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Job 12:1-15:35; I Corinthians 15:29-58; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 21:30-31
“If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (I Corinthians 15:32d)
The new Christians had been taught right but some had gotten off track concerning the resurrection of the dead. You know, sometimes we bump along in our walk with all the right theology and everything is making sense when suddenly someone stirs us up with a doubt. “But what if this…”
Some of these folks had gotten convinced there was no resurrection, yet they were baptizing living people for some that had died without being baptized first. The whole thing was skewed. Paul’s reasoning was, “Hey, if there is no resurrection, then why are you baptizing people by proxy for the dead? What’s your point? It doesn’t matter whether they got baptized if nothing happens after you die.” (Paul was not agreeing with baptism for the dead, merely using it to illustrate.)
In verse 19 Paul states, “If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.” That corresponds with verse 32d. Why bother going through all of the trials and tribulations of serving God if you have nothing to look forward to after death? Why bother. Why not just live your life any old way you want and just don’t worry about it. Party on because once you die, that’s a wrap. Seriously.
No. There is a bodily resurrection from the dead. Not only was this seen through Jesus coming back but even earlier when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and claimed Himself as the resurrection and the life. He was trying to get the point over to us that there is more than this world. We will continue on. It is worth learning and living and striving against the desires of our flesh so that we are prepared for the world we will live in.
“Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (15:58)
Be encouraged!
PRAYER: Lord, I ask You to open the eyes of my understanding and help me to know truth. I am growing in my trust toward You every day and I believe Jesus was truly dead and truly raised from that state. He is alive and my hope for continuing to live beyond this world rest in that fact. It’s in His name that I pray. Amen.
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