In a twinkling of an eye

When Jesus comes, some will be alive, some will be asleep, having already died. This is the day when there will be a total makeover of the believers’ physical body. It happens in a twinkling of an eye.

I look forward to that day, it will be marvelous to see the instant change at the sound of the last trumpet—a change from our perishable, corruptible, natural, weak limited bodies to become incorruptible, spiritual, powerful and boundless bodies. And then we shall be forever with the Lord.

On that day I love to see my loved ones- my mother, father, sister Inday and brother Dado and friend Wayne and other brothers and sisters in Christ. The event and change will be sudden. And I would love to see you there. I love to see my children and grandchildren, my siblings, my parents and relatives.

But above all I love to see my Saviour face to face. This calls for urgency to do something that lasts for eternity. It is a ‘mission emergency’. We need to take as many people as we can to heaven. It would be awesome if many people will hear this good news of a place called heaven. Jesus calls it ‘My Father’s House.’ That is sweet!

David Jeremiah tells of Joni’s great hope, ‘Joni Eareckson Tada is one of the many saints who has experienced physical disabilities and limitations in this life, and she has written beautifully about her hope and God’s promise for a new body; “I still can hardly believe it, I , with shriveled, bent fingers, atrophied muscles, gnarled knees, and no feeling from the shoulders down, will one day have a new body, light, bright, and clothed in righteousness – powerful and dazzling.

Can you imagine the hope this gives someone who has spinal cord injuries like me? Or someone who has cerebral palsy, brain-injury, or (who) has multiple sclerosis? Imagine the hope this gives someone who suffers manic-depression. No other religion, no other philosophy promises new bodies, new hearts and minds. Only in the Gospel of Christ do hurting people find such an incredible hope.”’ (Revealing the Mysteries, study Guide. P.55)

No wonder Paul said that if in this life only we have hope, we are most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19). But we have hope beyond this life. Life does not end in three scores and ten, it is beyond that, it is eternal. And that hope is in Jesus alone. All by grace and by grace alone.

God may ask you a question when you meet Him after your body dies: “Why would I accept you into my heavens?” What will be your answer? If you are a Christian, God may ask: “How did you spend your life on earth?” Remember, the Bible says, “… For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”