December 30

Mortality Swallowed Up Of Life

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. — 2 Cor 5:1 BSB

This chapter begins with a strong declaration: We know. There is no uncertainty or doubt. From beginning to end, it is filled with unwavering conviction. At the time it was written, the world had lost faith. People were wandering in a wilderness of atheism, with no guiding light or hope. But in the midst of this darkness, Paul and his fellow believers boldly proclaimed that there were certain truths of which we can be absolutely sure. These truths were not proven by argument but by the Spirit’s intuition and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We must distinguish between human theories, which shift with the changing tides of thought, and the eternal facts that stand firm on solid testimony. “We know”—these words of certainty transformed the outlook of the world!

God’s objective is clear. It is a tremendous help in life to know where God is leading us. When we understand His purpose for us, many of life’s perplexities are resolved. What is God doing in our lives? Paul answers: God is working to ensure that “our mortality may be swallowed up by life.” God’s goal is to eliminate every trace of the Fall from our lives. He is working to remove everything that marks us as members of a fallen race, so that mortality, in spirit, soul, and body, will be consumed by eternal life. This is the life we long for, the life our spirits hunger for—“more life and fuller.”

For you, for me, and for all who have been transferred from darkness into the Kingdom of His Son, God is working to bring about a glorious transformation. We do not yet fully understand what we will be, but we know that we will be like Christ, for we will see Him as He is. This is God’s objective, and He is working tirelessly for this very thing in our lives.

Prayer

Carry me through this final stretch, O Christ of Nazareth. Speak to me in the silence, that my spirit may know that Your hands are lifting me as I cross the waters of life. Amen.