For Easter we have contemplations on the resurrection.
Contemplation #130
“If only we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most to be pitied.” 1 Corinthians 15:19
Paul is speaking about what would be our case if truly Christ had not been raised from the dead. We would have placed all our confidence in nothing and would be miserable people indeed. Consider also Paul’s assumption: that we are placing all of our hope in Christ. This is such a basic idea, but also so lacking in Christianity. Many who believe in Jesus place some hope in Christ, some in their church, their denomination, their obedience, their traditions, or their goodness. They have not one hope. Before God they are hoping in many things religious, and so cling to all of these instead of Christ alone. Those who hope in many things are others to be pitied for they do not know Christ.
Contemplation #131
“I declare to you brothers that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God . . .” 1 Corinthians 15:50
How do we read this passage? Paul is talking about the necessity and reality of the resurrection, so we may conclude that he is saying that physical humanity cannot enter heaven. If we think this, then we equate the kingdom of God with heaven rather than with God’s rule into which we are able to enter here on earth. Let us realize that even here and now we do not enter God’s existence by flesh and blood, but by the Spirit and the way of the inward life. The resurrection of the dead which gives a new spiritual body is a necessary conclusion to the way we live now under the sovereignty of God. Our bodies will be transformed to match the transformation of our inward self which now is the work of God in us.
Contemplation #132
“The sting of death is sin . . .” 1 Corinthians 15:56
We probably think more of death as the wages or payment for sin, and this is not a wrong idea. However, the death that is the result of sin is a soul-death, or death of a being completely as that person is cut off from God, the One who gives and sustains life. In speaking here about physical death, Paul says that it’s “sting” is sin. Where there is no sin, by grace through Jesus Christ, there is no “sting” to it. Physical death under grace not a entrance into soul-death, but the transforming process of growing into greater perfection. We can only grow so far in this world through the inward changes God brings, and then we must move on to greater godliness by leaving the restrictions of this existence.
Contemplation #130
“If only we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most to be pitied.” 1 Corinthians 15:19
Paul is speaking about what would be our case if truly Christ had not been raised from the dead. We would have placed all our confidence in nothing and would be miserable people indeed. Consider also Paul’s assumption: that we are placing all of our hope in Christ. This is such a basic idea, but also so lacking in Christianity. Many who believe in Jesus place some hope in Christ, some in their church, their denomination, their obedience, their traditions, or their goodness. They have not one hope. Before God they are hoping in many things religious, and so cling to all of these instead of Christ alone. Those who hope in many things are others to be pitied for they do not know Christ.
Contemplation #131
“I declare to you brothers that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God . . .” 1 Corinthians 15:50
How do we read this passage? Paul is talking about the necessity and reality of the resurrection, so we may conclude that he is saying that physical humanity cannot enter heaven. If we think this, then we equate the kingdom of God with heaven rather than with God’s rule into which we are able to enter here on earth. Let us realize that even here and now we do not enter God’s existence by flesh and blood, but by the Spirit and the way of the inward life. The resurrection of the dead which gives a new spiritual body is a necessary conclusion to the way we live now under the sovereignty of God. Our bodies will be transformed to match the transformation of our inward self which now is the work of God in us.
Contemplation #132
“The sting of death is sin . . .” 1 Corinthians 15:56
We probably think more of death as the wages or payment for sin, and this is not a wrong idea. However, the death that is the result of sin is a soul-death, or death of a being completely as that person is cut off from God, the One who gives and sustains life. In speaking here about physical death, Paul says that it’s “sting” is sin. Where there is no sin, by grace through Jesus Christ, there is no “sting” to it. Physical death under grace not a entrance into soul-death, but the transforming process of growing into greater perfection. We can only grow so far in this world through the inward changes God brings, and then we must move on to greater godliness by leaving the restrictions of this existence.
posted by Greg at 9:31 AM
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