Let’s start at the beginning. All things were created for man, but man was created for God. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). Note: Man was formed and came forth from the earth. Then God breathed life into man, and he became a living eternal soul. At death, the body returns to the earth (Gen. 3:19), and the eternal soul returns to God from whence it came (2 Cor. 5:8). Bodies die but souls still exist. Note: Abraham died, but he was still known as Abraham in Paradise (Luke 16:23). On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah were still known as Moses and Elijah (Matt. 17:3). Note: As they were known, so shall we also be known (1 Cor.13:12). Note: Lazarus and others raised from the dead were only restored to their same corruptible body. Jesus Christ died, but He arose in a glorified body and was still known as the Lord Jesus Christ. Note: At the return of the Lord (rapture), only two groups of people are mentioned. “The (1) dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are (2) alive (in Christ) and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess. 4:17-17).
Note: At the Lord’s return, all in Christ still have vile corruptible bodies. Note: Our vile bodies will not be restored as Lazarus (John 11:43) but changed with new (incorruptible) bodies. “Who shall change our (includes Paul) vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Phil. 3:1). “Behold…We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed, In a moment… and the dead (in Christ) shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible (dying) must put on incorruption (cannot die), and this mortal (dying) must put on immortality (cannot die)” (1 Cor.15:51-53). Our changed, immortal, incorruptible, and glorified bodies will never know pain, sorrow, or death (Rev. 21:4).
Note: Your soul is the real YOU. YOU are not a body with a soul. YOU are a soul with a body. In all of this world there is only one you and there is only one me. YOU are U-nique. You cannot be me because that position is already taken. Note: At the rapture I will know you and you will know me. So Christians never say a final goodbye because we will meet again. Don’t just take my word for it, but slowly read it again for yourself, “The dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive (in Christ) and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:17-18). Good News! The Lord has removed the sting of death, and the grave is no longer victorious (1 Cor. 15:55). One day together – forever!
So when you notice that the “Valley of Death” has a major traffic jam — or you face fear or dread death, remember this truth. Death cannot kill what will not die!
