We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last incorruptible and we shall be changed

Behold , I show you a  mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last incorruptible and we shall be changed"--1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Long ago there came a day when Jesus was led away to be crucified (Matthew 27:21) and at a place called Calvary he was nailed to a cross, giving his life, shedding his precious blood to make it possible for you and I to obtain forgiveness and pardon (Col. 1:12-14). It has been said that our faith centers around that cross that stood on a hill far away. Around the cross we have the church (Acts 20:28, Eph. 5:25), redemption (Col. 1:14), observance (1 Cor. 11:23-26), separation (Col. 2:14, Heb. 8:6-10), and salvation (Heb. 5:7-9, 1 Cor. 1:18, 21-30). Truly, the cross of Calvary on which the prince of glory died is fundamental to everything we believe in as a child of God. But consider this: without the resurrection that cross would have only been a tragic event. While we consider the cross as one of the most important facets in our faith, the resurrection must be considered as the cornerstone of our faith (1 Cor. 15:50-57).

The resurrection is the foundation upon which our faith and hope in God is laid (1 Peter 1:18-21). It becomes the very basis for living this earthly life as a child of God (2 Cor. 14-21, John 5:28-29). Realizing that all men, including ourselves, will one day be resurrected from the dead (1 Cor. 15:19-23), why is it that so many people will live, are living, as though there were no such thing? O, how many are the people who say, "I know I should do this or that" as it pertains to the saving of their souls but because they are so preoccupied with the physical and material things of this world simply neglect to do what they know they should do (James 4:17). In fact this same malady afflicts the church and simply saps the strength out of many churches.

My friends, the resurrection tells me that there is something in all of us that will never die, an eternal spirit that will live forever in eternity. And in eternity our dwelling place will either be in heaven (Rev. 21:3-4) or hell (Matt. 25:.30, 41, 2 Thess. 1:10. Just think about that for a moment and if it doesn't stir you up to make preparation for the day you will cross over into eternity, if it doesn't spur you on to make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:5-12), I doubt that anything ever will do so.

Charles Hicks