“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. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” – 1 Corinthians 15:51-55.
How awesome is this truth! Christianity is not a religion but a relationship of love with love! No other faith offers such foundational hope. Our captain has both gone to the grave and into heaven. Christianity’s anchor is on the truth that our Savior died and rose again. However, that would be a very lame ground to establish our faith. In this regard, the writer brings the lighting of our belief that strikes to the deepest core; raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast; till our faith is turned to sight, when He comes at last.” Such reassurance!
Raised with Him to endless life
What is man’s greatest fear of all time? The fear of death, because of the uncertainties of the afterlife. What will it be? Where will I be? Will there be fire and brimstone? Will the worms eat me up in burning sulfur? Will there a be a wide-open gate with angels singing? Will I make it there? These are tough and poking questions for many of us. Is there a way to know for sure? Yes! Christ has raised us with Himself. When he rose from the grave that morning, He forever secured the hope for life after death for those who would believe in Him later.
John 17:3 reminds us that eternal life is in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent. In Jesus Christ, we have eternal life now, then when we die, forever reign with him after the trumpet sound. When a believer dies, they live again. The scriptures say that they sleep. Paul says in Colossians 2:12-13, “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses…” Our resurrection to this new is by faith in the powerful working of God. He has made us alive together with Christ. All this is by faith, stirring hope within the believer that spans all eternity. Though we die, yet shall we live!
Till our faith is turned to sight when he comes at last
He continues the thought by firming up the initial statement. The question is, “How long-lasting is this salvation going to last? How reliable is this faith issue?” The answer is amazingly simple- very reliable and tangible at the end! Yes! Christ has promised that He will be with us and hold us fast till our faith (assurance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen) is given substance. One day, we will no longer need faith because we will be in the very heart of it. There is going to come a time when we will no longer need sermons to build us up, or prayer requests for the sick and dying! No more need for Missions for every tribe and tongue and nation will be gathered there in His presence. No medicine or chemotherapy. Why? Because our faith will be turned to sight. We will see and know as we’re seen and known. Hallelujah!
That is the hope He gave to Lazarus’ sisters and the Jews who were listening on that day. One day we shall come out of this suffering body, susceptible to sin and shame, and be caught up forever with the Lord in the skies. How do we know this? Because many witnessed his ascension and He said we would be together. Regardless our woes now, be of good cheer! We shall rise with Him to endless life! Our faith will be turned to sight when Jesus comes at last! Whatever your lot this day, Jesus is coming back again. Keep the trust and hope and faith going. One day all shall be made more apparent than you see now. He will hold you fast.
This hymn as an all-time favourite the soul that understands the work of grace that Christ has done. Do you have this conviction within you? Christ will hold you fast dear friend. He keeps His own perfectly. Sin cannot hinder his work. Your weaknesses are no match against Him (Romans 8:31-39).
