Forgive me for living with only temporal things in mind. Help me live my life with the resurrection in mind. I love you, Jesus! Amen.
About our Author
John Christian Pra is a devoted husband to his lovely wife, Alina and father to his son, John Jude. Pastor JC is born and raised in Bergen County, spent some years in Virginia for college where he earned his degree in Biblical Studies at Liberty University, and is back pursuing his calling where he grew up. Ever since the Lord changed his life, his heart’s desire has been to see people come to know the love of Jesus in a tangible way and live wholeheartedly for Him. In 2018, John Christian started in ministry at his home church as an associate pastor and since 2022, John Christian has served as the Next Gen pastor at Transformation Life Church. During this time, he has had a longing to see generations of disciples be raised up and live passionately for Christ. During his time off, Pastor JC loves to spend time with his wife and son, eat delicious food, read good books, study God’s Word, play golf or basketball, enjoy community, and brew delicious coffee.
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