DECEMBER 9 LIFE CHANGE THAT OVERCOMES GRIEF By Christopher Cone President and CEO, Agathon EDU Adjunct Faculty, Word of Life Bible Institute
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. (1 Corinthians 15:51–52) One definition of change is to substitute one thing for another. Paul describes one kind of life change that will come with certainty for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. He tells the Corinthians that we will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. Paul explained this concept to the Thessalonian believers as he outlined the future event we often refer to as the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17). He encouraged the Thessalonians – some of whom were dealing with grief at the death of loved ones. Paul wanted them to know their certain, future hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ and with loved ones who also believed in Christ. Especially during the holidays, we can be acutely aware of the pain of loved ones departed. Where they once came alongside us in celebration and rejoicing, they are no longer present. Where there once was joy, there is now hurt. But, because Jesus has conquered death and given us His grace through faith, we know death and loss will not overwhelm us. We can be encouraged and rejoice because of the life He has given to all who believe in Jesus. This life change is coming, and it provides us great comfort. It is because of this great change that, while we grieve temporary loss, we never have to lose hope. We know and understand our future in Christ is certain. One day, we will substitute everything associated with our mortality and trade it in for the imperishable and the immortal. Christmas reminds us what Christ did for us and that, no matter the depth of our grief, the certain hope of our final life change (resurrection) overcomes all grief.
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