How can we apply the promise of resurrection in John 6:54 daily? Setting the Scene - John 6 unfolds in Capernaum after the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus declares Himself “the bread of life” and announces: “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:54). - The verbs are present: “has eternal life.” The future promise follows: “I will raise him up.” Both are guaranteed by the same Savior. The Promise of Resurrection - Absolutely literal: Christ will physically raise every believer from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:52-53; 2 Corinthians 4:14). - Absolutely personal: “Whoever” includes each child of God who has truly trusted Christ. - Already begun: Eternal life is possessed now, while bodily resurrection awaits “the last day” (Romans 8:11). Daily Application: Living Resurrection-Focused • Start the day with assurance – Speak John 6:54 aloud. – Thank Christ that eternal life is already yours and resurrection is certain. • Refuse fear of death – Hebrews 2:14-15 records Christ freeing His people from lifelong bondage to the fear of death. – Facing surgery, danger, or aging, remember: “God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). • Wage war on sin with resurrection power – “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit” (Romans 8:11). – When temptation strikes, confess that the same Spirit who will raise your body now strengthens your will. • Set priorities by eternity – “Since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above” (Colossians 3:1-2). – Invest time, money, and energy in what survives the grave: worship, people, gospel witness, acts of love. • Find comfort in grief – At a graveside, rehearse John 6:54. The believer’s body is only awaiting reunion with the soul at Christ’s call. – Encourage other mourners with the sure hope of meeting again in glorified bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:18). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with expectancy – Communion visibly proclaims that Christ’s broken body and shed blood secure resurrection (1 Corinthians 11:26). – Approach the table anticipating the banquet of the coming kingdom in resurrected flesh. • Live courageously in witness – Martyrs overcame “because of the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11). The certainty of resurrection removes the ultimate threat. – Boldly share Christ, knowing the worst the world can do is temporarily silence a body Christ will soon awaken. • Persevere through suffering – “Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). – Physical pain or disability becomes temporary when measured against the promise of a perfected body. • End the day in hope – Before sleep, entrust body and soul to the Lord who will one day speak your name and command you to rise (John 11:25). Summary Eternal life is possessed now; bodily resurrection is promised for the last day. By rehearsing this truth morning and night, shaping choices by eternity, confronting sin with resurrection power, and facing suffering without fear, believers enjoy a foretaste of the victory that will one day be complete when Jesus keeps His word: “I will raise him up.” |
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