The Dead Will Rise

Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.

John 5:28-29

THE DAY IS coming. Even during the time of his earthly ministry, Jesus warned people that the voice (or trumpet of the archangel) will sound and suddenly multitudes of Christians will be carried off to heaven, joy, bliss, and perfect love forever.

It will be an incredible moment. Why is it important, though? Why should we look forward to it?

Because it’s the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise. This world is not the end. No matter what we’ve suffered here, something far better and greater awaits us in heaven. Christianity is the only religion that promises a returning Leader and Savior, the one who conquered death and paid for the sins of the world.

Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:8, speaks of how those who have longed for Jesus’ appearing will receive a crown of righteousness. Do you long for that event to happen? Or are you so settled into this world that you actually dread it? He promises that no matter how placid things appear now, he will come eventually to reward and to judge. And he also promises that those who have awaited that coming with good deeds will receive even greater treasures.