Dr. Ron Rhodes, Author, Conference Speaker, Radio Host, and President of Reasoning from the Scriptures, on June 29th posted this amazingly encouraging article on his X social media page. It really touched my heart, and I asked him if I could repost it on my blog. He graciously said I could. I pray it will encourage you as a Christian to know what you can expect when you leave your physical body through death. My friends, the best is yet to come!
Below is this inspiring article from Dr. Ron Rhodes:
One day, every believer in Christ will experience an astonishing transformation. Our present earthly bodies—though wonderfully created by God—bear the effects of sin, aging, sickness, weakness, and death. But these bodies are only temporary. The Bible promises that when Christ returns, He “will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21). What a breathtaking hope!
Here are seven differences between our present bodies and the resurrection bodies God has promised.
1. OUR EARTHLY BODIES ARE PERISHABLE; OUR RESURRECTION BODIES WILL BE IMPERISHABLE.
Everything in this life wears out. Our bodies age and eventually die. But our resurrection bodies will never decay, deteriorate, or die. “What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:42).
2. OUR EARTHLY BODIES EXPERIENCE SICKNESS; OUR RESURRECTION BODIES WILL KNOW PERFECT HEALTH.
Pain, disease, disability, and weakness will be forever gone. There will be no more suffering or physical affliction in God’s eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:4).
3. OUR EARTHLY BODIES ARE MORTAL; OUR RESURRECTION BODIES WILL BE IMMORTAL.
Death is the great enemy of humanity, but Christ has conquered it. “This mortal body must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53).
4. OUR EARTHLY BODIES ARE WEAK; OUR RESURRECTION BODIES WILL BE POWERFUL.
We grow tired, weary, and exhausted. But “it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:43).
5. OUR EARTHLY BODIES BEAR DISHONOR BECAUSE OF SIN; OUR RESURRECTION BODIES WILL BE GLORIOUS.
Sin has left its mark on every human being. Yet our future bodies will radiate the glory God intended for His redeemed children. “It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory” (1 Corinthians 15:43).
6. OUR EARTHLY BODIES ARE NATURAL; OUR RESURRECTION BODIES WILL BE SUPERNATURAL.
Paul writes, “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44). This does not mean immaterial, but rather a supernatural body perfectly suited for eternal life under the Spirit’s complete control.
7. OUR EARTHLY BODIES ARE LIMITED BY THE CURSE; OUR RESURRECTION BODIES WILL BE FREE FROM IT.
No more arthritis. No more cancer. No more failing eyesight. No more chronic pain. Every effect of the Fall will be removed forever (Revelation 22:3).
Why does all of this matter? Because the hope of the resurrection changes the way we live today. When illness strikes, when our strength fades, or when we grieve the loss of believing loved ones, we can remember that the present is not the end of the story. God has promised something infinitely better. Our future is not defined by pain but by glory, not by decay but by immortality, not by death but by everlasting life. The certainty of the resurrection gives us courage in suffering, perseverance in trials, and joy in anticipation of the glorious future Christ has secured for us.
A PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful promise of the resurrection.
Thank You that these frail, earthly bodies are not our final destiny.
Help us to live each day with our eyes fixed on Christ and the glorious future You have prepared for all who trust in Him.
Strengthen our faith when we grow weary, comfort us in times of suffering, and fill our hearts with joyful anticipation of the day when we shall see our Savior face to face and be made like Him.
Until that day, may we serve You faithfully and confidently, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.