Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Friday April 15, 2022
We will always be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:17).
Today, anointed Christians who complete their lives on earth are immediately resurrected in heaven. How do we know? By the words of the apostle Paul from 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52. Once they are resurrected, these brothers of Christ will have complete happiness. The Bible explains what those who are changed will do in heaven "in the twinkling of an eye." Jesus tells them: “To the one who overcomes and keeps in my ways to the end, I will give authority over the nations, just as I have received authority from my Father. And he will shepherd the people with a rod of iron, so that they will be smashed to pieces like clay pots” (Rev. 2:26, 27). w20.12 12 paras. 14, 15
How does the hope of the resurrection strengthen many Christians today? (See cover photo.)
We too live in dangerous times. Some of our brothers have been victims of crimes. Others live in areas where there is a lot of insecurity due to wars. And in some places, preaching is restricted or even prohibited, and our brothers serve Jehovah at the risk of their freedom or his life. Still, all those Christians continue to worship Jehovah and set an example for us. They are not afraid because they know that even if they die, Jehovah promises to give them something much better.
What way of thinking could weaken our faith in the resurrection?
Paul warned his brothers that some had a very dangerous way of thinking: "If the dead are not going to be raised, 'let us eat and drink, because tomorrow we will die.'" That way of seeing life already existed long before. In fact, it is possible that Paul was quoting from Isaiah 22:13, which explains that the Israelites devoted themselves to enjoying the pleasures of life rather than drawing closer to God. Like many people today, those Israelites said to themselves: "Enjoy, life is short." But we already know how badly the nation of Israel ended (2 Chron. 36:15-20).
How should faith in the resurrection influence us in choosing whom we spend time with?
Faith in the resurrection should guide us in choosing who we spend time with. The Corinthian Christians had to avoid associating with those who denied the resurrection. What does this teach us? That close friendship with people who only think about living in the moment will not bring us anything good. Your company can spoil our principles and good customs. In fact, it could lead us to do things that God hates. That is why Paul gave this strong advice: “Come to your senses by doing what is righteous and do not practice sin” (1 Cor. 15:33, 34).
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