In
contrast to the enemies of the cross of Christ's attributes, Paul the
apostle told the church members in Philippi that their manner of
living and destination was pointed toward heaven. In chapter three
and verse twenty-one of his letter to them, Paul gives additional
information by telling the Philippians what happens to the body of
the Christian when he or she dies. We read:
Who
shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his
glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to
subdue all things unto himself.
The
verse begins, “Who
shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his
glorious body,...” Paul
said Jesus “shall
change”
which means “change the figure of or transform” “our
vile body”
or “lowness or low estate” earthly
“body”
so “that it may
be fashioned like”
or “having the same form as another, similar,
conformed to” “unto his glorious body” which means “a
most glorious condition, most exalted state”. The body of the
Christian will be made like unto Jesus', and therein we shall be in
heaven with Him.
The
verse goes on to say, “...according
to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto
himself.” In
addition to his words concerning changing our “vile”
bodies, Paul said Jesus will perform this “according
to the working”
which is the Greek word “energeia” and
means “efficiency”. In other words, it is “superhuman” power
by which Jesus works. Not only is He able to change our bodies, but
“he is able even to subdue all things unto
himself”. Though
there are those who are in rebellion and live as enemies against Him,
Jesus will “subdue”
or “to arrange under, put in subjection, subordinate, make to obey
or yield, and make subject” “all things”.
Nothing and no one in the world will be able to resist His power.
When
we think about Paul's words concerning Jesus' power to “subdue
all things”, it
should give us great hope concerning changing our “vile”
bodies some day. The
wonder as to why Jesus would do such a wonderful thing for believers
in Him may be a mystery that we never unfold, however, through Paul's
words to the Philippians we can know that this is His intention and
purpose for all who trust in, rely upon, and cling to Him. Though
there are enemies to the cross of Christ and their destiny is
destruction, those who receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior
and Lord will not only have their “vile” bodies changed, but will
observe when Jesus subdues all things unto Himself. May all who read
these words not only understand but receive the promises within them.
Next
time we begin the last chapter of the book of Philippians and see how
Paul tells the church members in Philippi to stand, so read ahead,
and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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