Our Ultimate Salvation

We should give thanks to God for giving us hope of the glorious and eternal future. God reveals things of eternal values to those who are drawn closer to Him and walk in His way. Revelation 19:7 - Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him (Christ): for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. The followings are discussed: The Great Transformation; The Living Hope, and The Ultimate Worship Experience.

The Great Transformation: Christians should know they are temporary residents in this world, and their true citizenship is in heaven. A day is coming when problems of the present days will be replace by comfort of eternal realities and only those who are saved will be received as citizens of the kingdom of God (Philippians 3:20-21). While we struggle to acquire material resources for survival on earth, we should do it with caution, so that we don't loose focus in the pursuit of ultimate goal, which is eternity. Living as citizens of God's kingdom is attached with responsibilities meant for spiritual growth. These are prayer, meditation, studying scripture and other spiritual disciplines.

Believers in Christ are assured of the great transformation when the mortal body will be transformed to eternal body, that is imperishable body. Apostle Paul has made it known that blood and flesh cannot inherit a spiritual kingdom. He reveals that the glorious transformation is possible only through resurrection from the dead and when Church is caught up 'Raptured' as Christ appears in the heavens (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Believers' victory is through Christ, not by their own efforts. If salvation is our utmost goal we must stand firm in Jesus, reflecting God's eternal purpose and promise for our lives.

The Living Hope: Christians rest in the hope of eternal kingdom that will never fade away (1 Peter 1:3-9). The living hope is built upon eternal riches that cannot spoil, unlike earthly objects which get spoilt with time. God has kept the promise of eternal life, therefore nothing can take it away or destroy it. As we hold onto God enemies have no power over our hope. Though there can be challenges we should understand that trials have a purpose. They are meant to refine us and make us stronger in faith.

We have hope that Christ will one day return in the same way he ascended to heaven. At that time believers will be physically caught up and transformed as they are ushered into the presence of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Acts 1:11). We can expressed our hope in Christ by devoting prayer and other resources to discipleship and evangelism. We should also share the message of God's kingdom with others.

The Ultimate Worship: Heaven is filled with full worship and glory of God. It is filled with sound of praise to God while the residents are rejoicing over God's just judgement. Such expression of worship and praise should open our hearts to give thanks to God for His gracious gift of salvation (Revelation 19: 1-5).

As revealed, there will be full expression of praise to celebrate 'rapture' of Church and the wedding of the Lamb in the presence of the Lord (Revelation 19: 6-9). Jesus as the Bridegroom will take The Bride 'those who are saved' to himself. Blessed are those who attend the marriage banquet, for they will be united with the Saviour forever. Lesson texts: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; Phil 3:2021; 1 These 4:13-18; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Revelation 19:1-9