Better Than New (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
- Nate Miller
- 2h
- 3 min read
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵²in 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
"You haven’t lost as much as last time.” That's what my dentist said at my last appointment. Every visit is an evaluation of loss. I’ve never heard him say my teeth got stronger or that I’ve gained ground on the cavity threatening to overtake and conquer a tooth. Instead, if the decay only makes small advances into my tooth, that’s a victory.
For younger folks reading this, perhaps this is hard to grasp. As you are growing up, you’re gaining height, strength, and knowledge. But you also have probably felt sore muscles after a long day of play or experienced an injury making an arm, wrist, or leg more difficult to move. That’s because we live under the curse of sin. In a sinful world, things deteriorate, teeth decay, joints wear out, and our bodies break down.
In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Paul reveals to us a mystery. It’s not a secret, but something that was hidden for ages. Gloriously, God is now making it known. There is a day when the decay we experience will stop. Not only that, but also, we will be changed. And we will not only be “new,” we'll be better than new. Paul also tells us “we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” This contrast shows us that you may die or you may still be alive when this happens, but—believer in Jesus—you will not miss out on this transformation when it comes.
When normal growth happens, it takes time. This transformation will be instantaneous. Unlike learning to walk or learning to write, this will happen “in a moment” and “in the twinkling of an eye.” Think of how quickly the human eye can move. Look left and then suddenly flick your eyes to the right. Your eyes are incredibly quick. But quicker even than that, you will be transformed.
Paul says this will happen in the future, “at the last trumpet.” When it happens, those who have died will be raised in their new imperishable bodies, and those who are alive will also be changed and receive their imperishable bodies. This is an incredible promise, made certain by the resurrection of Jesus Christ Himself. He lived a perfect life. He died as a substitute for sin. He rose again with a glorified body as indication and vindication, that any who trust in Him alone for the forgiveness of their sin will be made right with God and will have the certainty of this future hope—no more decay, a glorified body, and being present with the Savior.
As we enter the Advent season, we anticipate the celebration of Jesus with our church, our family, and our friends. This anticipation is fitting. It reminds us of the anticipation of all of human history–waiting, hoping, and longing for the Savior to arrive. Looking back, we can see the amazing promises God fulfilled. Looking forward, we can rest in the certain hope that our future expectation will be fulfilled when Jesus comes back. We should wait, hope, and long for His return because we will be with our Savior forever. And when He comes, there will be no more decay.
Decay is discouraging. It’s hard. But it’s temporary. Your future hope in Christ is certain. Every time you notice the normal decay happening in our world, fix your heart on the unshakeable certainty of your future hope in Jesus.
For Reflection
In what ways do you see the reality of the limited and perishable nature of your body?
How does the promise of 1 Corinthians 15 give you hope?
How can you remind yourself of the certainty of this promise this week?
Nate Miller is the Associate Preaching Pastor at Revive Church in Brooklyn Park, MN. Nate and his wife, Angela, live in Brooklyn Park and have three children.
