Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-34
“What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32)
Why is our life different from that of the world? The saying, “eat and drink, for tomorrow we die”, is just like those who say YOLO, “you only live once”. In other words, it is the worldview of the hedonist. All they seek is present pleasure and fun because they believe that there is no tomorrow and no afterlife. Many of those around us will unconsciously adopt this philosophy. All that they seek is fun and enjoyment today. They daringly go against God’s moral laws to have fun today. Is what they are doing wrong? Why do we act otherwise in our lives as Christians?
In fact, Paul says that if the resurrection of the dead and also Christ’s resurrection is false, then the way to go is hard-partying and enjoying temporary folly because that is all we got. However, Paul’s life is filled with back-breaking work and persecution for the gospel. In the world’s eyes, Paul’s life looks nothing like fun. However, Paul tells us why he lives like this.
The resurrection of the dead is a reality, and so is Christ’s resurrection. If Christ never rose from the dead, then our sins were never forgiven because that means that the power of sin and death overcame Christ. However, Christ did rise from the dead after three days. There are many historical eyewitness accounts. Because this actually happened, it means that Jesus really does what He says. Jesus has died and forgiven our sins on the cross. Because of that, those who believe in Him can look forwards to the hope of eternal life and the resurrection from the dead. Those who are in Christ will not remain dead forever, but their bodies will be resurrected on the day when Jesus comes back. We will have a new body, a heavenly body that has been perfected and purged from sin.
What does this truth mean for our life view today? Take Paul’s story as an example. Because he knew that life on earth was temporary and that he had a marvellous hope to come, he gave all that he had for the advancement of God’s kingdom. With a serious and swift mindset, Paul did not waste time, preaching the gospel and obeying God’s calling for his life. His life had one purpose, which is to know God and to serve Him. He kept his vision straight and his purpose straight. He did not indulge in the paganistic pleasures of the day. Instead, he sought to serve the Lord and find joy in the Lord. He gave his life endlessly to serve God because he knew that his greatest reward was awaiting him in heaven.
What is our life view? Has the hope of the resurrection of the dead changed us? If we know that we have received the grace of eternal life, we should live our lives in response to God’s grace. We should give our all to serve God, who has loved us first. We should make most of our days on earth to serve Him because we know that ultimate rest and joy and pleasure are to come when we meet our Lord face to face. As the last word of encouragement, Paul says, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Lord, thank You that You have died and risen again. Thank You that all those who believe and trust in You have received Your gift of eternal life. You are loving and full of mercy. Thank You for the hope of the future where we will be resurrected in our heavenly bodies, and we can enjoy You face to face. While we live on earth, please help us to live endlessly for You and to give our all to serve You because our efforts on earth are not in vain. In Jesus’ name, amen.