In a Moment

1 Corinthians 15:52

The human body is a masterpiece in many ways. It can heal itself, adapt to various environments, and carry out countless complex processes every second without our conscious input. Take, for example, the intricacies of the eye, which reflect the power and creativity of our Creator. On the other hand, it also has its limitations and is subject to the effects of the fall seen in pain, disease, and deterioration. Is there any hope?

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:52 that one day the believer’s body will be changed into an eternal body. This new body will no longer be subject to pain, disease, or deterioration. Rather, it will be a body fit for eternity. The process itself will not be a slow transformation either. Paul states that it will happen in a moment, the twinkling of an eye. The Greek word Paul uses for in a moment is “átomos,” from which we get the word atom. “When referring to time, it means an indivisible point of time, an instant, a moment.”[1]

“It will not be a process, a supernatural metamorphosis. It will be an instantaneous recreation from one form to the other, from the earthly to the heavenly. In the smallest possible amount of time our perishable bodies will be made imperishable.”[2] 

The event during which this will occur is the rapture of the church. At the rapture, Jesus will one day return for the bride of Christ. At that time, both the living and the dead in Christ will experience this marvelous change. Paul refers to this as a “mystery,” meaning a truth not previously revealed in scripture.

“A mystery, as the New Testament writers used the word, was not something presently concealed, but something formerly concealed but now revealed. Paul had previously written that at the Rapture, dead Christians will rise first, before God snatches up living Christians to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:15-17). Now Paul revealed that living believers would not only be taken up but also instantaneously receive spiritual bodies.”[3]

Despite the many medical advances of today and the increase in human life expectancy, the human body is not presently fit for eternity. Having said that, the Lord has graciously promised us that one day there will be a marvelous change. The change will occur in an instant, but the effects will last for eternity. What a glorious hope those who have trusted in Christ have. Whether dead or alive at Christ’s return, we can rejoice in the forthcoming eternal body. And when it occurs, you will not have to wait long; it will happen in a moment.

Lord, thank you for the amazing reality of the human body that you designed. I also know that it is marred due to the fall. However, your word promises to one day provide a body fit for eternity. Help me to remember that as I, or a loved one, experience the effects of the fall until that time. In Jesus' name, amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (AMG Publishers, 2000).

[2] The MacArthur New Testament Commentary – 1 Corinthians, pg. 443.

[3] Constable’s Expository Notes – 1 Corinthians.