RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-06-18	What Does in The Twinkling of an Eye Mean? (1Co.15:51-53)
		1Co 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. First Paul calls this a “mystery” (v.51). By mystery Paul is saying this teaching about the rapture has not been revealed in the Old Testament. The first time it is mentioned is by Jesus in John 14:1-3. Joh 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. Joh 14:2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. Now Paul is providing more insight as to the quickness of the resurrection. Other detail concerning those who have died and those still alive at the time of the rapture is given in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In this passage Paul ends with the words, “therefore comfort one another with these words” (v.18). The meaning of the phrase “in the twinkling of an eye” is not referring to the concept of imminence. It is not saying the rapture will occur at any moment. This is not a 'when' statement, but a 'how' statement. The context refers to how quickly our bodies will change when Jesus returns for us. 1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. The word “for” connects verse 53 with the previous verses. When the rapture occurs this corruptible body will take on an incorruptible body. And this mortal body will take on an immortal body. Paul says in verse 51, “we shall all be changed”. How will all of us be changed? It will happen quickly like the twinkling of an eye. This should bring encouragement to all believers. Jesus is coming again to change our bodies and to bring us into His presence. When it all begins it will occur in a short moment of time. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Independent and Evangelical Church

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