I imagine most people might be keen on the idea of immortality – to have eternity to live, gain knowledge, get things right, live the life one always wanted.

There is no magic elixir, no potion, or spell.

But there is the the mystery.

What mystery? You ask.

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (ESV)

Changed how?

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:53-56 (ESV)

Immortality is not a natural thing. It is supernatural. Beyond nature. There is nothing your or I can do in and of ourselves to attain immortality. It is only through the belief and acceptance of Jesus Christ as saviour that, when the day comes, we can shed the perishable for imperishable and trade mortality for immortality.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the day when I can stand before the throne of God, imperishable and immortal, and be able to say, “O death, where is your sting?” On that day, death will be swallowed up in victory.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

Daily Bible reading: Proverbs 11-12, 1 Corinthians 15:33-58