WHAT WE CAN EXPECT

1 COR. 15:51-58

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE MYSTERY UNVEILED

1. Not All Christians Will Die [v. 1-2, 51, 1 Th. 4:15-17]

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

2. All Christians Will Be Changed [v. 51, 1 John 3:2]

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3. The Change Will Be Quick [v. 52] moment=atomos, unlike false purgatory

 

II. THE VICTORY UNVEILED

1. Corruptible Becomes Incorruptible [v. 52-54]

2. Mortal Becomes Immortal [v. 53-54]

3. Death Is Swallowed in Victory [v. 54, Mt. 23:24, 2 Cor. 5:4, Heb. 11:29, 1 Pt. 5:8]

-Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

- For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

- By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

- Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

 

III. THE STING REMOVED

 

1. Death’s Sting & the Grave’s Victory are Missing [v. 55]

2. Separation is Defeated by Unification [v. 56, 1 Th. 4:17, Job. 19:25-27]

- Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

- For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

3. Christ Took the Sting & Secured the Victory [v. 57]

-it’s Given by God [Eph. 2:8-9]

-In Christ [Romans 6:9] Christ removed the stinger

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.