Opus 2023-286: The Eternal Warrantee

A lot cartoon images portray popular misconceptions about eternity, often by people who do not really believe:  playing harps in bathrobes while sitting on clouds, a long line leading to some pearly gates, Saint Peter cracking jokes behind a podium, etc.  It is good fun in memes and the comedy clubs but a problem if you want to get serious about what happens after we die.

A physical resurrection is necessary for the Christian faith.  

(1Co 15:16-17 KJV)  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:   And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

The clearest statement of this event is in Thessalonians.  Our resurrection is tied to the return of Christ.

(1Th 4:16-17 KJV)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

There is another reference to resurrection in the book of Revelation but that is more tied in with the final judgement.  

What got me off on this was speculating on how beautiful the sunrise would be in my resurrected body.  I believe we will have a new type of body.  It will be free of any of the handicaps of sin and natural flaws.  That means I will see things I have never enjoyed before.

One reason for the need for a new body is to contain the joy.  Have you ever been so happy you thought you were going to burst?  Picture being in the presence of the source of joy.  We need an overhaul before we can attempt it.  I can’t picture enjoying a million years sitting around saying “Hallelujah!”  In reality it will be so glorious that our present bodies would short circuit from the glory.  I don’t expect to understand it now but I will experience it then.

I hope you join me.  I will be glad to save a seat for you.

homo unius libri