The Bible states that there are 2 FORMS OF BIRTH and 2 FORMS OF DEATH: PHYSICALLY and SPIRITUALLY. PHYSICAL DEATH is when your BODY STOPS WORKING and SPIRITUAL DEATH is SPENDING ETERNITY IN HELL separated from God. PHYSICAL BIRTH is when you ENTER THIS WORLD and SPIRITUAL BIRTH is being BORN AGAIN.
In John the third chapter, Jesus told Nicodemus “you MUST be born again.” Nicodemus said, “How can someone be born when they are old?” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are BORN OF WATER (the natural birth) AND THE SPIRIT (the spiritual birth).” (John 3:5)
Some are saying there is no resurrection of the dead, “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, OUR PREACHING IS USELESS and so is your faith. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; YOU ARE STILL IN YOUR SINS…But Christ HAS INDEED BEEN RAISED FROM THE DEAD, the FIRSTFRUITS (aparchē: All who died before Christ, and were raised again to life, then died afterwards; but Christ is the first fruits of all who shall be raised from the dead TO DIE NO MORE.”) of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:13-17, 20)
But someone may ask, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?” What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant UNLESS IT DIES FIRST. Then God gives it the NEW BODY, He wants it to have. A different plant grows from each kind of seed.” (1 Corinthians 15: 35-36, 38) “What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that OUR PHYSICAL BODIES CANNOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. WE WILL NOT ALL DIE, BUT WE WILL ALL BE TRANSFORMED! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will BE RAISED TO LIVE FOREVER. And we who are living WILL ALSO BE TRANSFORMED.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-52)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham