week 9 day 2

Read 1 Corinthians 15

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%2015&version=NIV

The last problem Paul deals with is the confusion of the Corinthians over the doctrine of resurrection. This was particularly confusing to the pagan, for resurrection was a concept totally foreign to Greek thought (cf. Acts 17:16ff.). First Paul establishes the resurrection of Jesus as a historic fact (15:1–11). He then stresses the centrality of resurrection in Christian faith (vv. 12–18), linking it to the conclusion of God’s plan to establish God’s rule through Christ over all things (vv. 19–29). If there were no resurrection there would be no reason for believers to make choices that lead to suffering here and now! (vv. 30–34)

As to how the dead are raised, there are at best analogies. As a seed bursts into new and transformed life, so will we, trading our natural, sinful bodies for imperishable bodies that shine with the beauty of God Himself (vv. 35–49). Every believer will be transformed, and then, death and sin left far behind, we will experience the victory won for us by our Lord Jesus Christ (vv. 50–58).


In studying this chapter you should also take a look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Philippians 3:20-21. I have read many books that pertain to the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of the Dead. Each one has there own opinions and differ in how these scriptures are interpreted. (big surprise)

Some theologians might say that the 1 Thessalonians passage would represent the rapture of the church prior to the second coming. Others would describe it as the second coming of Christ and that it represents the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and those that are still alive are then changed or transformed into there resurrected bodies.

As I stated early in the study, the United Methodist is pretty silent when it comes to the second coming and the resurrection of the dead. The United Methodist do believe that Christ will come again and of the resurrection of the body. See the Nicene Creed and The Apostles Creed below.

http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/bible/ncreed.html Nicene Creed

http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/bible/apcreed.html Apostles Creed

Let s take a look for a second at 1 Thessalonians 4:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:23. The word “come” is used in both Scriptures. In Greek it is the word parousia, which can be used for coming but most will interpret the word as presence. NT Wright a current day theologian simply says that “ Jesus will be personally present, the dead will be raised, and the living Christians will be transformed.”

There are several schools of thought of what happens when you die. There are some who believe that your spirit will go to heaven, end of story. Others believe that you are asleep until Christ comes and resurrects you. And others believe that once you die you will go to “Paradise” (also known as intermediate heaven) and be with the Lord until judgment day where you will then get resurrected spiritual bodies in the New Earth.

This is a lot to take in I know. I will probably offer a study next year on this subject, if I have enough interest.

Discussion question

John Wesley did not speak much about the resurrection of the dead, but did believe that there is an intermediate heaven. Maybe John Wesley and the United Methodist church have a point not to go too deep into the second coming of Christ and focus on our sanctification and spreading the good news of Christ throughout the world.

What do you think?

Reflection question

What are you focusing on, things that are temporary or things that are eternal?