For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (1Co 15:21-26)

(51) Behold! I tell 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 trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1Co 15:51-58)

We hate pain!

And we avoid it at all costs.

We fear death

And do our utmost to not think about it!

However both are a consequence of our rebellion against God.

AND Both are impacted, transformed, by the death and resurrection of Jesus

Salvation has an impact on our bodies.

"Daughter your faith has SAVED you, Go in peace” Luke 8:48 

“Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” Mar 5:39

“Don’t be afraid, only believe, and she will be saved.”  

1.  Salvation affects our bodies. It has physical, earthly connotations.

“Child, your sins are forgiven.” 

“Rise, take up your mat and go home.” Mk.2:5-11

When evening came many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfil what was spoke through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” Matt.8:17-17

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Rom 8:22-23)

Sometimes we experience the blessing of this now.

      Certainly we will know it in fullness when He comes again.

2.  Salvation is all of life. Our whole being…

It transforms everything - including what we do

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?… And that is what some of you were – but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor.6:9-11 

“who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life…”

Jam.3:13

“do not merely listen to the word,… do what it says.” James 1:22

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? 

Can such faith save him… faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action,

is dead.” James 2:14-17

Annanias and Safira...

Challenging! Do our actions, words, behaviours, priorities... reflect our salvation?

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Rom.6:4

How is your new life in Christ expressed?

3.  Salvation anticipates the Resurrection.  

For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive ... 1 Cor.15

Because he lives – we also live.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal.2:20

“Therefore… offer your bodies as living sacrifices to God…” Rom.12:1,2

For, your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor.6:19

Sure, when we see him face to face, we will become like him and then there will be no more death, or crying or mourning or pain.

Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 1Jn 3:2 

 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” Phil.1:21

IMPLICATIONS

1.    If Salvation impacts our physical selves…

Let's pray for and anticipate healing now!

2.    If Salvation impacts our whole selves

Then let that be evident in what we do. How we live

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Col 3:12-14)

3.    If Salvation anticipates that which is to come

Then our life here and now is not as important as the life to come 

 Allow this perspective to shape us.

a)    Therefore God gives us his grace to persevere

“My Grace is sufficient for you…” 2 Cor.12 

b)   We have no need to live in fear – because the final enemy, death, is defeated. 

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor.15

c)    We live in hope and anticipation of what is to come,

“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Rev.21:4

CONCLUSION

My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do. God is the one you must fear. Not only can he take your life, but he can throw you into hell. God is certainly the one you should fear! Luk 12:4-5