What practical steps can we take to prepare for the "mystery" revealed here? Setting the Scene For centuries believers have looked forward to the moment Paul describes: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in an instant, 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) This is not poetic exaggeration; it is a literal promise. Because the change could occur at any moment, Scripture urges us to live ready lives right now. A Quick Look at the Mystery • Not everyone will experience physical death (“sleep”). • Every believer—living or dead—will receive a glorified, imperishable body. • The transformation will happen “in the twinkling of an eye.” • It coincides with the last trumpet, the climax of God’s redemptive plan. Why Preparation Matters • Changes that happen in an instant leave no time for last-minute adjustments. • A prepared heart magnifies Christ and draws others to Him. • Our present choices determine future rewards (2 Corinthians 5:10). Practical Steps to Prepare for the Coming Change Anchor Your Faith in the Gospel • “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins… that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) • Daily rehearse the gospel—Christ’s finished work is the foundation for everything else. Pursue Purity and Holiness • “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.” (1 John 3:3) • Rid your life of known sin; cultivate habits that feed your spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). Stay Watchful and Ready • “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35) • Arrange priorities so an unplanned trumpet blast would find you unashamed. Abound in the Work of the Lord • “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) • Invest time, gifts, and resources in ministries that have eternal impact. Encourage One Another • “And so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18) • Speak hope, write notes, share testimonies—mutual encouragement fuels perseverance. Cultivate an Eternal Perspective • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) • Hold material possessions loosely; view daily decisions through the lens of eternity. Guard Against Deception • “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” (1 John 4:1) • Measure every teaching against Scripture; cling to sound doctrine. Keep Short Accounts with God • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9) • Confession and repentance maintain unhindered fellowship and readiness. Walk in Love • “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) • Practice sacrificial love—love is the currency of the coming kingdom. Maintain Joyful Hope • “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) • Hope stabilizes the heart amid trials and broadcasts the reality of the coming change. Putting It All Together Readiness for the sudden, glorious transformation Paul calls “the mystery” is less about a date on a calendar and more about a daily posture: trusting Christ, forsaking sin, serving faithfully, loving deeply, and fixing our eyes on eternity. Live that way, and the trumpet—whenever it sounds—will find you thrilled, not surprised. |
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