Hope of Resurrection

Introduction

Among the religions that teach immortality, Christianity offers a distinct and singularly true vision. Just as Jesus was bodily raised from the dead into a glorified form, so all those who have put their faith in Him will one day experience a resurrection. Our souls will be clothed in renewed bodies that are uniquely our own.

This is not reincarnation, where mortal bodies return to live another life in another state in a broken world. Rather, our resurrection will be a one-time event, occurring when heaven and earth are made new. As faithful followers of Christ, we will receive glorified bodies suited for inhabiting a restored, perfect creation! Such an all-encompassing promise of renewal is deeply physical, deeply personal, and deeply rooted in God’s transforming power.

In today’s study, you will explore the profound implications of this great hope and how you should live in light of this coming renewal.

Excerpt From Jesus Calling®

Do not long for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal since in this world you will have trouble. You have an eternity of problem-free living reserved for you in heaven. Rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth.

Begin each day anticipating problems, asking Me to equip you for whatever difficulties you will encounter. The best equipping is My living Presence, My hand that never lets go of yours. Discuss everything with Me. Take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle. Remember that I am on your side, and I have overcome the world.

Dwell

The early Christians knew they had an “eternity of problem-free living” reserved for them and an inheritance, which no one could take away from them. Many of them believed this enough to become martyrs! But given this reality that their faith in Jesus could lead to their deaths, they wanted to know the future inheritance in store for them was better than what they were ready to sacrifice on earth. In response, Paul wrote to them about the bodily resurrection of Christians who have died as well as the bodily transformation of those who have not yet died when Jesus returns for His people.

Application Questions

1. Paul states that death itself will be defeated. How should the reality of Jesus’ victory over death relieve you from the fear of death that impacts so many people in the world? (See 1 Corinthians 15:35, 42–44, 50–54)
2. What does it mean for believers here on earth to have their citizenship in heaven? (See Philippians 3:20-21)
3. Why should followers of Jesus feel joy and amazement at the hope of one day receiving a resurrected body? (See Luke 24:36-43)