DYING, BUT NEVER TO DIE AGAIN

The cornerstone of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus. There have been other resurrections recorded for us in Scripture--three in the Old Testament and three in tne New. There have been two people who left this world without dying--Enoch and Elijah.

So in one sense, a resurrection is nothing new.

However, the difference between all other resurrections and Jesus' resurrection is this. All the others eventually died, and their bodies remain in their graves until Jesus returns. Jesus died, and rose, then ascended to God's right hand--leaving this world without dying.

We are promised in Romans 8:23 a future adoption--namely, the redemption of our bodies. That means, once we die, our bodies will be raised and glorified. Jesus promised a resurrection of everyone--that all in the graves will hear his voice and come out. Because he lives, he promised that we too will live.

By his resurrection from the dead, he has become the firstborn from among the dead. Because we were united to him in his death and resurrection through our immersion, we have his promise that, once we are raised, we too will never die again.

Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection (immersion), because the second death (separation from God forever) no longer has power over us!