Future Things

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord – 1 Corinthians 15:58After dedicating an entire chapter to the subject of the resurrection, Paul concludes with this word: "Therefore". Apparently, this lengthy discussion of the resurrection has very practical implications for our day-to-day service as Christians.Based on the abundant proofs for the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and based on the truth that Christ is the firstfruits of what all believers will experience through him, and based on the fact that we shall all be changed from perishable to imperishable — “therefore”, be steadfast! Do not settle into this world, do not settle for material and temporary pursuits, but do be settled in your Christian labors!Be immovable in your convictions, immovable in your determination, immovable in your confidence in what Christ has done and so what must therefore also certainly come to pass as a result. Be always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. In fact the opposite! Perishable pursuits will never fit into heaven; but your labor in the work of the Lord will never lose its reward.Beloved, be steadfast. The resurrection of Christ from the grave guarantees that every one who believes in Jesus will one day also be raised from the dead — which guarantees that your labor for the Lord now is not in vain. Live this day, then, in the eternal reality and significance of the Easter morning.