Today’s Thought “Exodus” G. Ward

Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.  At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.  But about the resurrection of the dead--have you not read what God said to you, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."  When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.” Matthew 22:29-33

 

There are words utilized by many at the point of death that may appear soothing but are doctrinally damaging. Furthermore, these words of solace when examined, are beneath the actuality of what happens to man, particularly when in Christ upon dying. Theologically, there’s an immediate separation of body from soul (cf. 2 Cor. 5:1-5). I’m very thankful that the bodies given us remain. This body of mine is contaminated and I couldn’t stand to endure it for eternity long (cf. Rev. 21:4).

Being an earthly vessel demands tremendous rest. Heaven won’t require me to “rest in peace.” Heaven will allow me to be with the Prince of Peace face to face, forever. Nor will I undergird a metamorphosis unto angelic proportions (i.e. No, Holy God didn’t need another angel!).

We’re captivated in this erroneous perpetuation because we fail at being students of HIS (2 Ti. 2:15). Moreover, shedding comfort (in these circumstances) can/will often reveal great trepidations concerning my eventual demise. In other words, how then do I qualify for heaven’s reward?

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” Luke 18:19

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21

Happy Thursday!