1. A thorough discussion of the resurrection is presented in 1 Corinthians 15. 2. The question in vs.12 indicates why it was necessary for Paul to deal with this subject. 3. In vs.1-34 evidence is presented which proves that the resurrection will occur. 4. We learn from vs.35-49 that the body will be changed at the resurrection. a. God will provide a body that pleases Him. b. The resurrected body will be a spiritual body. c. The resurrected body will bear the image of Christ. 5. (vs.50-57) Additional details are given which relate to the change that will take place at the resurrection. 6. We first need to point out that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE CHANGE THAT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE RESURRECTION IS NECESSARY
A. Notice how "must" is used in vs.53. 1. The "corruptible" and "mortal" states refer to the physical body. 2. The "incorruptible" and "immortal" states refer to the spiritual body. 3. The physical body "must" be changed to the spiritual body. B. Vs.50 explains why this change is necessary. 1. This change is necessary because "flesh and blood" [the physical state] cannot inherit the kingdom of God. 2. This change is also necessary because "corruption" does not inherit "incorruption." 3. God's kingdom is spiritual, and it is everlasting. 4. To be a part of it we must undergo this change at the resurrection.
II. THIS CHANGE THAT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE RESURRECTION WILL AFFECT THOSE WHO ARE ALIVE WHEN IT OCCURS
A. Let us first notice when the resurrection will occur. 1. (vs.52) The resurrection will occur when the trumpet sounds. 2. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16, the trumpet will sound when the Lord returns. 3. By comparing these verses we understand that the resurrection will occur when Jesus returns. 4. We do not know when Jesus will return, but we do know that . . . B. Some people will be alive when He returns. 1. (vs.51) "We shall not all sleep." 2. Those who are alive when Jesus returns will also be changed. 3. This change will occur quickly -- "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye." 4. This change must take place because "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." C. These matters are also dealt with in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
III. WHEN THIS CHANGE TAKES PLACE AT THE RESURRECTION, A GREAT VICTORY WILL HAVE BEEN WON
A. (vs.54) When this change occurs at the resurrection, death will have been "swallowed up in victory." 1. The sting of death will no longer have to be suffered. 2. The grave will no longer be victorious. 3. We learn from Revelation 20:14 that death "will be cast into the lake of fire." B. (vs.57) We need to be grateful to God who gives us this victory through His blessed Son.
Conclusion:
1. Through His sacrifice, Christ has made it possible for us to undergo a change at the resurrection so we can live forever in heaven. 2. This blessed hope of eternal life is available to those who follow the Lord’s instructions (Revelation 22:14; Mark 16:16; Revelation 2:10).
