The Christian Church on earth

In a time when nations and people are in the throes of destroying each other a quick review of the solidarity of the Christian Church on earth and in heaven forever is in order.

The Holy Christian Church on earth is the communion of saints, who believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. This is all made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that calls us into this Christian church. It is not of our own doing. Neither is believing in Jesus Christ possible without the Holy Spirit’s calling, gathering, enlightening and making into one a holy people.

The leading Biblical metaphor for this holy people is the bride of Christ. These people live in the promise of the resurrection of their vile bodies into a new immortal and glorified body. Daniel 12:2 describes the resurrection from the dead in this way–“some will be raised to “everlasting life” and others to “shame and everlasting contempt”. This verse is considered one of the first explicit mentions of resurrection in the Old Testament and symbolizes a division into two distinct eternal destinies following the end of the world.

Paul describes what resurrected bodies will be like. By the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:21 Elsewhere Paul writes So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 1 Corinthians 15:42-43

Those who have rejected Christ are described in this way. “And they will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.” Isaiah 66:24

And Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Let’s get more specific about what will happen to those who are members of the body of Christ on the Last Day. They will enjoy a whole new creation in body and soul forever. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Like the members of the body of Christ there will be a new creation. The apostle Peter describes this new creation in this way. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13 The apostle John describes it in this way. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:3,5

Finally, in the fight between good and evil in which we as the people of God are assured of the outcome, we read these words comforting words from the prophet Isaiah 

The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:19-20

Let us pray this prayer together.

Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life, You have brought us to Christ, and by His Gospel you have promised us the final victory over sin, death and the devil. Keep us firm and confident in the knowledge that on the Last Day, you will raise all the dead and give eternal life to all believers in Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen